Signs of ADHD
People who suffer from ADHD often have a hard functioning at work, in school and in their relationships. They may forget appointments, delay tasks or underestimate the length of time tasks will last.
Stereotypes of ADHD in children are those of boys who are prone to running around interrupting others and blurt out answers without raising their arms. But girls can get ADHD, too.
1. You are having trouble paying attention
You may have adhd if you have trouble paying attention. People who suffer from ADHD might also have problems staying focused making decisions and are easily distracted by the events around them. ADHD symptoms can start in childhood, but they can last into adulthood. They can cause issues in school, work and relationships. They can cause stress, anxiety and depression. Certain mental and physical health conditions can cause symptoms that look like ADHD, so a provider will need to evaluate your condition and determine solutions that work.
Many adults with untreated ADHD have an undiagnosed history of childhood ADHD. They were able to manage their symptoms as children, but they run into more serious issues as adults. They have more responsibilities and it becomes more difficult for them to manage their work, household or family life. They may be frustrated or snubbed by their inability to keep track of their tasks. They may lose important documents, forget to pay their bills and have difficulty following directions. They may have trouble keeping an occupation or be consistently late to work. They might have difficulty sleeping or sitting still. They may be impulsive and make poor decisions that could have major consequences.
Children who suffer from ADHD may get labeled as goof-offs, dreamers, slackers or troublemakers by teachers and parents. They might have difficulty being a good friend to their peers or siblings. They may be unable to follow school instructions and have trouble learning. female symptoms of adhd may struggle to play quietly and interrupt others when they are talking. They may fidget or move their hands or feet often or have difficulty waiting for their turn in games.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must exhibit at least six indicators of hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. They must have these symptoms for at least six months and they must affect at least two environments (home or school). They should also have symptoms before the age of 12. Providers use a special set of guidelines called the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) to determine if someone has inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type ADHD.
2. You Have Problems Organizing
People with ADHD are often overwhelmed by their messy desks, cluttered papers, and messy rooms. They struggle to keep track of bills, appointments and medication. They might forget important dates, lose items, or fail to follow through on tasks. This can lead to relationship issues, financial problems and job difficulties.
It may seem that being unable to organize your life is a normal occurrence when growing up. But, if you suffer from mental illness it could be a sign you require assistance with your organizational skills. Adults who are struggling with these symptoms might try to overcome the issue by relying on tools such as lists or reminders, color-coding, and rituals. These strategies will only get you to a certain point. If your organizational problems are ongoing, it might be necessary to seek treatment and diagnosis.
A person with ADHD might feel restless and easily bored. They may also want to be entertained on a whim. They could be involved in fights or lose their temper rapidly. They might impulsively spend money or take something that doesn't belong to them. These behavior patterns may be undiagnosed until adulthood, when they start to face more serious personal and work difficulties.
Many adults with ADHD have problems with their careers, feeling they don't measure up to their peers. They may have trouble following the company's policies, staying on a job or meeting deadlines. They might struggle with finances, too due to missed payment of bills, lost paperwork and spending impulsively.
It is a good idea to set aside time each day to organize your materials and your space if you tend to become distracted. This can help you focus during meetings and lectures, keep on top of your work schedule and appointments, and remember important details. Try writing down your ideas on paper or on a smartphone to prevent them from disappearing.
People suffering from ADHD might have a difficult to comprehend their own emotions and managing them, which can result in low self-esteem and depression. They might also experience anxiety and their thoughts replaying stressful events. Adult ADHD can cause emotional changes that could make it hard to maintain close relationships.
3. You Have Trouble Following Through
It isn't easy for a person with ADHD to stick to a plan, or to finish commitments and tasks. They might forget important details or delay deadlines. They might have trouble staying focused in conversations or lectures, and appear to be distracted or thinking about their daydreams. They might avoid or disapprove of tasks that require sustained mental effort. These issues can have a significant impact on their work, school and personal relationships.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD, which doctors used to call ADD are often evident when children are very small. You may notice they are squirming or fidgeting while trying to sit still, leaving their seat when it is expected that they do so, but having trouble listening, and forgetting the information they were given. They may also have difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly or blurting out answers before they are answered and have a hard time waiting for their turn.
People with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD show more noticeable symptoms as they get older. You might see them jumping across furniture, or having difficulty playing games with others. They might have trouble engaging in leisure activities peacefully and may not be able to wait for their turn, or interrupt others, or even use items belonging to others without permission. They might not be able to remain focused or sit for long periods and tend to talk a lot and mutter out answers, or interrupt conversations or games of other people.
Parents may not be aware that their child's behavior is not typical for their age. For kids to be diagnosed with the disorder the symptoms must have been present before they reached the age of 12 old and have caused issues in more than one environment.
As adults, people with ADHD can have trouble finding jobs and maintaining successful careers. They may struggle with managing their finances, keeping their home clean or meeting the demands of their relationship. They might be impulsive, or easily bored, and they might be more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Adults who have ADHD often suffer from anxiety, restlessness, as well as low self-esteem and confidence. They might be susceptible to blaming their difficulties on themselves, and may have difficulty coping with disappointment or frustration.
4. You're having difficulty getting things Done
It can be difficult to keep track of everything that needs to be done for someone with ADHD. This can result in procrastination and disorganization that can cause feelings of worry, anger and despair. People who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty managing their emotions and dealing with failures. For example, when an important task isn't finished on time, they may be embarrassed or anxious. They might also react to their own mistakes by feeling overwhelmed and abandoning the project.
As adults, it's difficult to spot ADHD symptoms because they come in a variety of types. Children who suffer from ADHD tend to be openly anxious, irritable and anxious at school or other structured environments, while adults who have ADHD may not be as apparent. Adults with ADHD might appear to be stressed or pushing past their limits, even if they don't exhibit any symptoms of hyperactivity. Certain people with ADHD might be prone to fidget, like tapping their feet on the floor or gnashing their nails.
People with ADHD may also have difficulty being a good friend to other people, especially if their disorder is not diagnosed and treated. They can be difficult and more likely to make mistakes others find frustrating or annoying. Their tendency to jump from one activity to another could hinder teamwork. They can be a bit loud and interrupt others, and they might not be able to hear other people's point of view.
If you're having difficulty at work due to difficulties with concentration, organization, or managing your emotions, you should consider talking to your doctor. They can evaluate your situation and provide treatment options. They will inquire if you have any other mental or physical ailments that could cause similar symptoms. They may ask you to complete a series of clinical interviews, behavior rating scales, or symptom checklists. They may also look into your medical history, mood, and your current and previous medications.
People with ADHD are able to succeed when they know the way their disorder affects them. They can employ strategies to increase their performance, as well as relationships. They may also seek help from a professional to manage their symptoms using psychotherapy and medication.