ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is a tough disorder to deal with as a kid as well as an adult. If you are an adult with ADHD who has been recently diagnosed, here is a short list of the symptoms you may like to review. If you are not touched by the disorder, here are some signs so you may help a loved one or a friend.
- Unable to concentrate
- Unable to pay attention
- Difficulty getting organized
- Inability to plan
- Difficulty solving problems
- Inability to control your own emotions
AD/HD
Objective
The objective is to get AD/HD discovered and treated. Next, lessen the issues it causes every day,
I HATE AD/HD!
I had no idea I had AD/HD until my psychologist brought it up. Apparently the complaints I had I like: unable to plan; lack of concentration and paying attention; and the inability to solve problems were sure signs of this disorder. I was a walking advertisement for Adult AD/HD.
Now my husband has put limits to my driving. This is only for my benefit or the other driver(s) benefit. With my inability to keep my attention focused: I am not allowed to drive at night, I cannot talk on the phone or otherwise while driving (this includes the passengers), cannot sing to the music nor can I text at stoplights,
If you take a look at the image above, you will see words like planning, business, finance and clients. These are basic 101 college introductory level business terminology. Everybody should know these vocab. Yet, there are people who know what the words are. But still, do now know how to perform them successfully.
Concentrating
Concentrating, I feel, is one of the hardest skills to do with this disorder. The lack of concentration happened to me when I was working a desk job and now as a writer. If I am doing something tedious, boring or it drags out, I totally lose concentration.
Adults with ADHD find it extremely difficult to stay awake, alert, sufficiently aroused and activated to continue their concentration when things are not interesting, no immediate excitement or payoff. This in turns causes them not to pay attention.
ADHD
Unable to Pay Attention
This symptom has many similarities to that of concentrating. It does not matter the activity. I can talk on the phone, work, talk to someone face to face or watch a movie, I go space cadet.
My mind starts thinking about dinner, notices the dogs and wants to play with them, if music is playing, I will begin to guess the artist and the name of the song and which decade it was introduced in.
One thing to remember is that this disorder is not about paying attention. Instead it is a problem with organizing over time to prepare for the future. Without being able to plan for the future, that messes with one’s whole entire life: finances, family, food, shelter. At this point, all organization has flown out the window.
If it were not for my husband, I would be homeless. I know that is what my fate would initially be.
Organization
When I was a teacher to middle school students, I was the Queen of Organization. Nobody could top me in the organization relay race among the teachers and staff. Toward the end of my career as a teacher, I started losing that organization relay race.
When I became paralegal, I broke so many laws of organization it was not even funny. I could not find files. I could not keep accurate notes on instructions given to me by the attorney.
ADHD
Where do we turn?
Like I said at the beginning, having ADHD is really, really hard. We need help. With my bipolar which includes ADHD, I try to go to Jesus first for help and comfort. He sticks closer than a brother. He will never leave me nor forsake me.
You could also go to your therapist or psychiatrist for help. For instance, my AD/HD has been getting worse. I believe it is time to adjust my meds.
There are your close friends and family you could go to as well. Your sports team to talk about your frustration. What about your book club group? The church family where you attend worship.
Call to Action
I encourage you to friend me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeconquering/. This way if you get in a sticky situation with your AD/HD, you can send me a message.
Please post comments in the section below or email me at: [email protected]. I would love to know what your experiences have been with Adult AD/HD.
References
“Taking Charge of Adult ADH” by Russell A. Barkley, PhD with Christine M. Benton
Going Further
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/adhd-adults#1
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/10-symptoms-adult-adhd#1
https://www.additudemag.com/adult-test-for-add-adhd/