Have you experienced challenges with concentration, impulsivity, restlessness, and organization throughout your life? ADHD can harm an individual’s social relationships and work and school performance.

ADHD is a developmental disorder associated with an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity.

Symptoms of ADHD:

Some people with ADHD mainly have symptoms of inattention, while others mostly have symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. Some people have both types of symptoms.

• Difficulty paying attention.
• Having too much energy or moving and talking too much
• Acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control
• Low frustration tolerance
• Mood swings
• Problems following through and completing tasks.
• Hot temper
• Trouble coping with stress.

Signs of inattention:

• Paying close attention to details or making seemingly careless mistakes at work or during other activities.
• Sustaining attention for long tasks, such as preparing reports, completing forms or reviewing lengthy papers.
• Listening closely when spoken to directly
• Following instructions and finishing duties in the workplace
• Organizing tasks and activities and managing time
• Engaging in tasks that require sustained attention.
• Losing things, such as keys, wallets, and phones
• Being easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
• Being forgetful in daily activities, such as paying bills, keeping appointments, or returning calls.
• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
• Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
• Avoids, or dislikes, tasks that require sustained mental effort.

Signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity:

• Experiencing extreme restlessness, difficulty sitting still for extended periods, and/or wearing others out with one’s activity.
• Fidgeting with or tapping hands or feet or squirming in seat
• Being unable to engage quietly in leisure activities.
• Talking excessively 
• Answering questions before they are asked completely.
• Having difficulty waiting one’s turn, such as when waiting in line.
• Interrupting or intruding on others

How ADHD Affects Adults

They might feel it is impossible to get organized, stick to a job, or remember to keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with undiagnosed ADHD.

They may seem restless and may try to do several things at the same time-most of them unsuccessfully. They sometimes prefer quick fixes rather than taking the steps needed to gain greater rewards.

How You Can Help Yourself

• Exercise regularly, especially when you’re feeling hyperactive or restless.
• Eat regular, healthy meals.
• Get plenty of sleep, try to turn off screens at least 1 hour before bedtime and get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.
• Work on time management and organization. Prioritize time-sensitive tasks and write down assignments, messages, appointments, and important thoughts.
• Connect with people and maintain relationships. Schedule activities with friends, particularly supportive people who understand your challenges with ADHD.

Suggestions That May Help:

• Make a list of tasks to accomplish each day. Prioritize the items. Make sure you’re not trying to do too much.
• Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Try using checklists!
• Use sticky note pads to write notes to yourself. Put them on the fridge, bathroom mirror, in the car, or where you will see the reminders.
• Keep a calendar.
• Take time to set up systems to file and organize information.
• Follow a routine that’s consistent from day to day and keep items, such as your keys and your wallet, in the same place.