Signs that you may have adult ADHD: ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a mental health disorder that has become an increasingly common diagnosis in the past few decades, being much more readily identified in children, thanks to recent advances in mental health diagnostics. However, while many diagnoses come as a result of adults seeking an explanation for their child’s behavior, the disorder can be present in adults, too, particularly women, who may have been masking symptoms for years without knowing.
What are some of the signs that you might qualify for a late life diagnosis of adult ADHD?
Trouble with focus
One of the clearest signs and, indeed, a defining factor of ADHD is the inability to maintain adequate focus on tasks that you need to complete. This can include trouble with paying attention to some tasks, while being hyper-focused on others. This can leave you with a sense of restlessness, and impulsivity, and many people can experience problems with organizing and prioritizing tasks as a result.
The mental toll
The additional restlessness and trouble with focusing on a task can lead to issues with work life and education, which can lead to other mental health issues, as well. A lot of people who experience ADHD can also experience major mood swings, often related to trouble with scheduling and organizing, and excessive levels of stress that they might be having trouble coping with. Stress management is often an important part of treating ADHD, too.
Continual disruption of daily life
Many of the symptoms mentioned above can also be symptoms of other mental health disorders or even effects of things like acute or chronic stress. This can make ADHD difficult to diagnose, especially without expert help. However, if it gets to the point that the symptoms above are getting in the way of your daily life, then that’s a good indicator that you should seek out ADHD testing for adults. It’s the best way to pinpoint the answer and start talking about management and treatment.
The risk factors
Scientists have not yet been able to pinpoint the exact cause of ADHD. Current research suggests that a combination of factors, such as your genes and environment, may be responsible for the development of ADHD. For ADHD, the most common risk factors are a history of ADHD or mental health disorder within the family – it is highly hereditable; smoking or drinking during pregnancy, and the presence of environmental toxins, such as lead paint, as a child.
Disorders often linked to ADHD
Some people are more likely to develop ADHD as a result of certain coexisting conditions or vice versa. As such, if you’re looking for treatment, it’s important to consider if those other conditions might be affecting you too. This includes mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, ASD, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and learning disability.
Lower academic results are a common complication of ADHD, where the person or child is unsupported, but likewise the ability to hyper focus on a preferred subject can also be viewed as superpower in some instances and can be linked to high academic achievement.
Of course, the signs above are just that, they are not a diagnosis. It’s worth taking the time to seek out a medical professional near you. Adult ADHD can be treated through medications, psychotherapy, and the like, so it’s worth investigating if you find that you are struggling with focus and stress management.
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