ADD and ADHD have become common diagnoses in kids. But some adults might have these conditions, too, that weren’t diagnosed when they were children.
Signs of ADD or ADHD in Adults
Remember, just because you have some of the symptoms on the list below, it doesn’t mean you have one of these conditions. You will need to be diagnosed by a healthcare professional. Here are some symptoms that adults with ADD or ADHD commonly exhibit.
- Highly distractible
- Overlooks details on tasks or doesn’t complete them
- Has difficulty focusing on tasks
- Appears to “zone out” during conversations
- Procrastinates often
- Is chronically late
- Loses things easily
- Has poor listening skills
- Has difficulty retaining information
- Exhibits an addictive nature
- Suffers from irritability
- Has a tendency to interrupt people
- Easily becomes bored
- Has trouble sitting still
How You Can Ease Your ADD or ADHD Symptoms
Diagnosis is key, and you and your doctor can discuss the best treatments for you as an individual. Some non-medication techniques that often help adults with these conditions are listed here.
- Eat properly. Limit sugar, alcohol, and processed foods, and focus on whole foods.
- Exercise routinely and as intensely as possible for your health status. Routine exercise helps “let off steam,” and improves the symptoms of ADD in both kids and adults.
- Sleep well. Poor sleep or not enough of it is a common culprit for irritating the symptoms of ADD and ADHD.
- Work with an ADD and ADHD specialist. Therapists and doctors who treat lots of patients with these conditions are great resources for helping people work on increasing their impulse control, learning how to focus on details, improving their listening skills, and breaking tasks down into easy-to-manage bits with deadlines. All of these skills can help increase quality of life for a person with ADD or ADHD.
- Help your loved ones understand. If those around you better understand your condition, they can serve as wonderful support for you when you are struggling with symptoms.