It’s common to hear about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, but not the 8 million adults who are expected to have the condition. Not even a quarter of adults who have ADHD are diagnosed or treated so if you’re trouble staying focused and organized, it may be due to a more serious issue.
In fact, ADHD can cause different, less conspicuous issues in adults than it does in children. Instead of loud, noticeable outbursts, adults with the disorder may exhibit behaviors that could wrongly be attributed to personality traits such as being lazy, angry, or irritable.
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But, how do you know if you may be an adult with ADHD? Here are seven symptoms to examine:
1. Problems at work
If you’re having trouble keeping a job, ADHD may be to blame. It can affect your ability to perform everyday functions in your job: meeting deadlines, being on time, organizing tasks, or paying attention to detail. It can cause you to be agitated with the duties you do on a daily basis.
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2. Unable to focus on reading
Reading requires a great deal of focus, so it is a difficult task for those with ADHD. Longer written pieces such as books can be harder to digest. This problem influences educational ventures.
3. Poor listening skills
Having trouble listening to others is another sign that you may have significant attention problems. This challenge can include interrupting others as they speak and not following conversations. Listening is key to communication, so this issue can lead to problems in marriage, relationships and friendships.
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4. Distracted driving
ADHD causes you to be easily distracted — a dangerous problem when driving. A Swedish study indicated that adults with ADHD are 50 percent more likely to be in a serious car accident.
Repeated accidents (or close calls) may indicate a need for help.
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5. The need for a thrill
People with ADHD seek stimulation and for some people, that comes from risky behavior. Activities like extreme sports, alcohol or drug abuse and extramarital affairs are examples.
6. Inability to relax
Hyperactivity is a severe form of restlessness, and if you’re unable to relax, ADHD may be why. It can lead to pent-up stress, causing you to feel as if you’re always on edge.
7. Anger issues
ADHD can cause emotional outbursts over small problems. If annoyances and frustrations are enough to push you over the edge, it may be at fault.
