Are You Suffering From Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
You might not think of it as an issue if you believe that forgetting important dates or losing your wallet, or being constantly late, are normal traits of your personality. These behaviors could be signs of adult ADHD.
Family physicians often overlook ADD in adults. Patients with ADD are often presenting with multiple psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, mood disorders and addiction issues.
1. You are having a difficult time focusing
If you have trouble staying focused it could indicate that something is interfering in 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. You can improve your concentration by removing distractions and taking medication to aid in concentration.
In adults, symptoms of ADHD are less apparent than in children. They may show up as a general feeling of restlessness or feeling anxious. Fidgeting occurs when you are unable to be still, don't use your phone or drawing during meetings. These actions can cause you to miss important information or make it difficult for others to comprehend what you mean.
female adhd symptoms might also discover that you're frequently forgetful, particularly about tasks, appointments and other obligations. You may procrastinate by staying up late to finish homework or work on the project on a day prior to the due date. These behaviors may seem like normal traits of a person that will never change--but if they are impacting your interactions and work they could indicate that you suffer from ADD.
3. You're Always Late
If you're always late, and then make excuses, it could be a sign that you have adult ADHD. Time management expert Carmel Moore says that people who are chronically late may be motivated by the need to rush, or they may be impulsive and don't take into account how much time it takes them to travel from point A to point B. They also tend to engage in magical thinking that they believe it will take less time than it actually takes.
4. You're having a difficult time managing your time
Procrastination is a trait that many adults carry with their childhood. It could be a feature of your personality that you cannot change. Maybe you still put off responding to texts or calling people to return calls. You may be always late to work or for other reasons. If these habits are affecting your daily life, they could be an indication of adult add. Putting off things can cause anxiety and depression, or even burnout.
5. You have a hard time staying organized
It might seem like your problems with procrastination in high school are over however, sometimes these habits can stick around throughout adulthood. If you are constantly losing things or leaving them out in plain sight this could be an indication that you're in need of improving your organization skills. In the same way, if you're always hitting 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 behaviours could be indicative of adult ADHD. They must be addressed before they cause damage to your relationships, career or mental health. Assistance is available. You can get back on track with small modifications to your routine!