Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder that affects a person’s ability to pay attention, concentrate, and behave in a way that is appropriate for their age. People with ADHD often have trouble staying organized and being on time, have difficulty finishing tasks, and sometimes behave without thinking about the consequences of their actions. Most people think of ADHD as a childhood disorder, but it also affects millions of adults in the US. The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but researchers think it may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three distinct groups: Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity.

• Inattention symptoms include:
• Procrastination
• Not completing tasks like homework or chores
• Moving from one uncompleted activity to another
• Disorganization
• Lack of focus
• Lack of attention to detail
• Tendency to make careless mistakes
• Have trouble staying on topic while talking
• Not listening to others
• Not following social rules
• Forgetfulness about daily activities
• Easily distracted by trivial sounds/events
• Difficulty getting along with others
• Frequent daydreaming

Hyperactivity symptoms include:

• Fidget and squirm when seated
• Get up frequently to walk around
• Restlessness
• Difficulty being quiet
• Always on the go
• Excessive talking

Impulsivity symptoms include:

• Impatience
• Cannot wait their turn
• Blurt out answers before someone finishes talking
• Frequently interrupt or intrude on others
• Start conversations at inappropriate times

Prevalent signs of ADHD in adults include:

• Difficulty finding the right words
• Feeling fatigued at work
• Hyperfocus on certain interests
• Difficulty with right & left directions
• Risky behaviors
• Struggling with fidelity
• Feeling bored during sex

While some adults with ADHD may experience these signs, it might not apply to every situation. None of these symptoms definitively point to having ADHD; only a doctor can provide a diagnosis after a proper evaluation.

ADD and ADHD are often used interchangeably; while they may be used to refer to the same condition, they are distinct terms with unique meanings. In most cases, ADD is an antiquated term that has not been used in formal diagnoses for decades; the proper term used in modern psychiatry is ADHD. Aside from this fact, the biggest difference between the two conditions is that ADD lacks the hyperactivity present in ADHD, hence the missing “H”.

When symptoms of ADD/ADHD interfere with normal day-to-day functioning or negatively impact relationships, the condition should be evaluated by a therapist. People benefit from therapy the most when:

• Experiencing unresolved emotional issues surrounding ADHD; more than half of people with ADHD have a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as depression, trauma, anxiety, or substance abuse
• They have issues with their ADHD symptoms
• Symptoms worsen, affecting other areas of life

If you are living with ADHD, know that there is help available; the professionals at Reaching Resolution can help you understand what you are going through and offer you support to improve your quality of life. Call us today or book an appointment online with our ADHD Specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 9719 Northeast Parkway, Suite 100 Matthews NC 28105. We look forward to serving you! We serve clients from Matthews NC, Charlotte NC, Mint Hill NC, Indian Trail NC, Pineville NC, and Stallings NC.