When we think about attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, some of us picture hyperactive children who can’t sit still. They may fidget, act on impulse or can’t concentrate on tasks. Some may seem to talk a mile a minute. While all those behaviors are common, adult ADHD can look a little different. Many adults make it to their 30s, 40s, 50s or even 60s without a diagnosis. If you’re one of these adults, there’s some good news – there are solutions that can help you live a happier and healthier life. And understanding ADHD is the first key to finding them.
What Does Adult ADHD Look Like?
How do some people with ADHD slip under the radar as kids? When they were younger, they may be labeled as “gifted.” Some even do well in structured school environments. Demographics can play a role: Children of color and those assigned female at birth are diagnosed less often than their compatriots.
But regardless of why, they make it to adulthood without knowing they have ADHD. That’s when many start to really struggle. They lose keys, make careless mistakes on projects, become engrossed in what they’re doing and even lose track of time. And all of this can impact job performance, relationships and everyday life. Does any of this sound familiar? You may wonder how to determine if you have ADHD and look for some common signs:
- Difficulty gaining and maintaining focus
- Struggling to finish tasks that require focus
- Procrastination – projects, errands, housework and so forth
- Inability to prioritize when faced with multiple tasks
- Losing track of personal objects such as keys or a wallet
- Frequently running late or missing appointments
Adult ADHD can manifest in other ways. You may experience mood swings or temper flareups. And sometimes, these pass as quickly as they appear. Even if you don’t fidget or can sit still, you could experience an underlying feeling of restlessness. Perhaps you may get bored more easily than others around you.
- Related reading: ADHD Supplements And Vitamins for Preventing Symptoms
Are There Any Over-the-Counter Solutions?
Treatment for ADHD can look a little different for each person. If you suspect you may have it, your first step to getting answers is consulting your healthcare provider. You may need a medical exam to rule out other conditions. Next, you’ll go through a clinical interview and detailed assessment.
Should you receive a diagnosis, you’ll work with your provider on a treatment plan. Many people benefit from a combo of therapy and medication. They can also explore non-prescription therapies, especially if they deal with anxiety or OCD. Brillia over the counter meds for adult OCD is one example – people have enjoyed benefits such as improved clarity and focus plus decreased irritability and anxiety.
What Other Factors Should I Consider?
Lifestyle plays an important role when managing adult ADHD. We can make some impacts with healthier choices and stress reduction techniques. It’s also helpful to recognize factors that worsen inattentiveness and anxiety. If we don’t deal well with video conferencing, for instance, we can learn how online environments affect anxiety and adopt effective strategies to deal with them. The important thing is building your toolbox with solutions to help improve your quality of life.