If you’re constantly late and disorganized, it might be reassuring to learn that these “poor habits” could be indicators of adult ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). While it’s probable you struggled with it more as a youngster, ADHD patterns may hang around, influence you into adulthood, and actually make life difficult. Here are signs of adult ADHD to look out for.
So, how do you know if you have it? If you’ve ever questioned why can’t I sit still, it could be worth you to pay closer attention to your daily experiences. As psychologist Dr. Nikki Martinez says, “Inattention and hyperactivity are the most typical types and symptoms of ADHD.” For instance, you might find that you struggle to sit during a meeting, or you might feel like you’re wound up and racing a mile a minute.
10 Signs of Adult ADHD To Watch Out For
1. Constantly Losing Things
While it’s quite natural to misplace your wallet now and then, it’s not so usual to have no idea where anything is. ADHD can make you feel disorganized and scattered. Take note if you frequently misplace items such as paperwork, books, or your phone.
2. Extremely Fidgety During Long Meetings
What’s your MO in long, dull meetings? If you can’t seem to sit still, it could be a sign of something more serious. Adults with ADHD typically have trouble staying sitting for long periods of time (frequently fidget or get up from their seats), feel restless, [or] move as if pushed by a motor. Does this ring a bell?
3. You’re Impulsive
One of the most common symptoms of ADHD is impulsivity. It can have an impact on your career or relationships, but it can also result in irresponsible driving accidents. There is data that suggests a link between adults with ADHD and higher driving accidents. If you’re having trouble keeping your eyes on the road, it’s time to see a doctor.
4.Becoming Sidetracked Super Easily
Let’s pretend you’re about to do some laundry or send an email. It’s something to be concerned about if you almost always forget to do it – or if you leave the task half-finished. People with ADHD are frequently sidetracked and preoccupied, leaving their to-do lists generally undone.
5. Always Running Behind Schedule
If you’re fidgety, disorganized, and easily distracted, it’ll almost likely manifest itself at work. This combination makes it very difficult to accomplish success as deadlines are often not fulfilled and having disorganized and unfinished work is the norm.
6. Multitasking To The Max
Take a peek at your desk. Do you have around 55 projects in the go at the moment? If this is the case, it is generally a sign of a problem. This is due to the hyperactivity that happens in ADHD. You might feel compelled to start multiple projects at the same time (even though you hardly ever finish them).
7. You’re Always Late
Are you consistently late for everything? This is typical for people with ADHD. It has to do with your inability to manage your time, as well as the extreme disorganization stated previously.
8. Avoiding “Difficult” Or Mundane Tasks
People with ADHD are frequently “reluctant to complete tasks that demand mental effort over a long period of time.” So that project you’ve been meaning to get started? Or those stacks of books you’ve been attempting to read? They’re probably both lounging around doing nothing.
9. Making Lots Of Careless Mistakes
Consider how things are going at work. If you commit a million “careless” mistakes, it could be due to ADHD. You might send emails before you’ve finished drafting them, or you might forget to mention something vital at a meeting.
10. Mood Swings
Many ADHD individuals report quick mood swings, low frustration tolerance, trouble managing stressful or monotonous situations, and even blazing tempers to their psychologists. This can make ADHD adults feel anxious and on edge, increasing their distractibility and driving them to internalize harsh feedback and reprimands, resulting in low self-esteem and a high level of negative self-talk.
Don’t be hesitant to get help from a therapist if you suspect you have the disorder. There are numerous therapy alternatives available to make your life easier and help you get back on track. If you want to learn more, visit our site.
Studies referenced:
Shaw, P. (2015). Emotional dysregulation and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Am J Psychiatry. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4282137/
Singh, A. (2015). Overview of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Young Children. Health Psychol Res. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4768532/
Song, P. (2021). The prevalence of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A global systematic review and meta-analysis. J Glob Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7916320/