ADHD is much more than just a phase in life. It is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects more than six percent of adults globally. On a normal day, an individual with ADHD struggles with seemingly effortless tasks like sticking to a routine, staying on track with the bills, completing a task on time, and not knowing what to do with all those dishes in the sink.
While ADHD is largely a genetic disorder, most adults only discover their condition when their children are diagnosed with it. In fact, one out of ten adults don’t even receive their diagnosis – they go about their lives without ever untangling the confusion and distress ADHD symptoms can cause in the background.
In some cases, individuals may even receive ADHD misdiagnosis primarily because ADHD symptoms can align with the symptoms of other conditions.
How to Find Out if you Have ADHD?
ADHD brings with it a massive wave of symptoms that can worsen over time. The complex web of symptoms like poor planning, disorganization, messy relationship with time, and a rollercoaster of mood swings, among others can naturally cause a disrupted life.
The ADHD checklist of symptoms might not be the same for two individuals because ADHD comprises three symptom subtypes, namely:
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity subtype
Individuals with this subtype always seem to be on the go – their ADHD checklist of symptoms causes them to fidget with their hands or feet, interrupt conversations, not stay seated when asked to or not wait their turn. They can even find it difficult to enjoy leisure activities.
Inattentive subtype
Inattentive type ADHD individuals can often seem distracted or forgetful. They possess lower attention to detail and tend to make careless mistakes at work. Issues like inability to listen closely, sustain attention for long hours, stay organized, and follow instructions are common in their day-to-day lives.
Combined subtype
In this ADHD subtype, individuals tend to face the combined ADHD symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattentive subtypes.
When to Seek Help
If you check off a majority of boxes in the ADHD checklist of symptoms, it might be your cue to seek ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Being aware of your ADHD can be liberating – that’s when your symptoms come out of the hiding as you begin to take control of them.
Working collaboratively with a professional ADHD coach – through tools like an ADHD daily schedule – can help you consistently organize your day and life. To get your healing process started, book a free consultation with me for ADHD coaching in Canada or online!
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