Are You Suffering From Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
If forgetting important dates or losing your wallet, and always showing up late seem like normal traits of your life, you might not believe they are an issue. These behaviors could be signs of adult ADHD.
Family physicians often overlook ADD in adults. Patients suffering from ADD often present with mental health issues that are comorbid, such as mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder, dysthymia) as well as addiction and anxiety issues.
1. You have a hard time focusing
If you are having trouble focusing, it could indicate that something is affecting your ability to think clearly. You might want to talk to your doctor about getting tested for adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) if this is a problem for you. There are some things you can do to improve your focus, such as eliminating distractions or taking a medication that helps with concentration.
Adults, the signs of ADHD are less obvious than in children. They can manifest as general agitation or anxiety. You may not be easily able to sit still during conversations or doodling in meetings or fumbling with your phone, which is known as fidgeting. These actions can cause you to forget important information or make it more difficult for others to understand what you are saying.
You may also notice that you're often forgetful, particularly about things like appointments, tasks and other obligations. You could be procrastinating by staying up late to complete school assignments or complete a project a day before its due date. These habits may appear to be normal personality traits that will never change--but if they are impacting your interactions and work they could indicate that you suffer from ADD.
3. You Are Always Late
If you're always late and make excuses, it could be an indication that you're suffering from adult ADHD. Carmel Moore, a time management expert, suggests that people who are always late may be impulsive or driven by the need to rush. They also may think in a magical way - believing it will take less time than it actually does.
4. You're having a hard time managing your time
Procrastination is one of the traits that many adults carry with them from their childhoods. It could be a personality characteristic that you cannot change. Maybe you still put off responding to text messages or calling people to return calls. adult adhd symptoms may always be late for work or other events. If these actions are negatively impacting your daily life, they may be indicative of adult add. The delay in addressing issues could lead to anxiety, depression and even burnout.
5. You're having a hard time Being Well-organized
It may seem like your procrastination problems from high school are long gone but, in reality, these habits can stick around into adulthood. For instance, if you frequently have trouble finding things, or putting items out where others can see them, this could be an indication that you need to work on your organizational skills. If you're always hitting the snooze button on your alarm and then not remembering to feed the cat in the family, or if you put off assignments until the last minute, this could be a sign you suffer from adult ADHD. You must deal with these issues before they damage your relationships and career, as well as your mental health. Fortunately, help is readily available. A few adjustments to your routine can help you get back on track!