Undiagnosed Adult ADHD Causes Multiple Negative Impacts On Overall Functioning And Daily Life. Learn the Signs
~Jessica
Over the last several years, our understanding of adult ADHD has changed drastically. Research is showing continual advances in the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and impact that ADHD has on our functioning. Many people suffer from undiagnosed ADHD, which causes multiple negative impacts on their overall functioning and daily life. Therefore, I thought I would dedicate the next several blogs to understanding this important topic and encouraging people to self-reflect to see if any of these symptoms seem familiar.
Recognizing Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be challenging, as its symptoms often differ from those seen in children. Here are the top five signs to look for:
Inattention:
Adults with ADHD often struggle to maintain focus, especially on tasks that require sustained attention or mental effort. They may find it difficult to complete tasks, frequently making careless mistakes due to overlooking details. This inattention can extend to various aspects of their lives, including work, relationships, and daily responsibilities. They may frequently lose track of time or have trouble organizing their thoughts and activities.
Hyperactivity:
While hyperactivity tends to decrease with age, it can still be present in adults with ADHD. This may manifest as an inner sense of restlessness or an inability to stay still for prolonged periods. Adults with ADHD may fidget, tap their feet, or constantly shift positions. They may also have difficulty engaging in sedentary activities or tasks that require sitting still for extended periods. Adults with ADHD may also engage in several different hobbies, jumping from one hobby to another, without fully completing or finishing projects from
a previous hobby.
Impulsivity:
Impulsivity is a hallmark feature of ADHD and can lead to difficulties in various areas of life. Adults with ADHD may struggle with impulse control, acting without considering the consequences of their actions. This can manifest as impulsive spending, reckless driving, difficulty waiting their turn in conversations, or interrupting others frequently. Impulsivity can also contribute to relationship problems and difficulty maintaining employment.
Disorganization:
Adults with ADHD often struggle with organization and time management. They may have messy, cluttered living or workspaces and difficulty maintaining a consistent schedule. Tasks may be started but left incomplete, leading to a sense of disarray in their lives. They may also have trouble prioritizing tasks and managing their time effectively, leading to missed deadlines and increased stress.
Forgetfulness:
Forgetfulness is a common symptom of ADHD in adults. They may frequently forget appointments, deadlines, or obligations, despite their best efforts to remember. This can lead to frustration and difficulties in both personal and professional relationships. They may also struggle to remember important details in conversations or lose track of items such as keys, wallets, or phones regularly.
It's essential to remember that everyone experiences these symptoms occasionally, but for individuals with ADHD, these difficulties are pervasive, persistent and interfere significantly with daily functioning. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have ADHD, it's essential to seek evaluation and support from our qualified mental health professionals.
A thorough assessment can help determine an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan to manage symptoms effectively.
If you recognize any of the above symptoms, we encourage you to book an appointment with one of our highly qualified psychologists, so that we can help you to assess and understand how this condition may be impacting your life. We will then develop specialized treatment plans that can help you overcome and adapt to the adverse impacts that ADHD could very well be having on your life.
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