4 Adult ADHD Signs: Thoughts from an ADHD Therapist in Utah
You may be wondering if you have ADHD. There is more information available to us now about ADHD that raises awareness of it and its symptoms. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts about 4 percent of adults in the United States. It may be higher than this but goes undiagnosed. Many people have believed that ADHD is only something that impacts children, and this is one of the many myths about ADHD. As a result, adults aren’t aware they might be experiencing symptoms of ADHD. Adults don’t seek treatment for ADHD if they don’t realize what they are struggling with is actually ADHD. By the time many people reach adulthood, they have learned to develop coping skills that have masked their ADHD symptoms. If you are wondering if you have ADHD, you can be tested by a psychiatrist specializing in ADHD, but these are also symptoms to look out for.
What does ADHD look like in adults?
ADHD in adults can look a lot different than when you see it in children. There are misconceptions about ADHD where people stereotype this diagnosis as bouncing off the walls or not listening. Some people believe it’s a diagnosis that can be grown out of adulthood. ADHD is not a result of bad parenting and is not something people just grow out of. When it comes to Adult ADHD it just looks different than it does in children. An Adult with ADHD might have difficulty concentrating and focusing in a conversation. They may forget important details, appointments, or things that were said. Symptoms of ADHD in adults might include being disorganized and having a hard time completing tasks in a timely manner. These are just some of the traits to be aware of but we will dive into this a little more.
What are the top signs of ADHD in Adults?
Keep in mind that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and it requires a comprehensive evaluation by a professional. It’s important to be aware of some of the potential signs and symptoms of ADHD to look for so you can seek more information from a professional. ADHD has common themes but it will vary from person to person. Here are some of the common signs of ADHD in adults:
1. Inattention
Someone with Adult ADHD will struggle with their focus and attention in different areas. If you have ADHD you have trouble maintaining your concentration and can be distractable. You may have a hard time staying present in meetings, in conversations, and while reading. You might struggle with your memory and will tend to be forgetful about doing things. Deadlines may be a struggle for you, and you can find yourself procrastinating until the very last minute. In your relationships, you might have a hard time remembering things your partner has said or remembering anniversaries and birthdays. This is a challenge when ADHD impacts your relationships.
2. Hyperactivity
As an adult, you may not be bouncing off the walls like is depicted in children with ADHD. An adult with ADHD will show signs of restlessness and have a hard time sitting still. If you have ADHD, you might be constantly fidgeting, moving, or tapping your feet. You may have a difficult time relaxing and may feel on edge or anxious when you aren’t doing something. Hyperactivity as a symptom of ADHD in adults can manifest as agitation and getting bored easily. You might have a tendency to grave excitement and to take risks.
3. Impulsivity
Impulsivity in adult ADHD can mean interrupting others when they are talking and having a hard time keeping your thoughts in. You may act without thinking through the consequences of a decision. Adults with ADHD who demonstrate impulsive behavior act quickly and don’t consider the pros and cons of a situation. Having Adult ADHD also might mean emotional impulsivity. You might struggle with reacting quickly with an emotional reaction. It can be hard to control your frustration or anger and have a difficult time calming down. When you feel more sensitive to rejection in relationships. It can seem like you have mood swings in the way you respond.
4. Poor time management
Having adult ADHD can mean there’s a struggle to manage your time effectively. It can be hard to start and complete tasks. It may be a challenge for you to estimate how much time it takes to complete something. You might overestimate your ability to be able to work on something or complete a deadline. You may feel overwhelmed by all that you have to do and will procrastinate completing it. Because of poor time management, you may miss assignments, and work deadlines, and complete things late.
Online ADHD Treatment in Utah can help manage Adult ADHD
ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that isn’t going to just go away. While taking medication may be helpful to many adults with ADHD, it’s not the only thing that might be helpful. Therapy can help you understand how to regulate your emotions when they are difficult to manage. You can learn coping strategies to deal with your ADHD so that it doesn’t lead to feeling disappointed in yourself and believing you’re a failure. Meeting with a therapist for ADHD can help you have support in a safe environment while also holding you accountable.
Begin working with an ADHD therapist in Utah
You can cope with your emotions more effectively. You don’t have to feel overwhelmed by your ADHD diagnosis and ADHD treatment can help. This Utah Counseling Practice has a therapist for ADHD specializing in ADHD treatment. To begin counseling follow the steps below:
Meet with an ADHD therapist
Start managing your ADHD better
Online ADHD Treatment in Utah
When you have ADHD, it can be hard to manage your time. It’s hard to imagine fitting in another appointment with the commute to attending therapy in the office. To make it easier for you, I provide online therapy in Utah. This means you don’t have to worry about leaving home or work to attend your therapy appointment. It’s just as effective as in-person therapy but is much more convenient.
Online counseling also means I work with clients all over the state. I work with clients in Salt Lake City, Logan, Provo, Heber City, St. George, Cedar City, and more.
Other mental health services provided by Marcus Hunt Therapy
ADHD treatment isn’t the only counseling service provided at this Utah Counseling Practice. Other mental health services provided by Marcus Hunt Therapy include therapy for men, EMDR therapy, PTSD treatment, premarital counseling, marriage counseling, LDS marriage counseling, depression therapy, and counseling for anxiety. Book a free 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help.
About the Author
Marcus Hunt is an AMFT at Marcus Hunt Therapy near Provo, Utah. Marcus has a bachelor's degree in behavioral science from Utah Valley University. He also has a master's degree in marriage and family therapy. Marcus specializes in working with adult men who have masked their symptoms and seem to be functioning well but end up being diagnosed with ADHD later in life. He enjoys helping men challenge the negative beliefs they have about themselves as a result of their ADHD as well as helping them learn to cope more effectively with their symptoms.