5 signs you might have ADHD

Do you have trouble completing tasks no matter how hard you try? Have people complained that you tend to be forgetful? If you’re wondering why these and other traits are preventing you from accomplishing your goals, you may be dealing with adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

Several signs could indicate you’re one of the 4.4% of Americans who have this condition (including many well-known athletes and entertainers; see our list below, including Olympic gymnast Simone Biles). If you notice that all or most of these signs apply to you, consult your doctor.

What is ADHD? 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a condition that affects millions of people. According to the Mayo Clinic: “[It] is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.” The clinic also notes that “adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems.”

ADHD typically starts early in childhood and can persist into adulthood. It typically runs in the family, and it is believed that the genes we inherit from our parents can play a significant role in the development of the condition.

1. Are you disorganized?

People who have ADHD find it difficult to organize their personal and professional lives. Because they have a hard time maintaining focus, they are less likely to keep track of tasks and even personal items.

At work, someone with ADHD struggles with finishing assignments, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines. Because of this, performing at a high level can seem like an insurmountable challenge.

2. Is it hard for you to focus?

One of the hallmark traits of those with ADHD is an inability to focus on one thing for an extended period of time. As a result, people with the condition are easily distracted by internal and external stimuli.

They could be working on a project when they start daydreaming about their favorite TV show, which could lead to thoughts of what to have for dinner that night, which could lead to thinking about a friend they haven’t spoken to in a long time. On the other hand, they could be writing up a proposal when a co-worker engages them in conversation. The person with ADHD can become so engrossed in the discussion that they forget about the other project they started.

This aspect of ADHD can hurt personal and professional relationships. Many with the condition have a hard time listening to others for an extended period of time. Family and co-workers might believe that a person with ADHD is not interested or invested in the conversation, leading to frustrating misunderstandings.

3. Are you forgetful?

People dealing with ADHD also struggle to remember things — to the point where it’s frustrating for themselves and their loved ones. They’ll forget things like assignments, birthdays, and where they put misplaced items. Some might experience forgetfulness in a way that is more annoying than disruptive.

Everyone can be forgetful at times — especially if they are tired or stressed. But if you notice that this has been a common feature of your life, you might have ADHD.

4. Do you have problems controlling yourself?

Impulse control is another common characteristic of those with ADHD. For these individuals, it is difficult to make certain types of decisions and refrain from taking certain types of actions. These can include:

• Spending money on products they can’t afford
• Interrupting people during conversations
• Not considering the consequences of their behavior
• Using drugs

The first is especially ubiquitous among those with ADHD. According to a study published in Psychiatry Research, impulse buying is one of the most looked-for signs when assessing ADHD. 

5. Are you restless?

Hyperactivity in children with ADHD is common. But as they grow into adults, this symptom takes a different form. When people get older, they might exhibit symptoms such as:

• Constant fidgeting
• Racing thoughts
• Excessive boredom and a need to do many things simultaneously
• Nonstop talking

The combination of symptoms varies depending on the person. One might not talk excessively but might fidget constantly while engaged in conversation. Another may be an endless chatterbox who shuts other out of contributing to the dialogue by flitting from subject to subject. Either way, uncommon restlessness is a signifier that one might have ADHD.

Treating ADHD

ADHD can make it challenging to live a normal life. But there are ways to deal with the symptoms. The most common solution is medication. There are several different types that stimulate brain activity in a way that makes it easier to maintain focus. Below is a list of popular treatments, as listed by WebMD.

Short-acting stimulants include:

• Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
• Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, ProCentra, Zenzedi)
• Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

Intermediate-acting stimulants include:

• Amphetamine sulfate (Evekeo)
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin SR, Metadate ER, Methylin ER)

Long-acting stimulants include:

• Amphetamine (Adzenys XR-ODT, Dyanavel XR)
• Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin XR)
• Dextroamphetamine (Adderall XR)
• Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
• Methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Jornay PM, Metadate CD, Quillivant XR, Quillichew ER, Ritalin LA)
• Mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product (Mydayis)
• Serdexmethylphenidate/ dexmethylphenidate (Azstarys)

Therapy and education are also effective strategies. By understanding the condition more thoroughly, one can develop strategies to help cope with the condition. 

The bottom line is that if you have ADHD, all is not lost. By consulting with a medical professional, you can be equipped to prosper despite the challenges inherent in the condition. 

Famous people with ADHD

And lastly, you’re not alone. Celebrities who have publicly discussed their diagnoses and symptoms include Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, Justin Timberlake, will.i.am. Adam Levine, Howie Mandel, Ty Pennington, James Carville, Glenn Beck, Karina Smirnoff, Paris Hilton, and Terry Bradshaw.