Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition with symptoms such as inattentiveness, impulsivity and hyperactivity, can be hard to diagnose.
The disorder has a number of possible symptoms, and they can easily be confused with depression or anxiety.
If you are concerned you may have ADHD, there are six questions you should ask yourself.
1. Are you forgetful?
No one can remember everything, so a small amount of forgetfulness is completely normal, but do you seem to forget things more frequently than your peers? Do others make particular reference to your forgetfulness? You might spend time looking for glasses, wallets, phones, and other items every day, forget to return phone calls or miss appointments regularly. These things can all be signs of ADHD.
2. Do people accuse you of not listening?
Losing focus during a conversation can happen to anyone, but if it happens on a regular basis, this can be a warning sign of ADHD.
3. Are you frequently late for appointments?
Time management is difficult for ADHD sufferers and can often result in missed deadlines.
4. Do you have trouble concentrating?
This is one of the major symptoms of ADHD. Any activity that requires you to focus for long periods or pay critical attention to detail can be difficult if you suffer from the disorder.
5. Do you struggle to finish tasks?
Starting or finishing projects can be difficult if you are having problems with your attention and memory. Some procrastination is normal, but if it is a habit, it can be a symptom of ADHD.
6. Did you have behaviour issues as a child?
You need to have had attention and concentration problems as a child in order to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult – even if those early symptoms were not formally diagnosed. If you were diagnosed with this disorder as a child, you may still have it. The symptoms can change as you age and not everyone outgrows it.
If you answered yes to all of these questions or to most of them, it could be worthwhile to make an appointment with your doctor. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you need to have several symptoms, not just one or two.
A doctor will ask what symptoms you have, when they started, how long they have lasted and how severe they are. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, there are treatments available to help you manage the condition.
For more information, visit WebMD
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