What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD?
Have you ever felt like you just can’t focus or sit still? Do you struggle to complete tasks and feel easily distracted? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects millions of people and can significantly impact daily life. But how do you know if your challenges point to ADHD? Understanding these telltale signs can help determine if you should speak to a therapist or doctor about an evaluation.
There are three main types of ADHD:
Hyperactivity: Excessive fidgeting, an inability to sit still, constant motion, and chatter are all signs of hyperactivity. You may struggle with hyperactivity if you have difficulty slowing down and relaxing.
Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, and difficulty delaying gratification can all indicate impulsiveness. Impulsive behaviors can lead to dangerous risk-taking and social problems.
Inattention: Being easily distracted, trouble focusing, and lack of attention to detail are all symptoms of inattention. If you frequently miss deadlines, lose or misplace essential items, or have trouble completing tasks, inattention may be an issue.
Common symptoms of ADHD
The symptoms of ADHD usually appear before age 12, but some people do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood. The good news is that no matter when you're diagnosed, treatment options like therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and coping strategies can help you manage your symptoms and live successfully with ADHD.
Inattention
If you find it hard to focus or you're easily distracted, you may exhibit symptoms of inattention. Do you frequently zone out or daydream during conversations or while doing tasks? Do you struggle to stay on task or finish what you start? These are signs your attention span may be impaired. Excessive physical restlessness and impulsive behavior are hallmark signs of ADHD. Individuals may talk excessively, have trouble engaging in quiet activities, and frequently interrupt others.
People with ADHD, especially the inattentive type, have trouble focusing their attention. You'll tend to miss details and make careless mistakes. Sitting still during meetings or lectures can feel impossible. Your mind may wander, and you find yourself unable to listen. At home, chores and errands are easily forgotten. These challenges are not due to laziness or lack of motivation but rather difficulty regulating your attention.
If you're constantly losing or forgetting important things like keys, wallets, and assignments, you may be displaying symptoms of ADHD. People with ADHD struggle with planning, prioritizing, and organizing tasks. They may frequently procrastinate and miss deadlines as a result. Managing time and planning ahead also pose problems. You may frequently run late or miss deadlines and appointments. Starting and completing tasks in a logical order doesn't come naturally. These difficulties can significantly impact your productivity, relationships, and self-esteem.
Hyperactivity and impulsivity
Fidgeting or squirming
If you have trouble sitting still, you may exhibit signs of hyperactivity. Do you frequently fidget, squirm, or feel restless? These behaviors are hard to control and often happen even when you try to remain motionless. For people with ADHD, sitting still for long periods can be agonizing. You may tap your fingers, bounce your leg, or constantly shift positions. These actions are not purposeful but rather a result of excessive energy and the inability to restrain impulses.
Impulsiveness is Also Closely Linked to Hyperactivity
You may struggle with impulsivity if you act without thinking or have trouble controlling emotional responses. Speaking out of turn, interrupting others, or engaging in thrill-seeking behaviors are common signs of impulsiveness. You may make hasty decisions without considering the consequences or say things you later regret. Impulsiveness can negatively impact relationships and daily functioning. However, with treatment such as therapy or medication, impulsivity and hyperactivity can be better managed.
If you notice several of these signs in yourself or your child, it’s a good idea to get evaluated for ADHD. A diagnosis should only be made by a licensed mental health professional. We offer ADHD therapy, but before we begin treatment, so reach out today and we will evaluate symptoms and how long they’ve been present. Treatment may include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination.
