Are You Suffering From Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
If attention deficit disorder symptoms adults find yourself forgetting important dates or losing your wallet, and always showing up late seem like normal traits of your personality, you may not think they are something to worry about. But these habits could be a sign of adult ADHD.
Family physicians often overlook ADD in adults. Patients suffering from ADD typically have mental health issues that are comorbid, such as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, dysthymia), anxiety and addiction problems.
1. You have trouble focusing.
Having a hard time focusing could indicate that something is interfering with 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. There are some strategies you can do to improve your focus, including removing distractions or taking medication that improves concentration.
In adults, signs of ADHD are less obvious than in children. They may manifest as general restlessness or anxiety. Fidgeting is when you can't be still, don't use your phone or doodling during meetings. These habits can cause you to lose important information or make it difficult for others to understand your message.
You might also discover that you're often distracted, especially with regards to appointments, tasks and other obligations. You might be inclined to delay things or stay up late to finish school work or working on a project days before the deadline. These tendencies can seem like normal personality traits that are not going to change, but when they're impacting your relationships and work it could mean that you have ADD.
3. You're always late
If you are always running late and you find yourself making excuses, it could be a sign you're suffering from an adult addition. Carmel Moore, a time management expert, suggests that those who are always late may be impulsive or driven by the desire to hurry. They also often engage in the idea that it will take less than it actually does.
4. You're having trouble managing your time
Procrastination is a characteristic that a lot of adults carry around with them from their childhoods. It could be a feature of your personality that you just cannot change. You might still be hesitant to respond to text messages or calling people back. You might be always late for work or other activities. If these habits are causing disruption to your life it could be a sign of adult add. Putting off things could lead to depression and anxiety or even burnout.
5. You Have a Hard Time Being Well-organized
You may think that your issues with procrastination in high school have passed, but these patterns persist into adulthood. For instance, if you regularly have trouble finding things, or putting things in places where others can see them, this could be a sign that you need to work on your organization skills. Also, if you find yourself constantly snooze-ing your alarm, only to forget to make sure the family cat is fed, or put off completing tasks due until they're right up against the deadline, these behaviours could be signs of adult ADHD. They must be taken care of before they cause harm to your relationships, career or mental health. Fortunately, help is available. A few changes in your routine can get you back on track!