Do I Have Adult ADHD?
By Dr. Jesse Brand
You just got through an entire page of reading and you realized you haven’t absorbed a single thing. Or you totally zoned out while listening to a friend’s story. If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I have ADHD?” you’re certainly not alone! In today’s fast-paced world, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed, distracted, or forgetful. However, for some people, these experiences are more than just occasional lapses.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both kids and adults. It’s essentially a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with day-to-day functioning. While it’s commonly diagnosed in childhood, many people continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.
Do I have “adult-onset” ADHD?
There actually is no such thing as ADHD that starts in adulthood. If it’s actually ADHD, then by definition it started in childhood. If it wasn’t recognized in childhood, it’s then a question of why that might have been. There are many possible reasons, including high intelligence, assistance from parents, or if you born in the ancient times of the 1980s or before, it just wasn’t being recognized as much.
Common Symptoms of ADHD
Adult ADHD symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but they fall into two categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
Symptoms of inattention:
– Difficulty sustaining attention
– Frequent careless mistakes in work or other activities
– Failing to follow through
– Difficulty organizing
– Avoiding or disliking tasks that require sustained mental effort
– Frequently losing items
Symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity:
– Fidgeting with or tapping hands or feet, or squirming in seat
– Unable to engage in leisure activities quietly
– Talking excessively
– Difficulty waiting for a turn
– Interrupting or intruding on others
So…Do I Have Adult ADHD?
If you recognize several of these symptoms in yourself and they’ve been around for a while, it might be worth considering an evaluation. It’s important to note that everyone experiences some of these symptoms at times, and not everyone with these symptoms has ADHD. The important thing is the degree to which these symptoms interfere with your daily life and how pervasive they have been throughout your life, since childhood. If you suspect you have ADHD, the first step is to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a neuropsychologist with experience in diagnosing ADHD.
The evaluation process typically involves:
– A detailed interview about your symptoms and their impact on your life
– A review of your personal and family medical history
– Questionnaires or rating scales that assess ADHD symptoms
– Possibly, interviews with family members or others who know you well
Jesse Brand is a clinical neuropsychologist at the Stixrud Group.
