Are You Suffering From Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
You may not consider it to be a problem if you believe that forgetting important dates or losing your wallet, or being late all the time are typical of your personality. These behaviors could be a sign of adult ADHD.
Family physicians often miss ADD in adults. Patients suffering from ADD typically have multiple psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders (depression dysthymia, bipolar disorder) as well as addiction issues.
1. You have a hard time 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. You can improve your focus by removing distractions and taking medication to help with concentration.
Adults have less obvious signs of ADHD than children. They can manifest as a general agitation or feeling anxious. Fidgeting happens when you cannot remain still, use your phone, or draw during meetings. These actions can cause you to overlook important information, or make it difficult for others to comprehend your message.
You might also find yourself not paying attention to things, like appointments, tasks or other obligations. You may also have a tendency to put off work or stay up late to finish school papers or working on a project the day before it is due. These tendencies can seem like normal traits of a person that will never change--but when they're impacting your work and relationships it could mean that you suffer from ADD.
3. You're always late
If you're always late, and then make excuses it could be an indication that you're suffering from adult ADHD. Time management expert Carmel Moore says that people who are consistently late may be motivated by the desire to hurry or be impatient and don't consider the amount of time it takes to get from A to B. They also may believe in magic and believe that it will take less time than it actually takes.
4. You're having trouble managing your time
Procrastination is a trait that a lot of adults carry around with them from their childhood. It could be a feature of your personality that you can't change. Perhaps you put off responding to messages via text or calling people to return calls. Perhaps you're always late to work or other activities. If signs adhd are affecting your life, it could be a sign of adult add. The delay in addressing issues can lead to anxiety, depression and even burnout.
5. You have a difficult time keeping track of your time
You might believe that your issues with procrastination from high school have passed, but these patterns can linger throughout adulthood. If you're constantly finding things that you've left out in plain sight it could be a sign you're required to improve your organization skills. Similarly, if you are constantly snooze-ing your alarm and then forgetting to ensure that your family's cat is fed, or you are continually putting off completing assignments that are due soon until they're close to the deadline, these behaviors could be indicative of adult ADHD. You must address these issues before they damage your relationships and career or your mental health. Fortunately, help is readily available. A few changes in your routine can help you get back on course!
