Learn how to recognize adult-onset ADHD with these signs. The symptoms can manifest differently in adults, but they are easy to spot when you know how to look.
Over 6 million children in the U.S have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, as it is more commonly known.
However, the disorder is by no means uncommon among adults. In fact, several people find themselves with exacerbated, yet subtle symptoms of adult onset ADHD, later on in their lives.
So, what are some of these symptoms? And how do we identify them?
First, let's get a better understanding of what ADHD really is.
What Is Adult Onset ADHD?
ADHD refers to a mental health condition wherein you find it difficult to focus and feel a constant restlessness to engage in a variety of different activities. Adults with this condition may experience discomfort with completing routine tasks, holding long conversations or concentrating during work. To accurately identify these symptoms, professionals may use tools like the SNAP ADHD scale, which helps in recognizing patterns of behavior that align with ADHD diagnosis.
We recognize these symptoms in ourselves or the people around us, by looking our for these 5 signs.
Difficulty Maintaining Focus
Those of us with ADHD can find it extremely hard to focus on a single thing for prolonged periods. This might manifest in an adult through behaviors like continuous fidgeting, the inability to sit still, the tendency to overlook details, having too many thoughts at once or struggling to complete simple tasks. Experts have found that holistic treatments for ADHD help people regain this focus and feel more organized and productive. Finding ways to improve focus, such as through ADHD coaching or behavioral therapy, can significantly benefit adults with this issue.
Frequent Forgetfulness
People with ADHD also tend to be forgetful, careless and somewhat disorganized. For example, they may consistently misplace items, forget where they keep their things and have unorganized desks.
General Impulsivity
There is also a general impulsivity to them. They may not filter their thoughts, have poor control over what they say and do and may have an urgency to move on to the next task without properly completing a previous one.
Poor Listening Skills
Their poor listening skills are generally a product of impulsivity and poor focus. They may often space out during a conversation, have trouble concentrating on your train of thought, and are easily distracted by external stimuli or even their own thoughts. It is not uncommon for someone with ADHD to space out during the conversation.
Inability or Difficulty in Regulating Emotions
Additionally, they may also display signs of irritation, restlessness, and hypersensitivity. They may also have a habit of developing incredible amounts of enthusiasm for a particular task and losing that enthusiasm just as quickly when they find something new or face an obstacle. Many people have poor resilience skills and may, therefore, quit tasks when encountered with the slightest set-back.
These symptoms can be managed with the help of medications and therapy. If you get prescribed medication do study up the difference between adderall and vyvanse before you take them. Both serve slightly different purposes and are generally the most commonly prescribed.
What Do You Do if You Have ADHD?
If you suspect that you or someone else you know is experiencing adult onset ADHD, your best move is to consult a psychiatrist or therapist regarding your situation. The disorder is not uncommon, and you can learn to manage and treat it, and continue to live a happy, normal life.
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