Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affect millions of people in the United States and around the world. You or someone you know may even have an ADHD diagnosis. Knowing the symptoms of ADD and ADHD can help you or someone close to you get the proper diagnosis and treatment at our Allen clinic.
It is important to note that most people are diagnosed with ADHD and ADD in childhood, with symptoms usually appearing between the ages of 3-6 years old. It has become more common, however, for adults to receive a diagnosis as doctors learn more about the condition.
When discussing ADHD it is important to understand that there are four types:
The presentation of your symptoms determines which type of ADHD you are diagnosed with. Inattentive ADHD is based on your ability to focus without as many hyperactive symptoms, while hyperactive-impulsive ADHD involves difficulty sitting still and having excessive energy.
Combined presentation is the most common type of ADHD, in which a person experiences inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, while unspecified presentation manifests as severe symptoms that do not adhere to the other criteria. A trained professional, such as a doctor, should be the only person to diagnose someone with any form of ADHD.
Our Allen-based team is here to help patients understand the symptoms of ADD and ADHD.
One of the core symptoms of ADHD is a struggle with controlling the ability to focus. This includes having difficulty concentrating on specific tasks. You might be easily distracted or find yourself daydreaming more than feels usual. This may mean that you zone out during a conversation, or overlook instructions and details due to your mind wandering while attempting to complete a task. You might also experience moments of hyperfocus when working on a project you find interesting, neglecting other elements of your life in the process.
Those with ADHD are more likely to engage in impulsive behaviors. This can include risk-taking behavior that has a higher likelihood of harmful outcomes, like starting arguments and fights or gambling and overspending. Other risk-taking behaviors to be aware of for those who experience ADHD include substance use and abuse and reckless driving. Getting support for your ADHD can help you prepare for and reduce your chances of engaging in risk-taking activities.
ADHD can have a profound impact on a person’s memory, and specifically the working memory, which can impact many daily activities. You may find yourself forgetting things on your shopping list, losing your needed items, re-reading sections of a book or article due to not retaining information, and many other daily activities. By recognizing your forgetfulness as a symptom of ADHD, rather than an innate part of you, you can find treatment that may help improve your symptoms.
Especially present in adults, signs of hyperactivity such as restlessness are clear symptoms of ADHD. This includes behaviors such as tics and fidgeting, but also things such as overthinking and catastrophizing. Hyperactivity also includes trouble sitting still during tasks. It is thought that fidgeting and other forms of physical stimming may be attempts to stay focused on tasks that do not stimulate the brain in a meaningful way.
Learning the symptoms of ADD and ADHD can help you find the right treatment. Knowing what to look for will help you understand why things are happening. By identifying your experience, you can better identify your needs, and our skilled team at Prestige Clinic are here to help you become the best version of yourself. Schedule a consultation today to learn how your symptoms may be signs of ADHD.