6 Signs You Could Have ADHD

In the United States, ADHD diagnoses among adults are growing four times faster than those among children.

This drastic increase is most likely due to increased awareness about the condition, as well as a growing acceptance of it. In addition, ADHD often goes unnoticed when it presents in high-functioning individuals (particularly girls) who may not have felt impaired by ADHD growing up because they have subconsciously learned how to work around it and with it.

Owing to this, many adults don’t learn that they have ADHD until they get help for another problem, such as anxiety or depression. It’s as they discuss their struggles with focus, poor habits, or their troubles at work, that a trained professional can spot the real culprit: ADHD.

This was local author and speaker, Jess Basson’s journey of discovery too…

“I was never diagnosed with ADHD as a child. I loved school and enthusiastically threw myself into achieving as much as I could whilst having the most fun possible.

But after leaving school, the wheels came off. I was winging it in every aspect of life. I couldn’t stick to any plans or promises. I was all over the place and barely passed my degree.

The years sped by, and with them came travel, marriage, and kids. Despite my best attempts, I was always chronically disorganized in a way that stressed out my whole family.

I couldn’t cope with all the moving parts… what looked so normal for everyone else was taking extraordinary effort from me. The only way I could explain what was wrong with me was to believe that I was just never good enough.”

Thankfully, when Jess’s son was diagnosed with ADHD, the puzzle pieces of her own life began to finally fall into place.

“I had been living with undiagnosed ADHD, and suddenly the lid was lifted on my beautiful, unique, and brilliant brain. My diagnosis was such a relief. It was so liberating.”

SIGNS OF ADULT ADHD

Whilst only a licensed mental health professional or doctor can officially diagnose ADHD, you could use the results of the below quiz as a way to start a conversation with a partner, relative, therapist, or medical doctor.

To confirm the diagnosis, the disorder must have been present during childhood, even if it was never diagnosed.  Old report cards or talking with relatives can document childhood problems, such as poor focus and hyperactivity.

6 possible signs:

1. Running Late: ADHD in adults follows a slightly different pattern than in children. Adults may be chronically late for work or important events.

Adults may realize that their tardiness is undermining their goals, but they just can’t seem to be on time.

2. Risky Driving: One of the hallmarks of ADHD is difficulty keeping your mind on the task at hand. That spells trouble for teens and adults when they’re behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Studies show that people with ADHD are more likely to speed and have accidents.

3. Distraction: Adults with ADHD may have trouble prioritizing, starting, and finishing tasks. They tend to be disorganized, restless, and easily distracted.

Some people with ADHD have trouble concentrating while reading. The inability to stay focused and follow through on tasks can derail careers, ambitions, and relationships.

4. Outbursts: Adults with ADHD may have problems with self-control.

This can lead to difficulty controlling anger, impulsive behaviors, and/or blurting out rude or insulting thoughts.

5. Hyperfocus: Some adults with ADHD can focus intently on things they enjoy or find interesting. On the flip side, they struggle to pay attention to tasks that bore them.

The trouble is that many tasks necessary for success in everyday life are dull, from making a grocery list to filing documents at work. People with ADHD tend to put off boring tasks in favor of more enjoyable activities.

As ADHD-certified David Neeleman, the founder of the airline JetBlue says, “I battle doing the mundane things in my life. I have an easier time planning a 20-aircraft fleet than I do pay my electricity bill on time.”

6. Multitasking to the max: It may seem like everyone has ADHD these days, as we respond to text messages, email, calls, and fast-paced work environments.

While all of this can be distracting, most people manage to focus on important responsibilities. In people with ADHD, distractions interfere with the completion of vital tasks at home and at work.

If you think you or your child may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), speak to a GP.

If you’re worried about your child, it may help to speak to their teachers, before seeing a GP, to find out if they have any concerns. Many avenues of treatment exist that can help ease symptoms.

Your doctor or therapist can help to find the best approach for managing ADHD.