The diagnosis of ADHD is relatively new—just 20 years ago, an international team of scientists published the first official statement about the existence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by extreme inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Until now, it was widely believed that only children were susceptible to it. However, today, doctors are increasingly reporting that the syndrome also manifests in adults. Here are 6 signs that may indicate you have ADHD.
1. You are constantly losing something.
You’re always losing things, and then you’re constantly looking for them. It could be your keys, a gift you were planning to give a friend when you met, a ring, or glasses. When you can’t find the item, you’re incredibly upset, but then it happens again.
Canadian social worker Krista Carvin notes that some patients consistently have difficulty remembering mundane details—for example, where their passport is—while others, who are more neurotypical, may experience such memory lapses less frequently.
2. “I’m busy – and let the world wait.”
You neglect your own needs when you’re focused on an important task. You literally forget to eat, drink, or sleep when you’re too engrossed in something. You might even ignore calls from friends and family. You lose interest in everything else—going to the gym, going to the movies, hanging out with friends—as if the only thing that matters is what you’re doing right now.
According to Grow Therapy psychologist Katherine del Toro, people with ADHD often go from one extreme to the other. They either can’t concentrate on anything at all or are overly involved. Achieving balance is extremely difficult for them.
3. You give up what you started
Although ADHD patients often become fixated on a single task, this doesn’t prevent them from regularly abandoning what they’re doing and moving on to the next one. For example, someone might start washing dishes, notice the floor is wet, and immediately start looking for a mop, forgetting about the dishes.
To ensure that tasks, especially work-related ones, are completed, such people are advised to write everything down in order to control themselves.
4. One day you’re ready to move mountains, the next you’re lying face down
Your activity fluctuates—sometimes you feel incredibly energetic and can get everything done in an instant, even those you’ve been putting off for months. But sometimes, routine tasks like “going to the store” or “standing in line at the bank” fill you with such dread that you can’t bring yourself to do them.
5. Overly emotional reactions
ADHD patients sometimes complain of difficulty paying attention to their partners—for example, when it comes to helping around the house. And when conflicts arise over this, they flare up and become offended in ways that seem disproportionate and strange to the other person.
6. You already have an affective disorder
By statistics Between 57% and 92% of adults with ADHD have at least one mood disorder. You may even be taking medications or undergoing psychotherapy, but it’s not providing the desired effect or only providing limited relief.
For example, a person may be treated for generalized anxiety disorder , but symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness remain.
Regardless, a therapist should help you clarify the diagnosis—and it’s important to remember that even having all six symptoms doesn’t guarantee that you have ADHD.
