How to Tell if a Person Has Adult ADHD

While ADHD is a fairly common diagnosis in children, in recent years more adults have been diagnosed with the disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health says that 4.1 percent of adults aged 18 to 44 have diagnosable symptoms of Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder. Individuals with a history of the disorder often continue to have symptoms as adults. Adults with ADHD often show signs of impulsiveness, agitation and restlessness, and they might have problems concentrating or meeting deadlines due to procrastination. There are ways to document and identify problems that can indicate ADHD is present.

Instructions

• 1

  Learn the signs of ADHD. Try to identify times where lack of concentration and disorganization are evident, or when restlessness and procrastination occur. Notice times when the person with ADHD has problems getting to work on time, completing work, keeping up with household chores or financial obligations; an adult with ADHD also might interrupt and interject during conversations.

• 2

  Make note of issues like compulsive or stress eating, addiction to substances, drinking excessively or other compulsion activities. People with ADHD are inclined to act impulsively.

• 3

  Try to identify trigger issues and eliminate them. Take over chores or financial obligations if possible to help a loved one with ADHD, because these types of tasks often cause an affected adult to procrastinate or feel overwhelmed.

• 4

  Help organize things used in everyday life, like shoes in closets or papers and bills. Organizing things can simplify life for the person with ADHD and help eliminate distractions such as finding shoes before work.

• 5

  Encourage the individual to seek help if these steps don't help. Start with a physical exam to identify any underlying physical issues that might cause restlessness, such as sleep disorders or addiction; many ADHD sufferers have these types of issues. Request a referral to a therapist, counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist.