Everyone – ADHDer or not – can have difficulty focusing, sitting still, or completing a complex task. But when these problems are so pronounced and frequent that they impede one’s progress in school, career, relationships, etc., then they may be symptoms of ADHD.
Most often, ADHD symptoms first appear in early childhood, but symptoms can also be associated with brain injury later in life (although this is fairly rare). Here are the officially recognized symptoms for the three main sub-types:
Predominantly inattentive type: (ADHD-I)
Doesn’t give enough attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
Has a hard time sustaining attention.
Doesn’t appear to listen.
Struggles to follow through on instructions.
Finds organization to be difficult.
Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort.
Loses things.
Is easily distracted.
Is forgetful in daily activities.
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type: (ADHD-HI)
Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms when seated.
Has tough time staying seated.
Runs around or climbs excessively.
Difficulty engaging in activities quietly.
Acts as if driven by a motor.
Speaks excessively.
Blurts out answers before questions have been fully asked.
Hard time waiting or taking one’s turn.
Interrupts or intrudes on others.
Combined type: (ADHD-C)
Person meets both sets of the above criteria.
Bottom Line: If you think you might be a sufferer, take an Adult ADHD Test for starters. But then get to a medical professional for, uh, professional medical advice.
P.S. If you haven’t yet heard of www.CrusherTV.com, I hope you’ll check it out. Each Monday night at 10pm we “air” another episode chock full of useful productivity tips and “brain hacks”, and our Guest Experts provide more great ideas. Tons of other benefits for members, including free group coaching sessions. Hope to “see” you there! – Team Crusher
