Are You Suffering From Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
If you find yourself forgetting important dates, losing your wallet and a constant lateness are normal aspects of your life, you might not consider them to be something to worry about. But these habits could be a sign of adult ADHD.
ADD is more common in adults than previously recognized however, it is often ignored by family doctors. Patients with ADD often have multiple psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders (depression dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder) as well as addiction and anxiety issues.
1. You are having a difficult time focusing
Finding it difficult to concentrate could be a sign that something is affecting 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. There are a few things you can try to help improve your focus, including removing distractions or taking medication that improves concentration.
Adults have less obvious signs of ADHD than children. They can manifest as a general agitation or a feeling of anxiety. You might not be able to sit still in conversations or doodling in meetings or fumbling with your phone, which is called fidgeting. These actions could cause you to miss important information or make it harder for others to understand what you are saying.
You might also find yourself not paying attention to things, like appointments, tasks, and other obligations. You may procrastinate by staying up late to complete school papers or work on the project on a day prior to the due date. These tendencies may seem like normal personality traits that don't change, however if they affect your relationships or work, they could indicate you have ADD.
3. You're always late
If you're always late and make excuses it could be a sign that you're suffering from adult ADHD. Carmel Moore, a time management expert, says that people who are always late could be motivated by an impulse or the need to rush. They also may believe in magic - believing it will take less time than it actually takes.
4. You're having a hard time managing your time
Procrastination is a trait that a lot of adults carry with them from their childhoods. It could be a character habit that you can't change. It is possible that you are still putting off responding to text messages or calling people back. Maybe you are always late for work or other activities. If these behaviors are disrupting your daily routine it could be a sign of aging add. Refraining from doing things can cause depression and anxiety or even burnout.
5. You're having a hard time Staying organized
It might appear that your procrastination problems from high school are long gone but, in reality, these habits persist into adulthood. If signs of adult adhd are constantly losing things or leaving them out in plain sight it could be a sign that you're required to improve your organizational abilities. Also, if you find yourself constantly snooze-ing your alarm only to forget to ensure that the family cat is fed, or you put off completing projects due in the near future until they're close to the deadline, these behaviours could be indicative of adult ADHD. They must be taken care of before they cause harm to your career, relationships or mental health. Fortunately, help is readily available. Just a few tweaks to your routine can help you get back on the right track!