What Are Signs You Might Have ADD (Without a Psychiatric Evaluation)?
amenclinics | September 21, 2021
Have you ever wondered if you might have attention deficit disorder (ADD), also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Have you ever thought that it might be holding you back from living the life you want? Is ADD/ADHD the reason why you aren’t performing up to your potential at work, why your relationships sizzle then burn, or why you never seem to follow through on your goals? The best way to determine if you have this condition that affects an estimated 4.4% of U.S. adults is to undergo a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. But if a psych eval isn’t in the cards for you right now, check to see if you have any of the following common signs of ADD/ADHD.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, are you easily able to pay attention when you’re engaged in something you love? For example, if you’re a big basketball fan, can you spend hours watching games on TV, checking scores on your phone, or participating in a fantasy sports league? Being able to stay laser-focused only when you really like something is another sign associated with ADD/ADHD.
3. You’re a thrill-seeker.
Do you gravitate toward activities like bungee jumping, riding motorcycles, or rock climbing without ropes? Are you the type who loves scary movies? Needing stimulation or excitement is a classic sign of ADD/ADHD. If you’re like most people with the condition, you probably feel most alive when things are new, novel, interesting, highly stimulating, or frightening.
4. You get easily distracted.
Do you get easily distracted by outside stimuli, such as light, sounds, smells, certain tastes, or even the clothes you’re wearing? People with ADD/ADHD tend to have keen sensitivity that can be distracting. For example, in a job interview, you may find yourself tuning out from the question the interviewer is asking because the tag on the back of your shirt is so itchy it’s demanding all of your attention.
5. You’re disorganized and messy.
Is your desk a complete mess or covered with piles of unorganized documents that make it hard to find what you need? Are your closets cluttered? Are dirty clothes strewn about the floor even though the laundry hamper is nearby? Most people with ADD/ADHD tend to struggle with organization, which can make it harder to perform at your best.
6. You’re almost always late.
Are you chronically running late for meetings and appointments? Do your family members get upset with you because you keep them waiting? Do you get into hot water at work because you show up after your designated start time? Having trouble managing time is a common sign of ADD/ADHD.
7. You procrastinate.
When you have an assignment due at work, do you find yourself waiting until the last minute to get started? Do you tend to ignore your honey-do list until your spouse gets mad at you for not doing it? Having ADD/ADHD is associated with procrastination.
8. You have a hard time with impulse control.
Do you impulsively say or do things you regret later? Do you neglect to think through the consequences of your actions? Many people with ADD/ADHD have issues with impulse control, which can get you into trouble in your relationships or at work.
9. You tend to make the same mistakes over and over.
Do you have a hard time learning from your mistakes? Do you make some sort of blunder, vow never to do it again, then find yourself repeating it anyway? Not learning from past errors is associated with ADD/ADHD.
10. You create drama in relationships.
Are you the type who likes to irritate people to get a rise out of them? Do you get a secret thrill when you have an argument with your spouse then make up? These can be signs of ADD/ADHD, as people with the condition tend to be conflict-seeking and create problems as a way to build excitement.
11. Your symptoms started early in life.
ADD/ADHD is referred to as a developmental disorder because it emerges early in life. It is not something that shows up in middle age. If you develop symptoms of the condition as an adult but never had them as a child, it is likely due to something else, such as depression, chronic stress, hormonal changes, a head injury, or some form of toxic exposure.
THE 1 COMMON ADD/ADHD SYMPTOM YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE
Hyperactivity is one of the most well-known symptoms associated with ADD/ADHD. You may assume that if you aren’t hyperactive you can’t have ADD/ADHD, but that isn’t the case. That’s because ADD/ADHD isn’t just one thing. Brain SPECT imaging shows that there are 7 types of ADD/ADHD, and hyperactivity is only seen in certain types of the disorder. Knowing the symptoms associated with each of the 7 types can be helpful in determining if you might be struggling with the condition.
WHEN TO SEEK A PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION
If you suspect you have ADD/ADHD, what can you do? Many people think stimulant medication is the only way to treat the condition, but there are many natural solutions that can be effective. Eliminating caffeine, exercising more, avoiding simple carbohydrates are just a few of the lifestyle changes that can help. If your symptoms don’t improve, or if they are creating problems in your life at work, in your relationships, or at school, it may be time to seek a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that includes brain SPECT imaging, lab work, and more.
ADD/ADHD and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here.
