What are 7 signs of ADHD and how to proceed?

Approximately 15.5 million American adults are currently managing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

What are 7 signs of ADHD and how to proceed?
What are 7 signs of ADHD and how to proceed?

The increasing number of U.S. adults with ADHD has led to a greater emphasis on identifying symptoms of the condition.

According to the National Institutes of Health, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a "developmental disorder characterized by ongoing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity."

According to Lisa Anderson, a licensed clinical social worker and clinical director at Brooks Healing Center in Tennessee, ADHD is commonly misperceived as merely being overly distracted or hyperactive; however, it is actually a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts focus, emotional regulation, time management, and impulse control.

According to the CDC, over half of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder discovered they had the condition in adulthood.

Woman working distracted
Approximately 15.5 million U.S. adults are currently diagnosed with ADHD, according to CDC data. (iStock)

Mental health experts identified the most common signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults, as reported by Planet Chronicle Digital.

1. Impulsive behaviors

Impulsivity is challenging for adults with ADHD, as stated by Zoë Kahn, a licensed psychotherapist and ADHD therapist in Pasadena, California.

She told Planet Chronicle Digital that this behavior can resemble blurting out answers in a classroom setting, interrupting in conversations, and struggling to consider the long-term consequences of choices.

Anderson stated that impulsivity can result in making hasty decisions without taking into account the long-term effects.

She mentioned that it could also show up subtly, such as through impulsive overspending or difficulty waiting in group discussions.

2. Difficulty focusing or staying on task

ADHD is often characterized by procrastination and difficulty completing tasks, according to Anderson.

"You may struggle to begin tasks, even when they are essential, or abandon them before completing them," she stated. "You may switch between tasks without finishing any of them or prioritize smaller, less urgent tasks while leaving the larger, more critical ones unaddressed."

"It’s a persistent challenge that affects work, relationships and daily responsibilities."

Anderson pointed out that feeling overwhelmed by the tasks at hand, rather than laziness, is the root cause of the issue.

Persistent and disruptive daydreaming related to ADHD often occurs during important tasks or conversations, she stated.

Man on phone at work
Procrastination and difficulty following through on tasks are common signs of ADHD, experts said. (iStock)

"The challenge of staying focused during long meetings affects work, relationships, and daily responsibilities persistently."

3. Trouble with time management

Individuals with ADHD may face challenges in managing their schedules, frequently overestimating the time required to finish a task or arrive at a destination.

According to Anderson, you may unexpectedly miss deadlines or always feel behind on tasks, regardless of how early you begin working.

"This can result in a perpetual cycle of stress and underperformance, leading to self-frustration."

4. Mental fatigue

Individuals with ADHD commonly experience mental fatigue and burnout, as stated by Anderson.

She stated that the ADHD brain frequently operates at high speed, managing multiple thoughts simultaneously while struggling to maintain focus.

Woman unfocused
"ADHD-related daydreaming is persistent and often disruptive, especially when it happens during crucial tasks or conversations." (iStock)

"Staying focused and organized requires constant effort, which can leave you feeling drained after short periods of productivity."

5. Forgetfulness

Kahn stated that another symptom of ADHD in adults is disorganization, which can result in not completing tasks, missing deadlines, falling behind on payments, and forgetting appointments.

"The ADHD brain often works in overdrive, juggling competing thoughts and struggling to stay on track."

They may also find themselves misplacing important items, like car keys.

Kahn stated that adults with ADHD struggle to maintain focus, which may manifest as appearing unattentive in conversations, overlooking important details, being easily distracted in specific environments, or concentrating on irrelevant information.

6. Inability to sit still

According to Dr. Michelle Dees, a board-certified psychiatrist at Luxury Psychiatry Clinic in Chicago, individuals with ADHD frequently experience fidgeting and a general sense of restlessness.

Man digging through pocket
People with ADHD may find themselves misplacing important items, like car keys. (iStock)

She informed Planet Chronicle Digital that in adults, it may manifest as unease or tranquility that is incomplete.

Anderson emphasized that this typical symptom frequently manifests as physical activity in children.

""The feeling of restlessness in adults often leads to a constant sense of being 'on edge,' which can become exhausting over time," she said."

7. Relationship challenges

Kahn observed that adults with ADHD often struggle to maintain relationships with others because of inappropriate social behaviors, including interrupting frequently, losing interest in conversations, difficulty paying attention, and forgetfulness.

"Neglecting to follow through on commitments or forgetting to call friends back can strain your relationships."

Mood swings
Emotional sensitivity often accompanies ADHD, which can manifest as mood swings, irritability or heightened responses to minor frustrations.  (iStock)

According to Anderson, emotional sensitivity is commonly associated with ADHD and can manifest as mood swings, irritability, or heightened reactions to minor frustrations.

She stated that people with ADHD often experience more intense and difficult-to-control emotions compared to those around them.

When to seek help

If you're experiencing multiple symptoms that are affecting your daily routine, it's recommended to seek professional assistance.

Anderson stated that ADHD is not a defect or something to be embarrassed about; rather, it's a unique way of processing information and engaging with the environment.

It is recommended to first consult with a healthcare professional specializing in ADHD, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or primary care physician, she suggested.

Increasing ADHD diagnoses in adult women

Anderson pointed out that they can offer a thorough assessment and guide you through potential treatment alternatives, such as therapy, medication, or lifestyle modifications.

The same source suggested that mindfulness exercises and CBT can aid individuals with ADHD in enhancing their organization, time management, and emotion regulation.

Anderson stated that medication is crucial for managing ADHD as it helps regulate brain chemistry and enhance focus for many individuals.

ADHD can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, according to Brooke Bardin, a licensed clinical social worker and director of Clinical Quality Assurance in Los Angeles.

Psychiatrist meeting with a patient
It is important to be assessed by a psychiatrist or mental health clinician if you experience multiple ADHD symptoms, experts advise. (iStock)

Overlapping symptoms with other disorders and often comorbid with other diagnoses, ADHD is a condition that is frequently misdiagnosed, she explained to Planet Chronicle Digital.

According to Bardin, approximately 40% to 70% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder also have ADHD.

For more Health articles, visit planetchronicle.net/health

Anxiety and mood disorders often co-occur with learning disabilities.

It is crucial to seek assessment from a psychiatrist or mental health clinician due to this, advised Bardin.

"ADHD is not a flaw nor something to be ashamed of — it’s simply a different way of processing information and interacting with the world."

Anderson stresses the significance of self-compassion as you search for the appropriate assistance and tactics.

"With the right tools, ADHD can be harnessed to work through its challenges and utilize its unique way of experiencing the world."

by Melissa Rudy

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