How Some People Come to Realize They Have Adult ADHD

Many people think that Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is something that only affects hyperactive little boys in elementary school. However, the truth is that people of all ages and genders can live with ADHD. While symptoms of the disorder often begin in childhood, many children who are diagnosed with ADHD never grow out of the condition.

Researchers estimate that 4.4 percent of adults in the United States live with ADHD, but some experts believe the number could be much higher. Due to myths and misunderstandings about ADHD, there may be many adults today that lived with ADHD their whole lives but were never diagnosed as children. Are you living with undiagnosed adult ADHD? If most of these signs sound familiar, you may want to talk to a behavioral health care provider about it.

Your “Mini-Me” Was Diagnosed with ADHD

Many people first realize they have ADHD when they see their symptoms reflected in their children. If your biological child lives with ADHD, you may have it as well. While there’s no singular cause for ADHD, genetics seem to play a role. If everyone says your child is just like you and your child gets diagnosed, it might be time to get evaluated.

You Change Jobs or Hobbies a Lot

People with ADHD can struggle when they aren’t extremely interested in what they are doing. If they get bored, the novelty of a new job or hobby may give them the adrenaline rush they need. Similarly, people with ADHD enjoy tasks that are more like sprints than marathons.

“Out of Sight, Out of Mind” Could Be Your Motto

Both children and adults with ADHD struggle to remember what things they own and where they are without visual cues. Are you always finding spoiled food in the fridge simply because you had forgotten it was there? Do you lose your keys constantly? If you dug to the bottom of your dresser drawer, would you be surprised at what you found? If so, this could be a symptom of ADHD.

You Know What It Means to “Hyperfocus”

You may know that people with ADHD are often easily distracted. However, that’s not where the story ends. People with ADHD can also experience hyperfocus when they are completing a task they enjoy. During these moments of hyperfocus, people with ADHD may seem to have tunnel vision and may be irritable if anything interrupts them.

You are Great Under Pressure

People with ADHD thrive on adrenaline rushes. They may do their best work against a tight deadline. Many adults with ADHD thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced jobs, such as those in emergency services, healthcare, entertainment, and high tech. If you are suddenly able to focus when the pressure is on, that could be a sign of adult ADHD.

You Only Read the Headers on This Article

Or maybe you skimmed the rest of the article. Maybe you took several breaks while you read it. As much as you wanted the information, focusing on the blocks of texts was difficult. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

While there’s no cure for ADHD, there are plenty of treatments and tools that can help you succeed. If you think you might have adult ADHD, consider getting an evaluation from an expert mental health provider today and share this article with anyone else who may share your struggle.