Adult ADHD: Do I really need to be tested for ADHD?

Have you ever felt like you are stuck spinning your wheels? Or you have noticed that focusing on even the simplest task feels like running a marathon? These experiences might be relatable for anyone during stressful times, but for some, they are persistent, frustrating patterns that just do not go away when the stress ends. If this sounds familiar, it might be worth considering whether ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) could be part of the picture.

When we think of ADHD, we usually think it is diagnosed in childhood. As of May 2023, TikTok videos tagged with #ADHD have garnered over twenty billion views! This is leading many adults to question if it has been the missing puzzle piece behind their struggles. But how do you know if ADHD testing is something you should explore? Many people think it is hard to focus and fidget, and yes these are common with ADHD, there are many other signs to look out for. Here are some common signs that might suggest it is time to take a closer look.

Executive Dysfunction

Executive dysfunction is like having a glitchy GPS when you are trying to navigate daily life—it makes planning, organizing, and following through on tasks incredibly challenging. This common struggle for people with ADHD and other conditions affects skills like time management, decision-making, and emotional regulation. You might find yourself procrastinating, forgetting important deadlines, or feeling overwhelmed by even simple tasks.

Time Blindness

A common term for time blindness is poor time management or time perception challenges. Time blindness is a common challenge for people with ADHD, making it hard to accurately sense how much time has passed or how long tasks will take. Deadlines sneak up on you, and you are often running late despite your best intentions. This can lead to frustration, missed opportunities, or even strained relationships.

Financial Problems

Managing finances with ADHD can feel like juggling while riding a rollercoaster—overwhelming, unpredictable, and exhausting. Common ADHD challenges, like impulsivity and difficulty with organization, often lead to overspending, forgetting bills, or struggling to stick to a budget. Time blindness can make long-term financial planning tricky, while decision fatigue can leave you putting off money-related tasks altogether.

Hyperfixation

Hyperfixations are where you get so deeply focused on one thing that you lose track of everything else around you. It is like a laser beam of attention that locks onto something, whether it is a hobby, a project, or a specific interest, and you cannot pull away. The intensity of hyperfixation can make it hard to shift gears. While it might seem like a superpower, it can also be a double-edged sword, as it often leads to neglecting other important tasks or responsibilities. This can also make it difficult to transition between tasks or to multitask.

Struggle with Impulse Control

Impulse control can be another big red flag. This might look like interrupting others during conversations, blurting out thoughts without thinking, or making impulsive decisions that you later regret. If you find it hard to stop and think before acting, ADHD might be worth considering.

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is a term used to describe the intense emotional pain that can come from perceived rejection or criticism, even when it is not intended. For people with ADHD, RSD can be especially challenging because the emotional response tends to be much stronger than the situation might warrant. It can feel like a punch to the gut, and sometimes the fear of rejection can make you avoid situations or hold back from taking risks. It is not about being overly sensitive, it is a neurological response that can impact self-esteem and relationships.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common companion to ADHD, and the two can feed off each other, making things feel even more overwhelming. For many people with ADHD, the constant struggle with focus, time management, and impulsiveness can create a sense of chaos that triggers anxiety. The worry about forgetting things, being late, or not meeting expectations can build up. It is common to feel like you are juggling too many things at once, which leads to stress and anxiety.

Depression

Depression can often go hand-in-hand with ADHD, and it is common for people with ADHD to experience feelings of sadness, low energy, or hopelessness. The frustration of dealing with constant distractions, forgotten tasks, or unmet goals can lead to negative self-talk and a sense of inadequacy. This can make the challenges of ADHD feel even heavier, creating a cycle of low mood, fatigue, and low motivation.

When was the last time you ate, drank, or used the bathroom?

Forgetting to take care of basic needs, like eating, drinking water, using the bathroom, or getting enough sleep, is a common struggle for people with ADHD. When you are caught up in a task or hyper focused on something, it is easy to lose track of time and forget to check in with yourself. This can lead to skipping meals, not drinking enough water, or staying up later than you should. While it might seem like simple things to manage, the challenges of ADHD make it hard to stay on top of these daily routines.

Struggles in School or Work

Challenges of staying focused, organized, and on top of tasks can make it tough to keep up. Whether it is missing deadlines, getting distracted during lectures or meetings, or feeling overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list, ADHD can create a constant sense of falling behind. You may also have a hard time staying at one job or struggle with unemployment.

ADHD Runs in the Family

Many people have gone undiagnosed, especially older generations. It can be difficult to spot. Think about that Uncle with an extensive coin collection who can talk about it for hours. Or the Aunt everyone said was “quirky.” ADHD has a strong genetic component, so if a close family member has been diagnosed, your chances of having it increase. If you have noticed similarities in your challenges and theirs, it might be worth investigating.

Why ADHD Testing can be helpful

Deciding to pursue ADHD testing is a personal choice, but it can be a game-changer. Testing involves a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, history, and how ADHD might be impacting your life. It is not just about getting a diagnosis, it is about understanding your unique brain and finding strategies that work for you.

An ADHD diagnosis can open doors to tailored treatments, such as therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes, which help you manage symptoms and thrive. Plus, it is often a huge relief to finally have an explanation for why you have been struggling.

And you may just want to put some puzzle pieces together. To know for your own deeper understanding of yourself. It is about gaining clarity and the right tools to create a life that feels more manageable and fulfilling.

Next Steps

If these signs resonate with you, you can learn more about testing and schedule here.