6 Key Symptoms of Adult ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects many executive functions – our ability to plan and organise, time manage, regulate our emotions and pay attention.

Adult ADHD diagnosis has increased in recent times due to a greater understanding and awareness of ADHD among healthcare professionals and better diagnostic tools that recognise the presence of ADHD symptoms, which vary from person to person in severity and presentation.

Some key symptoms common in adult ADHD may include:

1. Poor time management.
2. Procrastination and inability to focus, or hyper focusing on projects.
3. Easily overwhelmed by routine work or home obligations.
4. Becoming hyper-focused on projects or specific areas of interest.
5. Chronic feelings of frustration, guilt or blame.
6. Difficulty maintaining relationships.

There are self-help strategies that can assist individuals with ADHD:

If you or someone you know is experiencing significant difficulties in multiple areas of life due to these ADHD symptoms, there are many self-help strategies that can assist:

1. Develop Structure – it can be difficult at times to keep track of what you’re working on or need to get done. By keeping a list or planner nearby that you can jot items into, this can help you remember things that may slip your mind.
2. Manage your schedule – try implementing timers or check the clock when engaging in activities. People with ADHD tend to struggle with time management and perception. This can help you become aware of how much (or how little) time you’re spending on various activities. It can also be helpful to give yourself more time to complete a task than you think you need.
3. Practise focus – juggling ADHD and work or study can be tough. Try using colours and lists to organise your documents in work. This can be a very useful quick visual aide. It can also be helpful to minimise distractions as much as possible through the use of “do not disturb” with online tools and your phone.
4. Manage stress – engaging in regular exercise, prioritising sleep and eating a healthy balanced diet can all help manage overall stress levels. The lower your stress, the easier it should be improve your focus and limit distractions.

How we can help:

If you suspect you have ADHD, it is recommended to seek the help of a mental health professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific needs.  To find out more about ADHD key symptoms and diagnosis, contact the Centric Mental Health team of psychologists here or contact hello@mentalhealth.ie phone 01 611 1719