Are You Suffering From Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
If you find yourself forgetting important dates, losing your wallet and a constant lateness seem like normal traits of your life, you might not consider them to be an issue. These behaviors could be signs of adult ADHD.
Family physicians are often unaware of 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 problems.
1. You have trouble staying focused.
If you are having trouble staying focused, it could indicate that something is interfering in your ability to concentrate. 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. You can improve your focus by eliminating distractions and taking medications to aid in concentration.
Adults have less obvious signs of ADHD than children. They can manifest as general agitation or anxiety. You may not be able to sit still during a conversation, or you might be doodling in meetings or fumbling with your phone, which is called fidgeting. These behaviors could cause you to miss important information or make it harder for others to comprehend what you are saying.
You might also find yourself having trouble remembering things, such as appointments, tasks or other obligations. You may also have a tendency to procrastinate and stay up late to finish school papers or working on a project days before the due date. These habits may seem like normal personality characteristics that don't change, but if they negatively impact your relationships and work they could indicate that you have ADD.
3. You Are Always Late
If you are always running late and find yourself making excuses, it could be a sign you have adult add. Carmel Moore, a time management expert, says that those who are always late could be impulsive or driven by the desire to hurry. They also tend to believe in magic - believing it will take less time than it actually takes.
4. You're having trouble managing your time
Many adults have carried this characteristic with them since the time they were children. It could be a part of your personality that you cannot change. You might still be hesitant to respond to texts or calling people back. You may be always late to work or for other reasons. If these actions are negatively impacting your life, they could be a sign of an adult add. Putting off symptoms of adult add can cause anxiety and depression or even burnout.
5. You're having a hard time Staying organized
It might seem like your problems with procrastination from high school have gone away but, in reality, these habits persist throughout adulthood. If you are constantly getting things lost or leaving them out in plain sight it could be a sign that you need to improve your organization abilities. Similarly, if you are always putting snooze on your alarm, only to forget to make sure the family cat is fed, or you are continually putting off completing projects due in the near future until they're right up against the deadline, these behaviours could be indicative of adult ADHD. They must be addressed before they cause damage to your relationships, career or mental health. Fortunately, help is readily available. You can get back on track with few simple changes to your routine!