Diagnosing adult ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) can be complex. While the symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and may overlap with other mental health conditions, there are some common signs to look out for.
1. Symptoms Persist Over Time: ADHD is not just a phase; it’s a chronic condition that typically persists from childhood into adulthood. If you’ve experienced symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity consistently since childhood, it may be an indicator.
2. Impairment in Multiple Areas of Life: Adult ADHD can significantly impact your daily life, including work, relationships, and personal responsibilities. If you consistently struggle with organization, time management, focus, or impulsivity to the extent that it affects your functioning, it could be a sign of ADHD.
3. Inattention Symptoms: Adult ADHD often presents with symptoms of inattention, such as:
– Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks or activities
– Frequent careless mistakes at work or in other activities
– Trouble organizing tasks and activities
– Avoiding or being reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
– Frequently losing items necessary for tasks
– Forgetfulness in daily activities
4. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity Symptoms: Some adults with ADHD also experience symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, which can include:
– Restlessness or feeling the need to be constantly “on the go”
– Difficulty remaining seated in situations where it’s expected
– Interrupting or intruding on others’ conversations or activities
– Impulsive decision-making without considering consequences
– Difficulty waiting for one’s turn
5. Co-Existing Conditions: ADHD often co-occurs with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. If you have been diagnosed with one or more of these conditions and also exhibit symptoms of ADHD, it may be worth exploring the possibility of comorbid ADHD.
6. Family History: A family history of ADHD can increase the likelihood of having the condition yourself, as there is a genetic component to ADHD.
7. Developmental History: Reflect on your childhood and adolescent years. Did you struggle with school, maintaining relationships, or staying organized? Were you often described as forgetful, impulsive, or restless? These early indicators can provide valuable information.
Remember that ADHD is a clinically diagnosed condition, and a healthcare professional is the only one who can provide an accurate diagnosis. If you’re curious if you have adult ADHD, seeking evaluation and treatment can help you better understand and manage your symptoms, improve your daily functioning, and enhance your overall quality of life.
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT WITH THERAPY FOR WOMEN IN BROOKLYN & MANHATTAN, NEW YORK
At Manhattan Wellness, we understand that with all the messages we receive from the world, it can be difficult to maintain a positive narrative about ourselves. From social media, movies, and even people close to us, it can be hard to drown out the negative. So much so that our inner critic takes over and we forget to show ourselves the same compassion as others. That’s why our female therapists want to support you in building the confidence you need to reach your highest potential. Let us help you create an empowering narrative that will benefit all aspects of your life, from personal to professional. If you are interested in beginning counseling for women:
OTHER THERAPY SERVICES AT MANHATTAN WELLNESS IN MANHATTAN, WESTCHESTER, BROOKLYN & THROUGHOUT NEW YORK
Our therapists understand that building confidence takes time and that other issues can come up along the way. To better support you, we offer a variety of services to cater to your individual needs. The therapy services we offer are Therapy for Self Esteem, Anxiety Treatment, and therapy for dating and relationship issues. As well as therapy for college students, support for maternal mental health, body image therapy, and so much more. Are you feel like you’re not living the life you want and need to make changes? Let’s talk about it.