Are You Suffering From Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
If you find yourself forgetting important dates, losing your wallet and always showing up late are normal aspects of your personality, you may not consider them to be an issue. These habits could be signs of adult ADHD.
ADD is more prevalent in older adults than was previously acknowledged however, it is often ignored by family physicians. Patients with ADD often present with mental health issues that are comorbid, such as mood disorders (depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder), anxiety and addiction problems.
1. You have trouble staying focused.
If you're having difficulty staying focused it could be an indication that something is hindering 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 strategies you can try to help improve your concentration, for instance getting rid of distractions or taking medication that helps with concentration.
Adults exhibit less obvious signs of ADHD than children. They can manifest as a general restlessness or a feeling of anxiety. Fidgeting happens when you cannot be still, don't use your phone, or draw during meetings. These actions can cause you to overlook important information, or make it difficult for others to understand your meaning.
You might also find yourself not paying attention to things, like appointments, tasks or other obligations. You might be inclined to procrastinate or stay up late to finish school work or working on a project the day before the deadline. These tendencies can seem like normal traits of a person that will never change--but when they're affecting your relationships and work it could mean that you have ADD.
3. You're Always Late
If you are always running late and are constantly making excuses, this could indicate that you have an adult add. Expert in time management Carmel Moore says that people who are chronically late may be motivated by the need to rush or be impatient and don't take into account how much time it takes them to get from point A to point B. They also are prone to engage in illusions, believing that it will take less than it actually takes.
4. You're having trouble managing your time
Procrastination is one of the traits that a lot of adults carry around with them from their childhoods. It could be a personality trait that you can't change. Maybe you still put off responding to texts or calling people back. You may be always late for work or other events. If these behaviors are affecting your life, it could be a sign of an adult add. The delay in addressing issues could lead to depression, anxiety and even burnout.
5. You have a hard time staying organized
It may seem like your problems with procrastination from high school are long gone but, in reality, these habits can stick around throughout adulthood. If attention deficit disorder symptoms adults losing things or leaving them out in plain view, it could be a sign that you're required to improve your organization skills. Also, if you find yourself always putting snooze on 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 habits could be signs of adult ADHD. You need to tackle these issues before they damage your relationships and career or your mental health. Help is available. Just a few tweaks to your routine can get you back on course!