Adult Signs of ADHD
As adults, those with ADHD often go undiagnosed and untreated. They may have a difficult time managing their responsibilities in the workplace and at school, resulting in difficulties in their personal lives too.
A thorough assessment usually involves having a partner, spouse or a family member talk to the individual about his or her history of ADHD symptoms and behaviors.
1. You Can't Focus
People who have trouble focusing may be suffering from an ADHD diagnosis. They may struggle with their work or school responsibilities, such as making reports or meeting deadlines, because they are unable to remain focused. Their brains are easily distractible and have difficulty regulating emotions like anger, depression, or anxiety. They also have trouble following instructions with many steps or recalling specific details.
ADHD symptoms are more prevalent in children, but can also be observed in adults. In fact, many who are diagnosed with ADHD as adults are surprised to find out they have it because the symptoms were not a problem prior to. They may have made it through college or beyond without realizing they had ADHD, but as they took on more demanding responsibilities--such as working full-time, raising a family, or managing their finances--the challenges they experienced became more pronounced.
A mature ADHD diagnosis can be a great relief. You can now see the reasons you've had difficulty in focusing, and realize it's not your fault. You can take steps to improve your life.
If you suffer from ADHD The best way to diagnose it is to consult an experienced health professional who can conduct a thorough evaluation and make an accurate diagnosis. You can ask your doctor for a referral or call a local university-based hospital or medical school, or graduate school of psychology to find out whether they have a qualified person. Certain insurance plans provide professionals according to their specialties and can help you find the one that is suitable for you. You can also join an adult ADHD support group and get suggestions from other people who suffer from this disorder.
2. You're Always Fidgeting
If you can't stay still and have trouble focusing, fidgeting may be a sign of adhd. Many people think it is normal to be fidgeting, but the constant fidgeting could be a sign of underlying issues such as ADHD. Fidgeting can be experienced by any part of the body, but it is most prevalent in the hands and feet. It could look like drawing in a meeting, gnashing your nails or tapping your feet. Fidgeting should not be done while operating machinery or driving.
Adults who are hyperactive are harder to recognize than in children. People with ADHD may not display any obvious signs, however they may feel agitated or overwhelmed. They may be seen knocking on doors or interrupting conversations even when they're not invited. If you experience excessive hyperactivity that affects your ability to work or get good sleep consult a physician about getting an ADHD assessment.
You are likely to receive an appointment from your doctor or from the website of a CHADD professional directory. If you are covered by health insurance, you may request your health plan to help you find a doctor who performs ADHD assessments. It is important to be honest and open with your doctor about your ADHD symptoms. They must be aware of the extent of your symptoms and how they impact your life. If you aren't forthcoming with information it could result in an incorrect diagnosis or a treatment plan that doesn't work for you. A good doctor will evaluate you and develop a treatment plan that will include medication, counseling and lifestyle changes. They may also suggest that you join a support group.
3. You are always late
We all have someone we know who is always late. While it can be a source for laughter in certain social settings, the stress it causes for the people around them can be extreme. It can also indicate that an adult has ADHD.
Being consistently late can result from an overbooking of the day, a desire to finish a certain project before beginning another or a failure to plan ahead (this is a common error known as the planning fallacy). It could also be due to the fact that the person is impulsive and doesn't think about their actions before they act. For example, rushing into rooms without knocking on the door or interrupting conversations without asking. This kind of behavior could result in broken relationships and missed opportunities for both the person and their loved ones.
Many people suffering from ADHD don't recognize that their tardiness is an issue or how it affects other people. Some people may be able cover up their symptoms at work or in social situations. However, if the symptoms are causing problems it is crucial to speak with an expert in mental health or doctor.
As adhd symptoms in women of the assessment during the evaluation, it is beneficial to speak with the non-ADHD partner or spouse of those who have been identified with ADHD to gain a better understanding of the way that the condition impacts their lives. This can help the non-ADHD spouse to develop a more compassionate attitude towards the person they are with and will help improve their relationship after the diagnosis has been given. A positive view of ADHD can help you avoid embarrassment and shame.
4. You Are Always Disorganized
You might have difficulty finding your keys or remembering important dates if are a chronically chaotic. You might also find it difficult to complete work or household tasks. These problems could lead to the loss of self-esteem as well as confidence in your abilities. Undiagnosed problems with organization can affect your work and relationships with other people and your overall health. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can give you some relief and optimism, since it shows that your struggles are not due to a lack of intelligence or laziness.
Disorganization is often misunderstood in our culture, where being messy or forgetful can be perceived as a flaw in character or sign of mental illness. It is more prevalent in females than men, and can occur with other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Hyperactivity can be more difficult to detect for adults than children who display it through obvious signs like running and jumping. Adults with hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness or an inability to sit still. Hyperactivity may also manifest as a tendency to tap your feet or bite your nails.
Other signs of ADHD include interrupting people when they're talking, or not thinking about their actions, and disobeying social norms. It could also manifest as a tendency to get involved in activities before you've weighed the pros and cons, or to make decisions on the spot.
If you're unsure if your symptoms are caused by ADHD, ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist who will conduct an assessment. You could also ask your insurance provider for the names of specialists in your area who are able to treat ADHD. You can also check with local support groups, universities-based hospitals or graduate schools to determine if they have any professionals who are familiar with treating adults suffering from ADHD.
5. You Have a Hard Time multitasking
Someone with ADHD might have difficulty completing multiple tasks at the same time. The reason is that the brain of someone with ADHD tends to become absorbed in a task that interests it, and it is difficult to divert attention from the task at hand. This can lead to an inability of completing tasks and can also result in procrastination.
This symptom can also show up in the workplace when an adult is struggling to finish projects or keep up with productivity. For example, an adult may be prone to jumping from one project to the next despite having numerous deadlines and other work-related commitments. They may have trouble organizing their calendars and keeping on top of important events like doctor's appointments.
Children are more active than adults. However those with ADHD might still exhibit signs of hyperactivity. They may flitter with their hair or fingers during an event, or even doodle while in the course of a meeting. adhd symptoms in women might also have difficulties staying focused.
Discuss with your doctor an ADHD assessment if you're having difficulty staying on top of your work or are seeing signs of hyperactivity. Your doctor or mental health specialist might be able to suggest an experienced healthcare professional who can conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You could also ask a friend or family member, a support group or the benefits department at your workplace for suggestions.
It is crucial to remember that ADHD doesn't determine your capabilities. It can be a strength that is a source of creativity and adaptability. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD or other disorders, a professional will assist you in developing strategies and structures to assist you in managing your symptoms and perform well at home and at work.