October is ADHD awareness month. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests as difficulties with focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While it is most commonly diagnosed in children, it can also affect adults. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 4.4% of U.S. adults aged 18-44 years have ADHD. ADHD can only be diagnosed by a medical professional, so if you believe you may have ADHD, consult a healthcare professional. Here are six signs you may have ADHD:

1. You Have Difficulty Paying Attention

Do you find yourself daydreaming during class or meetings? Do you have trouble completing tasks? If so, you may have difficulty sustaining attention, which is a common symptom of ADHD. If you are having trouble staying focused while working from home, here are six tips that may help you out.

2. You Are Easily Distracted

Do outside factors such as noise or movement easily distract you? If your answer is yes, this could be another sign that you have ADHD. People with ADHD often have trouble filtering out distractions and focusing on a single task. If you have trouble focusing, we’ve put together this list of tips that may help you out.

3. If You Are Impulsive, that’s one of the Signs You May Have ADHD

Do you find yourself acting on impulse without thinking things through? This impulsivity can manifest in different ways, such as interrupting others mid-conversation or taking risks without considering the consequences.

4. You Are Hyperactive

Are you always on the go? Do you feel restless or fidgety? If so, this could be due to hyperactivity, which is another common symptom of ADHD. Adults with this disorder often have trouble sitting still for long periods of time and may pace around when they’re supposed to be sitting down.

5. You Have Trouble Organizing Things

Do you have trouble keeping track of your belongings? Do you often lose things? If organization doesn’t come naturally to you, this could be a sign of ADHD. People with this disorder often have difficulty processing information and may have trouble following instructions.

6. You Feel Overwhelmed Easily

Do small problems or setbacks feel like insurmountable challenges? Do you get easily overwhelmed by everyday tasks? Feeling overwhelmed by relatively small problems is common among adults with ADHD.

 

If you think you might have ADHD, it’s important to consult with a mental health professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. While there is no cure for ADHD, there are many effective treatments available that can help people manage their symptoms and lead happy and productive lives. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you think you may need it—the sooner you get treatment, the better!

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