ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of children every year. But how do you know if you have ADD? And are ADD and ADHD the same?
The acronym, which stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, has some very peculiar symptoms such as lack of focus and time management, trouble managing money and relationships, disorganization, and impulsivity, among many others.
Shutterstock | ADHD, which is often called ADD, is a neurological disability that can cause hyperactivity and/or lack of attention
There are many tests available online for adults to determine if they are on the ADHD spectrum, and if so, what kind of help is available to them for managing the condition.
ADD Symptom Checklist for Adults
ADHD, which is often called ADD, is a neurological disability that can cause hyperactivity and/or lack of attention. These symptoms can prevent the person from carrying out their day-to-day activities, especially in a learning or work environment.
An early diagnosis of the condition can give patients a better understanding of the symptoms which may continue into adulthood, although, they might change or shift throughout the years as the person gets older.
Shutterstock | If you think you or a loved one has ADHD, it's never too late to get tested and start a treatment plan
But the biggest struggle is people who experience the symptoms of ADHD but have either been misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. They are at the risk of blaming themselves for their inability to focus or be productive at work, which only makes the condition more difficult to manage.
If you think you or a loved one has ADHD, it's never too late to get tested and start a treatment plan. There are several tests online for kids and adults that can give a diagnosis of the condition but their accuracy has been hotly debated among experts. It's always a better idea to talk to a health professional for a more in-depth assessment.
In general, if you have difficulty getting organized, get easily overwhelmed by multi-tasking, miss deadlines, procrastinate a lot, and leave projects unfinished, you might be showing signs of ADHD.
Some of the other symptoms also include getting bored easily, impulsive decision-making, changing plans quickly, and not being able to reach your goals. People with ADHD also have trouble maintaining balance in their lives. They tend to shop compulsively which is why they usually have a hard time managing their finances.
Shutterstock | If you have difficulty getting organized, get easily overwhelmed by multi-tasking, miss deadlines, procrastinate a lot, and leave projects unfinished, you might be showing signs of ADHD
Their tendency to get bored also drives them towards impulsive and dangerous activities such as extreme sports, overindulging in alcohol, partying hard, and reckless driving.
