Adult ADHD Diagnosis
Realizing much later in life that I had been grappling with attention deficit challenges since my childhood, I have now been presented with the chance to comprehend how to operate and lead a less stressful life.
Numerous adults who did not receive a diagnosis or assistance for their ADHD during childhood are currently seeking and obtaining help, leading to significant breakthroughs and transformative treatments. Adult ADHD counselling stands out as one domain that is reaping the rewards of ongoing research.
Below I will outline some of what we know know adult ADHD, as well as what specific signs and symptoms to look for before self-evaluating and seeking help.
What is Adult ADHD?
A diagnosis of Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) primarily hinges on prominent indications of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, or a combination thereof. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) pertains to individuals displaying marked distractibility and a decline in focus, without the presence of hyperactivity.
Some adults who struggle with ADHD have been diagnosed since childhood, however, there is a significant portion of the population that are either undiagnosed or don’t present symptoms until adulthood.
The Signs and Symptoms of Adult ADHD
When observing the symptoms of adult ADHD, the severity can vary among individuals. Some of the common signs that might be observed or exhibited comprise:
- Long-term difficulty in paying attention, staying focused, or listening when others speak
- Feelings of consistent restlessness and difficulty being still
- Frequent accidents or mishaps without understanding
- Engaging in prolonged and rapid speech or interrupting others due to a racing mind filled with thoughts.
- Organizational issues such as missing appointments, trouble staying on task, and an inability to manage time properly
- Frequent forgetfulness or losing items such as keys or phone
- Hyperfocus – engaged in something at the exclusion of awareness of anything else
- Procrastination and/or self-sabotage of potential
- Challenges managing time to prioritize or complete tasks
- Anger issues arising from challenges getting tasks completed or repeated issues around disappointing others
- Additions such as substance abuse ranging from alcohol and nicotine to hard drugs or gambling and pornography
- Poor coping skills and stress management
- Lack of patience or waiting without distractions
- Impulsive decision-making on a consistent basis
- Relational problems between co-workers or partner
- Feelings of overwhelm or hopelessness
- Symptoms of anxiety or depression causing an inability to function
- Trouble partaking in self-care or quite-time activities
Experiencing any of these signs or symptoms can result in a lack of self-esteem and reduced self-confidence, ultimately impacting one’s overall quality of life. To avert this outcome, the initial steps involve recognizing these symptoms. Once you achieve some level of self-awareness, you can then take the initiative to reach out and seek assistance.
If any of the above signs or symptoms are being experienced, it can lead to a lack of self-worth and self-confidence ultimately leading to a lesser quality of life. In order to prevent this from happening, bringing awareness to these symptoms is the first step. Once you can bring awareness to what is going on within, you can reach out and seek help.
Seeking Help for Adult ADHD
It is quite possible that those closest to you have noticed some of these signs or changes with you throughout time. In speaking with them, try to come from a place of learning in which you’re trying to build into the relationship that you have with them. Move towards creating a shared understanding with those closest to you while you begin the process of normalizing what it means to have ADHD.
Throughout the world, 6.7% of the population have adult ADHD, therefore it’s important to know that you’re not alone if you experience any of the signs mentioned above or symptoms.
To understand if Adult ADHD is what’s challenging you, contact me for a free initial consultation.
