12 Facts about ADHD Diagnosis You Might Not Realize

As many as 5% of children in the U.S. have ADHD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and many of them don’t know it. It can manifest in many ways, and sometimes the symptoms aren’t obvious. That’s why ADHD diagnosis is so difficult.

ADHD DIAGNOSIS

It stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s one of the most common mental disorders. Usually, it comes up in childhood and last in adulthood too. Many people are not diagnosed, although they suffer from problems with concentration, compulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Popular Myth: ADHD means being hyperactive

Many people may not be aware that it is not just about being hyperactive. It can cause a person to struggle with concentration, focus, and paying attention. They may also have trouble with impulsivity, which can lead to problems with planning and organization.

Popular Myth: all ADHDers are the same

The next popular myth is that all people with ADHD struggle with the same problems. In fact, there are 3 types of ADHD and they differ in visible symptoms:

• impulsivity – visible symptoms are interrupting others, having problems with waiting for things to happen, saying inappropriate things in many situations (both life and professional)
• hyperactivity – visible symptoms are talking too much, restlessness 
• inattentiveness – visible symptoms are not paying attention to details, being easily distracted, avoiding tasks that require focus

Popular Myth: You can GET ADHD diagnosis via online tests

Not every ADHD diagnosis is correct. Certain types of mental problems are often misdiagnosed as ADHD. It includes issues like anxiety disorder, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, and mood disorders.

That is why it’s so important to have tests and a long conversation with a doctor to make a diagnosis. We strongly advise not to treat online test results as the final diagnosis.

Popular Myth: ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar

There is no evidence that sugar, too much social media, or TV can cause ADHD. In fact, there is evidence that ADHD is inherited. Some symptoms may be more visible in certain situations caused by the environment but these are not the cause of disability. 

Fact: You might not be able to focus

You might not be able to focus. This can happen when you’re trying to do something you don’t want to do, or when you’re trying to pay attention to something that doesn’t interest you.

This is a huge problem during studying as well as when doing repetitive tasks at work. It can also happen when you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious. If you can’t focus, it can be hard to get things done, and you might feel like you’re not reaching your potential.

Fact: You could have problems with short-term memory

If you have ADHD, you may have trouble with short-term memory. This means that you may forget things that you just learned, or you may have trouble remembering what happened yesterday. If this is a problem for you, it may help to keep a journal or to take pictures of important things so that you can look back and remind yourself of what happened.

Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-adhd-cause-memory-issues-5207991

Fact: You may not be able to control your reactions.

If you have ADHD, you may not be able to control your reactions to things. You might overreact to something small, or you might not be able to control your emotions at all. This can be a problem in both your personal and professional life. 

Overreacting may cause conflicts with other people, who may not realize your condition. Losing control in everyday situations affects family, friends, and work relationships. Awareness of ADHD and its communication with others can significantly improve your relationships.

As a person with ADHD, you may face frustration way more often than others. It also means giving up too quickly.

Useful link: https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/adhd-emotions-understanding-intense-feelings/

Fact: You might have a hard time understanding social cues

People with ADHD might not pick up on social cues and might not understand what is socially appropriate in a given situation. They might also have trouble reading nonverbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions. 

They often dominate the conversation or switch from topic to topic way too often. ADHD behavior may include moving around a lot, multitasking when talking to someone, or looking away. 

As a result, people with ADHD might say or do things that are considered socially inappropriate. 

Useful link: https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-social-skills#adhd-and-social-skills

Fact: You may take risks without thinking about the consequences

According to the Journal of Attention Disorders research, adults with ADHD face increased engagement in risky behavior. It results from the fact, that they are more likely to overestimate the pros of a given decision and not think about its risks.

Source: https://www.additudemag.com/why-do-people-engage-in-risky-behaviors/

Fact: You could have trouble sleeping

This may be due to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or early morning awakening.

When it comes to ADHD, there are many symptoms that people might not realize are connected to the disorder. These symptoms can range from trouble sleeping to constant fidgeting. However, by understanding the symptoms of ADHD, people can get the help they need to manage the disorder.

Fact: You have many unfinished tasks and procrastinate too much

Having difficulties in staying focused, being easily distracted, and giving up too early results in procrastinating and having a whole list of unfinished tasks. If you struggle with it, you may consider contacting a doctor. Maybe it’s one of the symptoms of ADHD.

Fact: You have a negative self-image

Many adults struggling with ADHD are too self-critical. They perceive the results of ADHD as being an underachiever or even a failure.

Useful link: https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adult-adhd#physical-health-concerns

Summary:

There are many symptoms of ADHD that you may not be aware of. If several of the above symptoms apply to you, it may be worth considering testing for ADHD. There are several self-diagnosis tests on the internet, but we recommend contacting a specialist about this.

It’s hard to deal with the challenges of ADHD without a proper diagnosis. If you get one, you can find the best apps to manage ADHD here.

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