Did you know that approximately four percent of adults have attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder? While ADD/ADHD is widely considered to be a disorder suffered by children, it’s a disorder shared by many adults across the nation. If you’ve been wondering if your restlessness or inability to concentrate may be symptoms of ADD/ADHD, read on; the following are ten of the most common signs of the disorder in adults:
1.Your Child has ADHD
While you can’t catch ADHD from your child, the disorder is thought to have a genetic component. In fact, if your child has ADHD, there’s a close to 35 percent chance that someone else in the family does as well. That means that if your child has the disorder, he or she may have you to thank for it.
2.You’re a Smoker
Smoking doesn’t cause ADHD, but many people with ADHD find that nicotine can curb their symptoms. Additionally, adults with the disorder are more likely than others to abuse drugs, including alcohol.
3.You Didn’t Do Well in School
ADHD isn’t something that goes away. If you had difficulty concentrating and staying on task when you were in grade school, that restlessness and inability to concentrate that you experience today could very well be ADD/ADHD.
4.Last Minute’itis
Many adults with ADHD report being perfect at one particular thing: procrastinating. If you can’t seem to get things done until the very last minute, and it’s a consistent problem for you, you may have adult ADD.
5.Adrenaline Junkies
While jumping out of an airplane may be strictly a thrill-seeking behavior, it can also be indicative of ADD. Because adults with ADD often feel a need to channel their excited energy, they may seek thrilling activities to take part in.
6.You Get in Trouble at Work
Are you constantly being admonished at work because you can’t seem to get the job done? If you have trouble meeting deadlines, can’t stay on track or frequently neglect duties that you consider boring, it could be a sign that you have ADD/ADHD.
7.You Snap
People with ADHD are typically irritable and quick to snap. If you have a short temper, and haven’t sought help, you will quickly ruin your relationships. If you seem to get angry at the drop of a dime and don’t understand why, speak to your physician.
8.Foot in Mouth Disease
Those adults who have ADD/ADHD very rarely filter their thoughts and feelings. This can lead to a blurting of words that are better left unsaid. If you act on impulse or speak without thinking, you may be suffering with adult ADD.
9.You’re Restless
To sit and watch an entire television program is difficult; never mind sitting still through a whole movie. If you can’t seem to relax for more than five minutes at a time, you may have ADHD. The restlessness that you feel is caused may by the inability to remain focused and to calm the mind; both are symptomatic of ADD.
10.Pigpen Syndrome
If you can’t see the top of your desk, if you can’t remember to make appointments for your family, or if your cupboards and closets look like your house has been bombed, you could have adult ADD. People with ADD/ADHD have a very difficult time getting, and staying, organized.
While one of the above signs, on its own, may not indicate adult ADD/ADHD, several of them combined could indicate that you have ADD. If you think that you may be suffering with the disorder, consult with your physician. He or she will be able to diagnose you properly and give you the tools that you need to cope with the disorder.
Colby Hetrick writes for www.adultadhd.net, a site committed to addressing adhd issues for adults. If you think you might have adhd, check out ways to help you focus.
Leave a Reply