Do You Have Adult ADHD? If You Have These Symptoms, Maybe So

Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common behavioral disorders in the world, and yet myths about the condition persist. For example, many people think of ADHD as something that only affects restless little boys until they grow out of it. However, ADHD is a condition that can impact anyone, regardless of age or gender.

Some children with ADHD grow out of their symptoms as they become adults. However, many such children continue to live with ADHD in adulthood, though their symptoms may present differently as they age. Some people with adult ADHD were never diagnosed as children, perhaps because of the myths surrounding this disorder.

Is it really possible that you or someone you know could be living with adult ADHD and not know it? Absolutely, and getting a diagnosis can be the first step to getting the help and clarity you deserve. If the following symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to book an appointment with a behavioral health care provider.

Your Biological Relative Has ADHD

There’s no single cause of ADHD. However, the disorder appears to have a strong genetic link, meaning that it runs in families. If one or more of your biological relatives lives with ADHD, you have an increased risk of having it as well. The closer the relative, the greater the chance. So, if your child acts a lot like you and then gets diagnosed with ADHD, you may want to get evaluated as well.

Your Home and Mind are Disorganized, Despite Your Best Efforts

Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you try, you just cannot get things organized? Perhaps you can never find your keys, or maybe you constantly have to toss out old food because you forgot it was there.

Some people struggle to get their minds and homes organized, no matter how much they want to, and they often blame themselves. If this sounds like you, there may be an explanation and a solution: ADHD and treatment.

You Change Jobs or Interests Often

Adults with ADHD struggle when they get bored with the same routine day-in and day-out. To function best, they rely on an adrenaline rush. For many people, this rush comes in the form of a new job or hobby. They could be really into gardening for one month and then switch to knitting the next. If you have adult ADHD, you may find yourself craving new adventures when you start to get used to your daily life.

You Sometimes Hyperfocus

It’s true that ADHD can make it difficult to focus on one task for long. However, the opposite is also true. When a person with ADHD is truly engaged with an activity, they can hyperfocus on it. In this hyperfocus mode, someone with ADHD may not notice anything else around them and get irritable if they are interrupted.

You Thrive Under Pressure

Because people with ADHD do their best work when the adrenaline flows, they are often great under pressure. For example, college students with ADHD may truly write their best papers when they are up against a close deadline. Other adults with ADHD may enjoy jobs in which they are constantly under pressure, such as in industries like healthcare, finance, and high tech.

You Only Read the Headers on This Blog

Did you skip past or skim the paragraphs in this blog? Did you look away several times while trying to read the paragraphs? Do you often struggle to read articles all the way or complete similar tasks? If any of these things are true, it could be a sign of adult ADHD.

Although there is no cure for ADHD, effective treatments can help you feel healthier and happier. The first step in that journey is to get evaluated by a qualified behavioral health care provider. If you do have ADHD, your LifeStance Health provider can recommend a comprehensive care plan. Make an appointment today and don’t forget to share this article with friends — you never know who it could help.