Unfocused? Forgetful? How to Know If You're an Adult With ADHD
When most people think about ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), they associate the condition with children. However, just over 8% of adults in the U.S. deal with it, too. Adult ADHD likely began in childhood and either went undiagnosed or was misdiagnosed. In particular, those who struggle with the inattentive subtype of ADHD may have flown under the radar of teachers and parents as their symptoms are not as disruptive as those who struggle with the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD.
However, if you’re feeling unfocused, forgetful, or just not like yourself, you don’t have to live with those symptoms forever. While getting an official ADHD diagnosis is important and necessary for the right treatment, you can give yourself a head start by recognizing some of the common symptoms.
So, how can you tell if you have ADHD as an adult?
What Are the Symptoms?
The easiest way to determine if you have ADHD is to be aware of the symptoms. While they can impact everyone differently, some of the most common signs include:
Difficulty focusing
Problems prioritizing
Disorganization
Difficult multitasking
Restlessness
Poor time management
Poor driving record
Difficulty with managing finances
You might also find that you have a low tolerance for frustration, and you’re very impulsive. If you don’t notice these things in yourself, consider how others might describe you. More importantly, think about your behaviors when you’re supposed to be focusing on something.
Adults with ADHD can also experience other mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, or mood swings. Unfortunately, that can sometimes make it harder to single out the disorder and treat it properly. That's why it's important to obtain a thorough psychological evaluation from a licensed psychologist.
Who Is More Susceptible?
While ADHD can impact anyone, men are nearly three times as likely to be diagnosed. In children, boys with ADHD tend to be more hyperactive, while girls with the same disorder are often very quiet but still distracted or inattentive. Those characteristics can carry over into adulthood.
You may be wondering why you’re experiencing certain symptoms more now than before. For some people, ADHD has certain triggers that can make your symptoms more noticeable.
Some of those triggers include poor sleep, stress, and overstimulation. Even the use of technology can trigger the disorder and cause you to feel unfocused.
Should I get a psychological evaluation for adult ADHD?
If you think that you may have ADHD, it's important that you get a psychological assessment. Symptoms of other psychological disorders (e.g, anxiety and depression) are often misdiagnosed as ADHD. A psychological assessment by a licensed psychologist will consist of a through background interview about your childhood and current functioning, collateral information from people who had the chance to observe you in childhood (e.g., parents) and in the present (e.g., partners or friends), and tests of inattention and impulsivity.
A thorough psychological assessment will yield a diagnosis of ADHD or any other psychological conditions that may be impacting your functioning. Furthermore, a psychologist will develop recommendations individualized to your particular life situation to help you manage your ADHD.
What Can You Do?
When children are diagnosed with ADHD, one of the most common treatment methods is medication. As an adult, stimulants remain an effective treatment option. A medication provider will often start with a low dose to see how your mind and body respond before settling in on the ideal dosage for your condition.
However, there are some additional steps you can take to manage your ADHD and have more control over your behaviors. Some of the best strategies to keep the disorder from taking over your life include:
Keeping yourself as organized as possible with planners and calendars
Planning ahead
Maintaining a daily routine
Breaking down big tasks
Minimizing distractions
Chanderbhan Psychological Services
About: Chanderbhan Psychological Services is a therapy practice located in Laredo, Texas. We provide psychological assessments and therapy to individuals located in the wider State of Texas. To read blogs on mental health, visit our website. To learn more about psychological assessment, visit our psychological evaluations page.