Signs of ADHD
People with ADHD struggle to function at school, at work and in their relationships with others. They may forget appointments, delay tasks or underestimate how long tasks will last.
Stereotypes of ADHD in children are those of boys who are prone to running around, interrupt others and shout out answers without raising their arms. But girls can get ADHD, too.
1. You're having difficulty paying attention
You could be suffering from adhd if you have difficulty paying attention. People who suffer from ADHD may also have trouble staying focused, making decisions and being easily distracted by events around them. content of ADHD usually begin in childhood, but can persist into adulthood. They can cause issues in school, work and relationships. They can lead to anxiety, stress and depression. Certain mental and physical health issues can cause symptoms that look like ADHD, so a provider will have to assess your condition and recommend solutions that work.
Many adults who suffer from untreated ADHD were diagnosed with ADHD as children. As children, they were able overcome their problems. As they grow older, the problems become more serious. They have more responsibilities and find it harder to manage their family, work or household activities. They might feel frustrated and slighted by their inability to remain focused. They may lose important documents, fail to pay their bills, and struggle to follow directions. They may have trouble keeping a job or be chronically tardy to work. They might have difficulty sleeping and having trouble sitting still. They could be impulsive, and make bad choices which can have severe consequences.
Children with ADHD may get labeled as dreamers, goof-offs, slackers or troublemakers by their teachers and parents. They might have difficulty connecting with their peers or siblings. They might not be able to follow the school's instructions and may have difficulty learning. They may struggle to play quietly and interrupt other people when they talk. They might fumble with their feet or hands or have trouble playing games and waiting their turn.
A person must exhibit at least six symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity, to be diagnosed as having ADHD. These symptoms must last at least six month and affect at least two different settings (home and/or at school). The symptoms must be present before the age of 12. Providers use a special set of guidelines called the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) to determine if someone has inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type ADHD.
2. You Have Problems Organizing
People suffering from ADHD can often be overwhelmed by their messy desks, unorganized papers, and messy rooms. They struggle to keep their appointments, bills, and medication. They can also forget important dates, misplace things and do not follow through on tasks. This could lead to problems with relationships, job issues and financial problems.
It could be that being unable to organize your life is a normal part growing up. But, if you have mental illness this could be a sign you need help with your organization skills. Adults with these symptoms may compensate by using tools like notes, reminders, and color-coding. These strategies can only take you to a certain point. If your organizational problems are persistent, it could be required to seek treatment and diagnosis.
A person with ADHD might be irritable or bored, and may want to be entertained on a whim. They might have fights, or lose their temper easily. They may be impulsive and spend money or take things that don't belong to them. These behavior patterns may be undiagnosed until adulthood, at which point they start to face more serious work and personal issues.
Many people with ADHD have issues with their careers, feeling they don't measure up to their peers. They may have difficulty following company policies, meeting deadlines or keeping their jobs. They may struggle with finances as well, due to missed payment of bills, misplaced documents and impulsive spending.
It may be useful to plan your daily schedule to organize your supplies and space if you tend to become distracted. This will keep you focused during meetings and lectures. It can also aid in keeping on top of your schedule and work. Write down your big ideas on paper or on your phone to prevent them from disappearing.
People suffering from ADHD might have a hard in understanding their own feelings and regulating them, which can result in low self-esteem and depression. They might also experience an anxiety-like feeling and their thoughts could loop over worrying events on a loop. The emotional changes that come with adult ADHD can make it difficult to maintain relationships with loved ones.
3. You're having trouble following through
It isn't easy for a person with ADHD to stick to a plan, or to finish commitments and tasks. They might miss deadlines or forget important information. They may struggle to stay focused during lectures or conversations and may seem to be daydreaming or distracted. adhd symptoms adults may avoid or be disapproving of tasks that require sustained mental effort. These issues can have serious consequences for their relationships, school and work.
Signs of inattention ADHD (which doctors were known as ADD) can manifest in children who are very young. You may notice children squirming, fidgeting, or leaving their seats when they are expected to, having trouble hearing and recollecting the information they received. They might also have trouble playing or participating in leisure activities at a secluded pace, blurt out answers before questions are finished and have trouble waiting for their turn.
People with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD show more noticeable symptoms as they get older. You may notice them jumping around on furniture or having trouble taking turns during group games. They might have trouble being quiet or engaging in leisure activities. They might also be unable to wait for their turn or interrupt others. They may be unable to remain focused or sit for long periods of time and are likely to talk excessively and blurt out their answers. They may also interfere with conversations or games of other people.
Parents may not be aware that their child's behavior isn't typical for their age. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must have been present prior to 12 years of age and must have caused issues in a variety of environments.
As adults, people with ADHD may have difficulty finding jobs and maintaining successful careers. They may struggle to manage their finances, maintaining a clean home or fulfill the obligations of their relationships. They may be impulsive or easily bored, and may be more likely to experience depression, anxiety, or mood swings. Adults who have ADHD are often plagued by restlessness, anxiety and a lack of self-esteem and confidence. They may be inclined to blaming their difficulties on themselves, and they might struggle to cope with frustration or disappointment.
4. You Have Trouble Getting Things Done
If someone suffers from ADHD it can be hard to keep on top of the tasks that need to be done. This could lead to procrastination and a feeling of disorganization, and feelings of anxiety, frustration and depression. People with ADHD are also prone to having difficulty managing their emotions or dealing with delays. For example, when an important task isn't completed in time, they might feel anxious or embarrassed. They might also be tempted to give up when they feel overwhelmed by their own mistakes.
As adults, it's difficult to recognize ADHD symptoms because they take on different types. Children who suffer from ADHD may be disruptive, restless and anxious at school or in other environments that are structured. Adults with ADHD however, may not show these symptoms as readily. Adults with ADHD can appear to be hurried or pushed past their limits, even if they don't show many signs of hyperactivity. In some instances, those with ADHD might have a tendency to fidget, such as tapping their feet or biting their nails.
People suffering from ADHD are also prone to having trouble working with others particularly if their condition is not properly diagnosed and treated. They can be difficult and more likely to make mistakes that other people find frustrating or annoying. They may make teamwork difficult because of their tendency to jump around from one task to the next. They could be too ebullient and interrupting others, not listening to their point of view.
Talk to your doctor if having trouble at work due to issues with concentration, organization or managing emotions. They can evaluate your situation and suggest treatments. They will inquire if you suffer from any other mental illnesses or physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. They may require you to conduct clinical interviews, behavioral rating scales, or symptom checklists. They may also look at your medical history, mood, and past and current medications.
People with ADHD can achieve success if they know how their disorder affects them. They can utilize strategies and resources to increase their productivity and relationships. They may also seek out professional help to manage their symptoms through medication and psychotherapy.