What Are The Signs of Having ADHD?
There are many times in life where we have “ah-ha” moments. Moments where all the stars align, or a lightbulb goes off in our head and leads us to realize something we never had before. For many people, this moment comes when they receive a mental health diagnosis. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, is becoming more commonly diagnosed – especially in adults, and there are many reasons why. ADHD has quite recently become a popular topic of conversation amongst teens and adults. As it receives more exposure, more people are beginning to realize that they may be dealing with it themselves. Learning that you have been struggling with ADHD can provide relief on some of your biggest challenges and shed light on many of the unanswered questions you have about how you experience the world and why.
If you are someone that has suffered with unexplained symptoms or difficulties that could be related to ADHD, this article could be an insightful resource for you. Keep reading to learn more about ADHD and what the signs and symptoms are.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a psychological condition that can impact a person’s ability to focus, manage their time, control impulsivity, and accomplish daily tasks. ADHD has several negative effects on someone’s life, making even the smallest and most manageable responsibilities exceedingly challenging. ADHD can create significant barriers for a person in their academic life, career, responsibilities in their personal life and even relationships with family, friends, and partners. Because of the nature and symptoms of ADHD, it is especially challenging to participate in a world that demands so much of people in the way of work, timeliness, organization, and high function.
ADHD has historically been most frequently identified in childhood and adolescence, primarily because of the way it presents in the academic setting. However, as we learn more about ADHD, it is becoming increasingly common for college students and adults to receive an ADHD diagnosis.
Signs of ADHD in children
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be identified in children as early as 3 years old and most frequently before the age of 6. Because the symptoms primarily relate to attentiveness and ability to focus, it is more easily recognizable for children in the classroom setting. Toddlers and children who suffer from ADHD can struggle significantly to thrive in school, especially if their condition has yet to be addressed and accommodated in some way.
There are two categories of ADHD in children and a child can suffer predominately from one category, or even symptoms of both.
1. Inattentiveness
Children that struggle more with inattentiveness tend to lack the ability to focus or concentrate on any one thing for extended amounts of time. They can be easily distracted, zone out, or struggle to follow directions; not because they are careless or poorly behaved, but because they can’t keep their full attention on something for as long as they are expected. These children also struggle to stay organized and complete tasks or assignments, as they are constantly distracted and disrupted.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include:
Having a short-attention span or inability to stay focused
Struggling to complete tasks that are time-consuming or tedious
Unable to listen and follow through with directions
Having difficulty managing time or organizing tasks
Making frequent or “careless” mistakes
Constantly starting new tasks and struggling to complete them
2. Hyperactive and Impulsive
This category of ADHD is typically a combination of two different trademark symptoms – hyperactivity and impulsivity. Hyperactivity is especially noticeable in children, especially in the classroom setting. It is a general rule of thumb that small children are consistently high-energy, but children that suffer from ADHD have excessively high-energy and struggle to manage or channel it in a productive way. In terms of impulsivity, these children can have the tendency to speak or act out at inappropriate times, as they lack the ability to control their impulses.
Symptoms of hyper-impulsivity include:
Constant movement or fidgeting
Inability to sit still or focus
Tendency to “blurt out” thoughts and feelings at the wrong time
Excessive talking
Frequent interrupting in conversations
Running and climbing in any setting with lack of awareness
Struggling to control their emotions or anger
If your child is displaying any or all of the symptoms listed above, it may be time to seek further support. With a proper diagnosis from a mental healthcare provider, you can give your child the most beneficial treatment or optimal accommodations and support in their life to help them thrive. If you aren’t sure where to begin or have more questions about the process of seeking help, reach out to us today.
Signs of ADHD in adults
Though ADHD has previously been most recognized and diagnosed in childhood, many adults receive an ADHD diagnosis later in life. This diagnosis may come as a shock and feel upsetting or difficult to understand, however, for many people receiving the diagnosis brings them a sense of relief. If you have been battling the symptoms of ADHD for most of your life, you have most-likely assumed that the way you experience the world around you is “normal”. You may not have recognized that the difficulty you felt surrounding accomplishing tasks, managing your time or succeeding in school, life or your career is actually a result of something bigger than you. Finding out that there is a reason behind your struggles and then finding relief from those challenges, can be incredibly life changing.
The symptoms of ADHD in adults vary vastly from person to person. Because of this, it can be significantly harder to diagnose, than it is in childhood and adolescence. Additionally, ADHD can present with the same or similar symptoms of other mental health conditions, such as mood disorders, which makes it even harder to identify and diagnose. ADHD can also be a coexisting condition with other serious mental health conditions, which is why it is crucial to seek the attention and support of a mental health specialist who can help you to assess all that you are experiencing.
If you are experiences some or most of the symptoms below, it is important that you seek the support of a provider to find the answers and potentially receive a diagnosis.
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults are
Poor time management
Short attention span
Inability to complete tasks
Easily distracted
Anxiety
Depression
Uncontrollable impulsivity
Reckless decision making
Rejection sensitivity
Lack of motivation – even for things that matter
Sleep issues/restlessness
Racing thoughts
Mood swings
Uncontrollable anger, irritability, or emotions
Lack of commitment or follow-through
Struggling to make deadlines
Low self-esteem
ADHD looks and feels different for everyone, but typically an adult with ADHD will display many of the symptoms listed above. In addition to the wide range of symptoms, the severity of the condition can also vary from person to person. The symptoms can range from mostly manageable and sometimes even difficult to notice, to extremely disruptive and even debilitating. Regardless of where you land on that scale on any given day, it’s important to be aware that ADHD is a highly treatable and manageable mental disorder that does not need to be a barrier between you and a happy and healthy life.
Living with ADHD
The first step to healing and managing your ADHD is to seek the support of an ADHD specialist to be evaluated for your symptoms and receive a diagnosis. With the help of a mental health professional, you can then formulate a treatment plan to help manage your symptoms and begin the path to an easier and more productive life. When untreated, ADHD can be what stands between you and your full potential in all areas of your life. But when properly addressed and supported with the help of professionals, you can break down those barriers, achieve all your goals and live a generally healthier and more productive life.
If you have already received a diagnosis of ADHD, you may be wondering what happens next and what your options for treatment are. There are many effective treatment methods including ADHD medication to help manage the symptoms of ADHD.
Some of the most used and successful ADHD treatments include:
Psychiatric medication management
Skill-building techniques at home or in school settings
It’s important to know that if you are diagnosed with ADHD, you are not alone and you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. There are numerous resources that offer you education, support, and a sense of community surrounding your condition. If you are ready to seek the help of a mental health professional, our team at Insight Northwest Counseling is here and eager to support you. We have a wonderful team of therapists and psychiatric providers who can support you in the way that best suits your needs.
Schedule an appointment with us today to begin your path to healing and wellness.