Many experts believe that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is woefully underdiagnosed among adults. That may be because ADHD can affect people in many different ways as they grow older, whereas the symptoms tend to be more obvious in children. What are some common signs of ADHD in adults, and how can you know if you should seek professional help? This blog post explains.
Trouble Keeping Things Clean and Organized
Many adults with ADHD struggle to maintain a clean and tidy space around them, and it can be difficult for them to locate items unless they are put away systematically. This struggle often negatively impacts productivity.
Problems Prioritizing
For people without ADHD, it is usually easy to prioritize urgent and important tasks. For example, if they have a tight deadline at work, they will put that ahead of less urgent chores, such as paying a bill that isn’t due for a few weeks. People with ADHD may be prone to assign equal urgency to both tasks.
Lack of Focus or Hyperfocus
It can be difficult for adults with ADHD to stay focused; they may be easily distracted by outside stimuli or their own thoughts. At other times, they might become hyper-focused; they can become so wrapped up in something that everything else seems to disappear, sometimes to the detriment of important tasks.
Time Management Struggles
Individuals with ADHD may suffer from “time blindness,” which causes them to lose track of time or sorely misjudge how long certain things will take. It can also be very challenging for them to adhere to a schedule.
Impulsive Behavior
Everyone acts impulsively from time to time, but impulsive actions can become a pattern for people with ADHD. They might struggle to wait their turn, tend to drive too fast, interrupt others while they are speaking, or regularly spend too much money.
Mood Swings
Adults with ADHD may experience big mood swings, going from tired and sad one moment to happy and excited the next. They might also struggle with anger, expressing it more intensely and holding onto it longer than individuals without ADHD.
Starting Projects without Finishing Them
Attention deficit can cause individuals with ADHD to start projects, whether at work or home, and abandon those projects when they are only partway finished. This can lead to tension and frustration in relationships.
When to Seek Help
If the above symptoms seem all too familiar to you, it might be time to talk to a mental health professional about your concerns. After thoroughly evaluating your experience, they may be able to provide an official ADHD diagnosis and recommend treatment options. Medication, skill training, and psychotherapy are often very helpful. Many adults with ADHD are able to cope with their condition and lead productive, fulfilling lives!
Meet the Practice
At Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center, our team of mental health professionals has the skills and experience to help adults who are struggling with ADHD and other disorders. We often use a combination of treatments to achieve the best results. To learn more about us and how we may be able to serve you, contact one of our offices conveniently located in Westfield and Wall Township, NJ, at 908-233-8065.
