The Facts About Adult ADHD

Did you know that you could have adult ADHD and not even be aware of it? You may experience problems coping successfully with relationships, work or school or even have problems with the law but you may not realize these problems are caused by ADHD or that you even have it. For most people, the diagnosis of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is diagnosed in childhood and certainly most people assume it is something that they outgrow.

If you weren’t diagnosed as a child, you may just assume this is how you are and it is your personality. But ADHD can affect your personality, your behavior and your choices so a lot of things you assume are you- may not be.The good news however is that adult ADHD is treatable with medication, therapy and treatment for any other co-occurring mental health condition.

The main symptoms of this disorder include trouble focusing, feeling restless, disorganized, and unfocused and having trouble completing tasks. For many adults with ADHD these symptoms show themselves when you can’t meet deadlines or stay organized. This can make it hard to keep a job, get good grades in school or even maintain a relationship with others who expect you to remember dates and deadlines on a personal note.

Other symptoms include mood swings, trouble coping with stress, that may accumulate in a pattern of unstable relationships. For many adults with ADHD these problems can appear in the form of road rage, impatience waiting for service in long lines at the store or even maintaining a healthy relationship with a spouse or significant other.Not all adults with ADHD experience all of these symptoms and some symptoms may be more severe than others depending on the person experiencing them.

Many adults with ADHD may also suffer with a co-occurring mental condition such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can exasperate the effects of adult ADHD and work to decrease a person’s self-esteem levels. If you suspect you may have adult ADHD the first place to start may be with your family doctor. Talk to your physician about what you are experiencing, how long you have been aware of your symptoms and what medications you may be taking. If you are self-medicating with alcohol, drugs, or even caffeine you should talk to your doctor about this as well and not try to minimize or hide any information that may be relevant.

Your doctor will want to know about your sleep patterns and habits, when you notice your symptoms getting worse, when you began to notice your symptoms in the first place, and what helps your symptoms lessen if anything. Be prepared with this information ahead of time so you can make the most of your consultation appointment.Adult ADHD is treatable, but you have to ask for help to get help so if you suspect you have this disorder or you display many of these symptoms take the first step and talk to your doctor.