Top Signs of ADHD in Adults
Many people with ADHD aren't diagnosed, even if they experienced symptoms as children. They may feel relief at being diagnosed and knowing they aren't just lazy or unwilling to change.
Adult ADHD symptoms are harder to detect than those in children, and may be misinterpreted as mental disorders such as depression or anxiety. When you're overwhelmed with family and work, it's much easier to miss the symptoms.
1. You Can't Focus
Being unable to stay focused and organized is among the most common signs of ADHD in adults. This can result in various issues ranging from health issues and financial difficulties. For instance, if you frequently miss appointments or fail to follow instructions at work, you could lose your job or have difficulty to pay your bills on time. If you constantly think about something that hasn't happened, you might have trouble sleeping or staying focused.
People with ADHD are often unable to follow through on tasks or completing their next assignment, which can strain relationships at home and work. They might be unable to shift their attention from something that they find stimulating or enjoyable such as video games or music. It doesn't matter if you're forgetting your doctor's appointment, struggling to get the laundry done or making an impulse purchase, these behaviors can strain even the most forgiving family, friends, and coworkers.
Women suffering from ADHD might not be diagnosed or may be misdiagnosed due the fact that their symptoms are less obvious than those of men. This means that they might resort to using tools to counteract their lack of attention by using a planner or prioritizing their list of tasks. They may be more likely to underestimate the amount of time it will take to complete a project or task and struggle with social interactions.
For many, a diagnosis of ADHD can bring relief and optimism. It allows them to realize that the difficulties they have encountered throughout their lives are not caused by a lack of discipline or personality weaknesses, but rather by a neurological condition that can be treated with treatment, medication and lifestyle adjustments.
2. You're Always late
ADHD could be the cause of chronic lateness. ADHD can make it difficult to organize your schedule and keep track of time, especially if you have lots of things to do. It can be challenging to hold your place or stop speaking when someone else is speaking. These issues can cause difficulties in relationships and at work. In some instances, a long-term solution can help ease these issues and bring people closer to family and professional goals.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach the age of adulthood or their symptoms change with time. As adults the symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity are less apparent. The symptoms of inattention can remain the same. ADHD symptoms can also get worse as life changes happen, such as having children or facing financial hardships.
The most commonly cited reason for lateness is the lack of an accurate internal clock. Other factors can contribute to being tardy like a lack in self-control or a desire for adventure. Some people who are late feel no regret for their actions and are willing to accept it. Others are able to recognize the impact on those around them and seek help. The most serious lateness can result in missed job interviews, missed airplane flights and more.
Speak to your doctor if you are always late. There are guidelines to diagnose ADHD that include a description of your symptoms and evidence that they cause impairment in two or more situations (at home in school, at home, or at work, with friends or relatives; or in other activities). It is essential that your doctor determine whether there are any co-existing disorders before making a diagnosis.
3. You Can't Remember Details
If you're finding it harder than usual to remember important information, it could be a sign of ADHD. This disorder causes people to lose important information, such as school or work assignments. It can also cause problems with their finances, relationships and even their emotions.
The signs of ADHD in adults can be more subtle than those in children, and often confused with personality characteristics or other mental health conditions. This makes them more difficult to recognize and treat. If you are losing things like keys or car keys, or work documents, or forgetting important dates or appointments, or having difficulty keeping financial records You may want to consult a doctor.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you must experience several symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity that have been present for at least six months. The symptoms must be evident in at least two settings and have a significant impact on your academic, social or professional performance.
The most common symptoms of ADHD are irritability, forgetfulness, trouble paying attention, difficulty sitting still or being organized. Other signs include blurting out answers, interrupting others or engaging in conversations or games and not being able to wait for your turn. If add symptoms think you may be suffering from ADHD, it's important to speak to an therapy professional. It can have a major impact on your life.
Your therapist will request that you write about your recent behavior, and fill out questionnaires and psychiatric assessments with other family members. They will also talk to you about your family's background, your education and your upbringing. If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, they may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities.
4. You've Got a Glassed-Over Eye in Your Eyes
As adults, many with ADHD struggle to access the assistance and treatment they require. It could be that their symptoms are subtler, or because they are not understood.
Even those who were never diagnosed with ADHD as children may struggle to complete the daily chores at home or at work and, sometimes, their frustrations spill into their relationships. If left untreated, adult ADHD can cause problems with relationships or even failure, financial struggles and feelings of being unachievable at school or work.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than men, because the inattentive signs of the disorder don't disappear with age as they do with males. It's important that women seek out help if there are problems with staying organized, keeping track of their appointments, or performing at school or work.
If you think you may have ADHD the first step is to visit your GP. They can suggest a program that is suitable for your needs. This could be a community-based mental health service or a neurodevelopmental program. In some areas, there are long waiting lists, and it may be difficult to obtain an assessment if your issues are being caused by other factors like depression or anxiety.
Diagnosed with adult ADHD, you can find relief and hope. It can help you recognize the reasons you've been having difficulties and that you are not just lazy, indifferent, or a mess. It is possible to begin to view your problems in the context of ADHD, and not as a flaw in character. This will give you the motivation to take action.
5. You're Always fumbling
Fidgeting, similar to the impulse control and hyperactivity, is another typical adult ADHD sign. You may fidget with your fingers or feet while in a meeting. You may also move your legs when on the phone. These movements can distract other people and hinder your ability to concentrate. They could also be a sign of anxiety, a condition that is common among those with ADHD.
Women may also suffer from ADHD symptoms. In fact, more than half of those suffering from ADHD are women. The difference is that in women, symptoms usually show up as inattentive rather than hyperactive-impulsive.
If you feel restless and unable to concentrate all the time It's important to talk with your doctor to determine if ADHD is a factor. Often, medication can help. Treatment can improve your performance at home and work, helping you get closer to your goals.
It is important to remember that fidgeting doesn't count as body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRBs). BFRBs can be characterized by conditions like trichotillomania, skin-picking, and onychophagia, and they often serve as coping mechanisms for Autistic people and people with ADHD, or as ways of managing anxiety or stress. They may not be the same as ADHD, but they are still a problem. You should talk to your doctor if you suffer from BFRBs as they can be treated with certain medication. In some cases, therapy can help. Fidgeting in small amounts is not a problem. However, fidgeting excessively that feels out-of-control could indicate that something is wrong and requires attention. A medical professional can assist you in finding the cause and obtaining the treatment you need.