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As someone who didn’t get diagnosed (or even tested) for ADHD until my early twenties, let me share some info I’ve learned over the last few years I wish Id known sooner.
Did you know that being chronically late, sensitive to rejection, forgetfulness, disorganization, being a perfectionist, and being talkative are all signs of ADHD in women?
Other signs of ADHD in adults can include:
•interrupting others/volume control issues
•difficulty finishing tasks
•difficulty sitting still
•trouble listening during conversations
•restlessness
•excessive/reckless spending habits
•”hobby hopping”
•interrupting others/volume control issues
•difficulty finishing tasks
•difficulty sitting still
•trouble listening during conversations
•restlessness
•excessive/reckless spending habits
•”hobby hopping”
•expressing emotions in the extremes sometimes
•creativity/innovation
•poor time management
•short term memory issues
•reckless driving
•and SO much more
•creativity/innovation
•poor time management
•short term memory issues
•reckless driving
•and SO much more
People with ADHD also tend to display a unique version of object permanence. They know things still exist when they don’t see them but may not have any idea where it would be and sometimes don’t think about having the item when it could be useful.
There’s a common misconception that people with ADHD are lazy, deficient in some way, stupid, misbehaved, etc. Theyre often quite the opposite. We’re just wired a bit differently.
It’s often not uncommon for people to dismiss the validity of ADHD and ADD.
It’s often not uncommon for people to dismiss the validity of ADHD and ADD.
We haven’t always understood ADHD very well and even now, there’s still ongoing research as with any other disorders, conditions, etc within the medical community.
Another common misconception is that adults that seek help with symptoms are “drug seeking”... but the same medications that can help us hold down a normal job can cause permanent short term memory issues and even alter our emotional processes.
People with ADHD can often become incredibly overwhelmed by various stimuli in the environments around them. They also may find themselves feeling exceptionally drained around groups of people in public settings.
Another huge realization for me personally was the concept of hyper-fixation which is being completely immersed in something in front of you. It’s common in people with ADHD, autism, and many mental illnesses. Sometimes it can be helpful but often, it’s a negative.
Hyper-fixation can be so intense that we forget to eat, drink, sleep, etc. It can be anything from hobbies to games to even something as small as fixing a tiny issue we’ve been dealing with for much longer than necessary.
Here’s an awesome info graphic that highlights some differences in ADHD and how they’re diagnosed in men vs women.
I know this is a lot of information but there is so much I didn’t know about until I was diagnosed. The only reason I even went to do the testing was because a supervisor/mentor (who also has ADHD) recognized a lot of these signs in me and said it might be worth checking out.
While you may be in a panic wondering if you also have it after reading this thread, know that you can have some signs/symptoms but not necessarily have something. There is also a lot more resources now than ever before to help handle your ADHD. You’re not alone 
Again, please actually go and get the testing done. You can have all of the signs I listed above and not have it. You could have different signs and have it. This is just *my* experience and research into it post-diagnosis. I’m muting this thread but feel free to reach out.
Also... if you HAVE a personality/mental disorder, you still are going to have it even if you don’t go to the doctor for it??? A diagnosis affords the opportunity for treatment and medication. Do what you think is best for you personally.
