5 adult ADHD warning signs

Many people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) never receive a proper diagnosis. Keep these five adult ADHD warning signs in mind.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it's important not to self-diagnose, which can often lead to erroneous conclusions. Leave the job to a doctor or psychologist, who can recommend a number of treatment options to help you control the disorder if you're in fact affected.

ADHD often impacts the portion of the brain responsible for executive function, which can affect your ability to plan your time appropriately, keep on top of different tasks or organize your schedule in an efficient manner. Disorganization is one of the most common symptoms of ADHD, so be aware if it seems to fit your patterns.

Often, people with ADHD do things without thinking them through and may not complete tasks even when there's a clear benefit to doing so. Children or teenagers might have trouble waiting their turns, experience extreme emotional swings or frequently start conflicts with others. Adults with ADHD can exhibit similar behaviours.

The mental tasks required by work and school can be extremely difficult to complete if you have ADHD. The disorder makes it challenging to concentrate on complex tasks, and regardless of your age, you may often find yourself fidgeting or squirming in your seat. You might also start a new work or school task instead of completing the current task.

If you miss traffic lights or fail to pay attention to the road, that could be an ADHD warning sign. Driving takes a certain amount of concentration, and many of those with ADHD frequently get tickets or find themselves in traffic accidents.

Chronic lateness can be a sign that you have ADHD. People with ADHD often have difficulty estimating how long it will take to finish a task, leading to assignments handed in late or work tasks taking longer than expected. You might also have difficulty keeping appointments, due to issues with distraction or organization.

It's not entirely clear what causes ADHD. Because the condition often runs in families, genetics might be to blame. Environmental factors and diet have also been pinpointed as potential causes. ADHD may be diagnosed if your symptoms began in childhood and persisted longer than six months.

While dealing with ADHD can be difficult, help is available. After confirming your ADHD diagnosis, your doctor can recommend behavioural therapies, medication and even changes to your diet. However, the first step is recognizing your ADHD symptoms and seeking help for the condition.