Are You Suffering From Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
If ignoring symptoms of adhd in adults or losing your wallet and constantly showing up late are normal aspects of your personality, you may not believe they are something to worry about. But these habits might be an indication of adult ADHD.
ADD is more prevalent in adults than previously recognized however, it is often ignored by family physicians. Patients with ADD often present with multiple psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, dysthymia), anxiety and addiction issues.
1. You have a difficult time Concentrating
Finding it difficult to concentrate could indicate that something is affecting 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 a few things you can try to improve your focus, including getting rid of distractions or taking medication that helps with concentration.
In adults, symptoms of ADHD are less obvious than in children. They can manifest as a general restlessness or a feeling of anxiety. Fidgeting occurs when you are unable to remain still, use your phone or drawing during meetings. These behaviors can cause you to miss important information or make it harder for others to understand 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, staying up late to finish school papers or working on a project the day before the due date. These tendencies can seem like normal traits of a person that won't change. However, if they are impacting your work and relationships it could mean that you suffer from ADD.
3. You Are Always Late
If you are always running late and you find yourself making excuses, this could be a sign you're suffering from 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 engage in magical thinking - believing it will take less time than it actually takes.
4. You're having trouble managing your time
Many adults have carried this trait throughout their lives since the time they were children. It could be a feature of your personality that you cannot change. Maybe you still put off responding to text messages or calling people back. You may always be late for work or other activities. If these behaviors are disrupting your daily routine it could be a sign of aging add. Putting off things can cause anxiety and depression, or even burnout.
5. You have a difficult time staying organized
It might appear that your procrastination problems from high school have gone away but, in reality, these habits can stick around throughout adulthood. For instance, if you often have trouble finding things, or leaving items out where others can see it could be an indication that you need to work on your organizational skills. If you're always pressing the snooze button your alarm and then forgetting to feed the family cat or putting off assignments until the last minute, this could be a sign you have adult ADHD. They need to be taken care of before they cause harm to your relationships, career or mental health. Fortunately, help is readily available. You can get back on track with small adjustments to your routine!