Do I have ADHD?
We tend to think of ADHD as a condition that mostly impacts children. While that’s often true, it’s not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with the disorder later in life. But, for many, it’s hard to ignore some of the symptoms. Maybe you feel as though you’ve had control over them for years, but you’ve always wondered if they meant something more.
So, how can you tell if you have ADHD? A proper diagnosis by a medical professional is required to make it “official.” But, there are typically some telltale signs that should give you a strong indication of whether you’re dealing with the disorder. Let’s take a look at some of those indicators.
Disorganization
When we think of ADHD in children, we tend to focus on the hyperactivity side of it. That’s often less prevalent in adults. Instead, you might find that it’s hard for you to stay organized.
That doesn’t necessarily mean your desk is always cluttered. Rather, you might have a difficult time prioritizing certain tasks. Time management can be hard for you. You might even struggle with following through on specific things or planning ahead at all, so you always feel like you’re behind.
Difficulty Coping
Unfortunately, poor time management and lack of organization can lead to extra stress. Adults with ADHD tend to have a hard time coping with stress. It can feel overwhelming and make everyday tasks seem even more difficult to complete. So, it should come as no surprise that many adults with ADHD also tend to struggle with anxiety.
As a result, it’s also not uncommon for people with ADHD to experience mood swings or showcase a “hot temper.” Obviously, that can impact your personal relationships and your professional life. Stress is impossible to avoid, and while you can do things to reduce it, it’s essential to be able to manage it effectively.
Impulsiveness
Everyone has impulses from time to time. Some people act on them more than others. Many are able to control their impulsive thoughts and think things through before making a decision.
That tends to be more difficult for people with ADHD. Your impulsiveness might cause you to do things you know aren’t necessarily healthy or make potentially harmful or dangerous decisions. Your impulsivity could also lead to more frequent mood swings or outbursts of anger.
What Can You Do?
If there’s a silver lining to dealing with ADHD as an adult, it’s that the symptoms are often milder, and you might find them relatively easy to control most of the time. That isn’t the case for everyone, but if you feel like you’ve been able to keep your symptoms at bay for a while, that could be the reason you’ve waited so long to receive an official diagnosis.
Speaking of which, if you do regularly experience some of the signs listed here, that’s the first thing you should do. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, seeking out the help of a professional will give you real answers, as well as some clarity about your disorder.
Treatment for adult ADHD varies. Medication can help, as well as talk therapy. Working with a mental health professional will help you develop a better understanding of the condition. A therapist can also help you learn the skills necessary to manage your symptoms every day.
If you experience these symptoms and they’ve been impacting you since childhood, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Even as an adult, ADHD doesn’t have to define who you are or how you live your life.