Most adults with ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder aren’t diagnosed until they have children who are diagnosed with the condition.
Adult ADHD has received media attention, but has not managed to raise a great deal of awareness.
Rather than diagnosing yourself by reading a magazine, watching a newscast or listening to “friends who know someone with it,” seek medical advice. Only allow a licensed doctor to diagnose whether or not you have anything.
The following ten symptoms are common to ADHD, but keep in mind they are also common to stress, menopause, hypothyroid, PTSD – post- traumatic stress disorder, grief at the loss of a loved one, and other conditions.
1. Unorganized, has problems getting organized, has problems juggling responsibilities.
2. Marital or relationship problems- The person with ADHD is seen as inattentive and uncaring, having poor listening skills or doesn’t keep their word.
3. Reckless behavior, such as constant reckless driving and accidents.
4. Frequently procrastinate on simple as well as complex tasks.
5. Chronic tardiness- they just can’t seem to do anything consistently to be on time for meetings, dates, work or anything else.
6. Anger management problems. ADHD patients have difficulty controlling their anger, and have blow-ups over seemingly minor issues. Gee, that describes every bad boss I’ve ever had.
7. Restlessness or inability to relax – they always seem to be edgy, tense or have far too much energy, even after a hard day’s work.
8. Easily distracted- even if they’re behind the wheel, something beside the road, a passenger in the car, a phone call or something manages to take their attention away from the main focus.
9. Difficulty starting tasks. Once started, they can work on and complete tasks, but getting started somehow seems to be a problem.
10. Difficulty in setting priorities – today’s “multi-tasking mania” at work wreaks havoc with ADHD patients. They find it extremely difficult to set priorities at work or home. If anyone tries to set priorities for them without their request for help, they become angry.
This describes a lot of people today. Not everyone has ADHD. Perhaps they just have too much work, mortgage, fear of the workplace closing, family problems, weather causing huge problems in power outages and traffic, and more.
It’s worth noting the symptoms, though. If you, a friend, co-worker or employee seem to fit these symptoms, perhaps they could benefit from a medical appointment. The doctor and run tests, and find out if they need medication, counseling or something else. Source: Jean Rothman, “Understanding and Diagnosing Adult ADHD,” Everyday Health Website, 10 March, 2009 Source: Staff Article, “10 Symptoms of Adult ADHD,” Web MD Website, 28 February, 2009
