Could It Be ADHD? Identifying Symptoms of ADHD

Imagine this scenario: You’re at your workplace, and your boss has just handed you a crucial project with a major client. You reassure yourself that you’ll focus and get the job done, but your mind keeps drifting. Maybe you find yourself gazing out the window, lost in thought. Or a random idea pops into your head, and you’re instantly immersed in a web search for answers. Perhaps every notification sound distracts you. These may be symptoms of ADHD.

If you have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for years, you may find that they worsen as an adult. No longer can you blame your youth for your inability to wait your turn or keep still. You need to know how to recognize ADHD symptoms and how you can keep them from interfering with your life.

ADHD is the acronym for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD symptoms typically appear during childhood. If left untreated, the child can experience ADHD symptoms as an adult, which will interfere with their relationships and work.

Symptoms of ADHD

Symptoms of ADHD can include hyperactivity, or they may not. Not everyone experiences that specific behavior. In the past, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and ADHD were considered two separate disorders, but since they can overlap, ADHD is the umbrella term used by most professionals.

The following is a list of common ADHD symptoms.

Constant movement (fidgeting)

Constant movement, also known as fidgeting, is not necessarily wrong. Although it may distract others, fidgeting actually helps someone with ADHD to focus. The movement allows the mind to razor in on what someone is saying or on a project. Fidgeting has become so well accepted now that fidget toys are sold in stores and encouraged in classrooms.

Interrupting others

People living with ADHD may interrupt others. This behavior is not meant to be rude. They interrupt because the thought is moving quickly through their minds, and they fear they will forget it again. They find it difficult not to interject when someone is talking to them.

Unable to wait your turn

It may start in childhood, the inability to wait until their turn. Impulsivity is a hallmark of ADHD behavior. Often, this impulsiveness follows the child into adulthood, where waiting with patience is challenging in any scenario. Someone with ADHD may also struggle with delayed gratification.

Inability to concentrate

Dopamine levels are crucial to maintaining focus and feeling happier. Research has found that people with ADHD tend to have lower levels of dopamine, which makes it more difficult to concentrate. Adults with ADHD may learn tricks to help them focus for blocks of time, but children with ADHD may have a harder time without learning new skills or taking medication to help them concentrate.

Inability to sit still in silence

With lower levels of dopamine, the brain of someone living with ADHD is constantly looking for stimulation. Sitting in silence becomes boring, and they look for entertainment to occupy their minds. A counselor can help someone with ADHD learn to sit in silence with small, routine activities.

Is ADHD disrupting your life?

Your ADHD symptoms could be the driving force behind work conflict and relationship drama. Others can misinterpret these behaviors. Are you tired of ADHD symptoms disrupting your life? Now is the time to seek help from a counselor specializing in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Call our office today or complete the online form to meet with a counselor for an assessment. We would love to work with you and watch you grow.