ADHD in Adults: How do I know if I have it?

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get as an ADHD Coach is:

ADHD in Adults. How do I know if I have (or my partner, my child, my friend, my boss has) adult ADD or ADHD?

My official response is to get a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Psychiatrist, family doctor, psychologist, nurse practitioner, therapist, social worker, neurologist….all of these resources can help you secure an accurate diagnosis.  An ADHD Coach can help you identify the challenges that could indicate ADHD and help you articulate them to your healthcare professional.

If you are in the beginning stages of figuring out if ADHD is in the picture, there are 10 signs that may be a tip-off that it’s time to pursue a diagnosis:

• Easily distracted: Do you lose your place in conversations because another thought enters your mind? Do you start out listening but become quickly bored and tune out?

• Racing thoughts or physical need for constant movement: Is it hard to turn off your brain, especially at bedtime?  Do you find yourself fidgeting, or getting up in the middle of a conversation or task to move around?

• Impulsivity: Do you act on every new idea that comes to mind? Do words flow out of your mouth without any filter? Are you “brutally” honest?

• Procrastination: “I’ll do it later” is your signature phrase or thought about the future.

• Disorganization/forgetful: Losing your keys, phone, credit cards, to-do-list or other critical-use items is a daily occurance.

• Poor time management: You’re late for most everything: appointments, deadlines, bill payment.

• Frequent mood swings/confrontational: People seem to walk on eggshells around you, or complain about your moodiness, and/or need to argue.

• Overly emotional for the situation: Anger, tears, frustration levels seem higher for you than others.

• Feeling overwhelmed/stressed out: You are easily overwhelmed and feel that you can’t seem to get control over your life.

• Unstable relationships: Relationships quickly become fragile or lose their luster (read stimulation). Either you choose inappropriate friends, or they are frustrated with your behavior. Lots of arguing, yelling, and trust issues.

Keep in mind as you are assessing the list above that we’re talking about chronic issues, not the once-in-awhile pokes in the eye.

And, while no two people will show up the same, the need to get a handle on these issues can make a real difference in your life.