SIGNS YOU HAVE ADHD

12 Signs You Have Adult ADHD & 4 Signs You Don’t

Howdy, folks! If you're anything like I used to be, you're likely scouring every ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) symptom checklist you can lay your eyes on. Let me tell you, if you've perused one, you've pretty much seen them all... until now, that is 😉. Here, I'm not just going to regurgitate the same old signs of adult ADHD; I'm also going to delve into why you might not exhibit them. It's time to shake things up a bit and offer some fresh insights into the intricacies of ADHD. So, buckle up and get ready for a different perspective!

Being diagnosed with ADHD at such a young age was like stepping into a whirlwind for me. I was that hyperactive child, the one who seemed to have boundless energy, leaving my parents puzzled and overwhelmed. It wasn't until they sought help from our family doctor, who then referred us to a psychiatrist, that things began to make sense. After a series of tests, the verdict was in: ADHD. Cue the introduction of Ritalin into my daily routine, which initially felt like a solution, but quickly turned me into a motionless figure, lost in a medicated haze. It was evident that something needed to change, and thankfully, my mom was quick to advocate for me. With the addition of Wellbutrin to my treatment plan, the balance began to shift. I was still me – still lively and spirited – just a little less so. After all, being a kid is synonymous with being energetic, right?

​1) You Never List Attention to Detail as a Skill

Ah, the perpetual struggle of job applications – the coveted skill of attention to detail always looming over us like a persistent shadow. If you've ever glanced at a job listing, you're familiar with the recurring theme: attention to detail is non-negotiable. Yet, if you were to slap that assertion onto your resume, it might as well be a tall tale (though, let's be honest, who hasn't been tempted?). Why? Because, more often than not, our minds resemble speeding trains, whizzing past the fine print without a second glance. It's this very trait that contributes to our elevated rates of accidents – a testament to the whirlwind that is the ADHD mind.

​2) The Phrase: “Repeat What I Just Said” Gives You Goosebumps

Ah, those dreaded five words – they have the power to send a chill down my spine, quite literally. Well, perhaps not every single time, but there have been occasions. Those innocuous words strike a chord of fear in the hearts of individuals with adult ADHD, for we exert every ounce of effort to remain engaged in the conversation. We genuinely strive to listen, to absorb, to comprehend enough to contribute with a thoughtful reply or a sympathetic nod. However, when it comes time to regurgitate what was said, it's as if our minds hit a roadblock. At best, we muster up a vague topic or emotion in response, hoping it will suffice. Such moments often lead to painfully awkward social encounters, leaving us grappling with the complexities of communication.

3) Your Work Space is a MESS

​Navigating daily life with ADHD, whether managed or unmanaged, presents a perpetual challenge, and for me, organization is at the forefront of this struggle. My office serves as a prime example – a chaotic symphony of what some might call an "organized mess." Amidst the clutter, I find solace in the familiarity of my piles; each stack serving as a visual reminder of tasks and responsibilities. And then there are the sticky notes – oh, how I adore them. Every stray thought or fleeting idea finds its way onto a sticky, adorning the walls like a colorful mosaic. Yet, as my wall space dwindles, I'm left pondering just how to accommodate my ever-expanding collection of reminders. Perhaps this scenario strikes a chord with you, too?

4) You’re An Expert Procrastinator

Do you find yourself consistently pushing tasks to the eleventh hour, only to miraculously pull off a flawless outcome? If your time management skills resemble a dumpster fire, then you might just be in the ADHD club. We have a knack for procrastination, often deferring tasks we deem unappealing until the very last moment. Yet, when the pressure mounts and the deadline looms, we enter a state of hyperfocus – our secret weapon. In this hyper-focused mode, we transcend the boundaries of distraction and excel at the task at hand, turning what seemed like an impending disaster into a triumph. It's a peculiar yet undeniable superpower that sets us apart.

5) You’d lose your head if it weren’t attached to your neck

You've probably heard it time and time again – the classic line: "You're always losing things!" It's a refrain that seems to follow those of us with ADHD like a shadow. Indeed, misplacing items big and small is a hallmark symptom of the condition. From keys and phones to wallets, it feels like a daily scavenger hunt just to locate the essentials. But it doesn't stop there. Oh no, we're talking about losing your entire car in the labyrinthine depths of a parking garage – those concrete mazes that seem designed to confound even the most neurotypical among us. Parking garages, I've come to realize, are the devil incarnate. I mean, who in their right mind decided that every floor should be a carbon copy of the last? It's enough to send anyone into a tailspin of confusion, but for those of us with ADHD, it's a full-blown nightmare.

6) You’re always accused of ignoring texts/calls

Living with friends who also have ADHD might seem like a match made in heaven, a bond forged through shared experiences and mutual understanding. And yet, even amidst this kinship, there are moments of frustration and misunderstanding. Take, for instance, the occasional ire directed my way when I fail to return a text or a call. You see, it's not a deliberate act of negligence; rather, it's the classic tale of ADHD in action. The truth is, I never intend to ignore anyone. It's just that amidst the chaos of daily life, messages often slip through the cracks, lost in the shuffle of competing stimuli. So, to my dear friends who may feel slighted by my apparent neglect, let me assure you – it's not personal, and it's certainly not intentional. Blame it on the ADHD, and feel free to pass on my apologies.

7) You were the pen tapper in high school

Ah, we all recall that one elusive kid who seemed to blend into the background until silence descended upon the classroom, and then, like clockwork, came the incessant tap, tap, tap of their restless fingers. If you were that kid, chances are you're intimately acquainted with ADHD. Or perhaps you were a mischievous troublemaker who took delight in tormenting your poor, unsuspecting teacher. In that case, well, let's just say there might be a whole cocktail of mental health conditions at play. This hallmark symptom of ADHD, however, manifests in various forms. It could have been the rhythmic bounce of a leg, the incessant gnawing of a pen, or the intricate doodles adorning the margins of your notebook. Personally, I was always the one clicking my pen – a habit that persists to this day, particularly in the midst of mind-numbing meetings or other tedious settings.

8) You’ve been labeled as the “talkative” friend

If you haven't already gathered, I'm quite the chatterbox. It might not be immediately apparent upon our first encounter, but once we've crossed the threshold into friendship, there's no shutting me up. I'll chatter on about anything and everything, ad nauseam – a trait that may ring a bell for many of you out there. Even if you tend to be more reserved in new social settings, don't count yourself out just yet. Simply inquire with your nearest friends or family members, and if they nod in agreement, well, consider this box checked.

9) You answer questions before you’ve heard/read the whole thing

It's akin to lacking that coveted attention to detail, but for teenage and adult patients grappling with ADHD, it's more than just a minor inconvenience – it's a genuine challenge. Picture this: you're in the midst of a conversation or a test, confident in your grasp of the topic at hand. Yet, in your haste to respond, you inadvertently gloss over crucial details, missing out on the nuances that could alter the entire context. It's a scenario familiar to many of us, one where we realize too late that we've veered off course, left grasping at straws as the gravity of our oversight sets in. Cue the facepalm moment, the internal groan of exasperation, as we grapple with the aftermath of our blunder. Let's swiftly shift gears now, shall we, before we tumble down the rabbit hole of past embarrassments, our minds replaying each cringe-worthy moment on an endless loop.

10) Your handwriting looks like it belongs to a child

One of the more obscure signs of ADHD, it's a trait that doesn't seem to affect women as frequently. Personally, I've honed my writing skills to a fine art over the years through sheer dedication and practice, yet even still, there are moments when my handwriting resembles that of a five-year-old, especially when speed is of the essence. If I'm being entirely candid, this particular quirk resonates more with my oldest daughter than with me. Bless her heart, she's a mirror image of my struggles, often unable to decipher her own handwriting, a fact she'd prefer to keep under wraps. So, let's keep this between us, shall we?

11) The term Hyperfocus resonates with you

While the struggle to maintain focus is a common thread among those with undiagnosed ADHD, there are moments when we find ourselves utterly engrossed in a task. These are the occasions where time seems to stand still, and the outside world fades into obscurity. Whether it's the allure of social media or the captivating realm of video games, certain activities have the power to captivate our attention so completely that hours pass in the blink of an eye. This phenomenon, known as hyperfocus, is a hallmark of ADHD, and if you find yourself lost in such moments, there's a strong likelihood you'll receive an ADHD diagnosis. However, if this concept feels foreign to you, fear not – the next list may be more tailored to your experiences.

12) You didn’t actually read this whole list

Let's face it – we're all guilty of it. You skim the headings, offer a quick "yup" or "nope," and continue on your scrolling journey. Maybe you pause to read a description here or there, especially if the heading leaves you scratching your head. But once you've grasped the gist, it's back to the scrolling grind. And you know what? That's perfectly okay. I'm not here to scold you for breezing past my carefully crafted witticisms. In fact, I'd be more surprised if you had hung on my every word. However, on the off chance that you're intrigued, perhaps even tempted to peek at number 4, then by all means, read on. And if you find yourself nodding along, feeling like you're part of the club, well, stick around. There's plenty more where this came from.

4 Signs You Don’t Have Adult ADHD

1) You Felt Connected with most of the above list but only sometimes

For the longest time, I was in denial about having ADHD, convincing myself that the symptoms were just part and parcel of everyday life. After all, who hasn't misplaced their keys, lived in a perpetually messy space, or forgotten important details? But here's the thing – while these mishaps might occur sporadically for most people, for those with ADHD, they're a near-daily occurrence, happening multiple times throughout the day. It's the frequency and consistency of these struggles that distinguish the ADHD experience from the occasional blunder. When these symptoms start to encroach on your daily functioning, affecting your relationships, work, and overall quality of life, that's when it crosses the threshold into a disorder. So, if you find yourself having the occasional "ADHD" day, chances are it's just that – a temporary blip, rather than a chronic condition.

2) You don’t remember having any of these issues as a child

A crucial aspect of ADHD diagnosis lies in the presence of symptoms during childhood. If your early years were marked by tranquility and devoid of memory struggles, chances are you fall within the neurotypical spectrum. However, if you find yourself grappling with symptoms later in life, such as memory issues or difficulty concentrating, there could be other underlying factors at play. Conditions like anxiety disorder and depression, known to manifest in early adulthood, can significantly impact memory and concentration abilities. It's essential to consider the broader context of your experiences and consult with a healthcare professional to accurately pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms.

3) You Feel like you’re living up to your potential

This is a significant indicator to consider. If you've consistently felt that you're meeting or even exceeding your potential in various aspects of life, it's improbable that undiagnosed adult ADHD is a factor. Those who navigate life without an ADHD diagnosis often grapple with persistent feelings of underachievement or inadequacy across different domains. Despite achieving notable milestones, such as graduating from college with honors, these individuals may still wrestle with a nagging sense of falling short of their true potential. It was precisely this pervasive feeling of not quite measuring up that spurred me to seek out testing for ADHD.

4) You’re Still Reading This!

If you're still engaged and attentive at this point, it's a promising sign that you might fall within the neurotypical spectrum. Most would have likely grown weary or struggled to maintain focus by now. So, if you're feeling perfectly content and ready to move on with your day, congratulations – it seems like symptom checklists might not be the best use of your time. However, if you find yourself inexplicably drawn into the intricacies of this discussion, well, that's a whole other story. You might just have slipped into hyperfocus mode, a quintessentially ADHD trait. throws up hands in defeat It's a bit of a toss-up, isn't it? This ambiguity underscores the importance of seeking proper psychological testing. After all, some symptoms of adult ADHD can be rather elusive and open to interpretation.

It's crucial to emphasize that while lists like these can provide insight and guidance, they should never serve as a replacement for professional evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. If you or a loved one suspect that ADHD may be a factor in your life, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. Only through a thorough assessment and accurate diagnosis can you receive the support and treatment you need. If you're unsure where to start, consider exploring a list of ADHD clinics in your area to connect with specialists who can offer assistance tailored to your needs. Remember, there's no substitute for a proper diagnosis and the care it enables.

Until next time…

💖 Aiden 💖