ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is not just for kids, it’s for grown-ups, too! But how do you know whether the adult you care about may have ADHD? It’s not always evident, because adults often learn strategies for coping, but there may be some signs that indicate that.
One key symptom is inattention. Think of trying to watch a movie, but instead your mind is bouncing from thoughts of the dinner you will make tomorrow night to the uncomfortable way you wore your shoes all day and back to the movie — and all of that is happening in just a few minutes. Adults who have ADHD can have trouble focusing on tasks, finding it difficult to pay attention to what is going on around them or to keeping track of conversations. They can dive into a project enthusiastically but have trouble sticking with it; they flit from one interest to another.
Another clue is disorganization. Think about the person who’s always losing keys, forgetting appointments, or has a desk so messy they can never find anything. Adults with ADHD often are unable to manage their time or set proper priorities; they suffer from impulse control and have difficulty making decisions or planning ahead. It’s not just a little forgetfulness; it’s a consistent pattern that impacts their ability to function day to day. For instance, they might blow deadlines at work, or be habitually late picking their kids up from school.
Impulsivity is another key indicator. This may be something like making impulsive decisions, talking out of turn, or struggling to be patient. A grown-up with ADHD may feel compelled to make rude comments without realizing it, or spend money they don’t have on something they don’t need. This can occasionally cause problems in relationships or at work.
Hyperactivity, a common symptom of ADHD, can present differently in adults. With kids, there might be more of them running around, while adults might just feel restless, fidgety. They may have difficulty staying still for long periods of time, chronically tapping their feet or doodling during meetings. This restlessness often makes it difficult for them to focus on something for an extended period of time.
Furthermore, adults with ADHD frequently have emotional difficulties. They may have difficulty dealing with stress or be quick to become frustrated. This difficulty regulating their emotions can harm their mood regulation, with their mood swinging despite them being very cheerful in one moment and down the next. As a result, adults with ADHD might also suffer from anxiety and low self-esteem; always feeling that they aren’t up to par.
Determining whether an adult has ADHD is not an easy task, however, and it’s a matter of noting the existence of these behaviors over the course of time. If a person seems to have a lot of difficulty focusing, a lot of impulsivity, a lot of restlessness, and emotional problems, they may want to talk to a health professional and see if they could be evaluated. Adult ADHD deserves attention so that people with this disorder, when provided with the right support and strategies, can live happy and successful lives.
ADHD can be treated with the help of Arbor Wellness. They are taking a holistic approach that offers personalized treatment plans, behavioral interventions, and family support and by doing so, giving each individual the care they need to flourish. The clinic provides a supportive setting that promotes the development of adaptive coping and the realization of one’s optimal potential.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adult_attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fidgeting
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15253-inattentive-adhd
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd-and-messy
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/adhd/adhd-in-adults
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adhd-impulsivity#1
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rethinking-adult-adhd/202107/adult-adhd-and-impulsivity
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178122000373
https://fremonthospital.com/blog/the-connection-between-adhd-and-anxiety/
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/anxiety-adhd-link
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/signs-frustration