ADHD is such a common condition that many people believe they know and understand all of the symptoms. Whether you’re looking at a child or an adult with ADHD, you can likely expect that they’ll have trouble focusing or might get easily distracted.
But, there are more subtle signs of this disorder that can often get overlooked.
Not everyone with ADHD presents such obvious symptoms. Understanding the more subtle ones can help you recognize what your child might be dealing with. Or, it could help you understand why you’ve struggled to stay focused for years so you can finally get a diagnosis.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the subtle symptoms of ADHD so you know what to look for.
You Can Focus On Something to a Fault
Most people think that everyone who deals with ADHD has trouble focusing on things. ADHD isn’t actually about a lack of focus. Rather, it’s about a lack of attention. You might have trouble paying attention to certain things for long. But, if something piques your interest, you could become hyper-focused. You might spend hours honed in on a project or task.
While hyperfocus might seem like a good thing, it comes with its own issues. It can distract you from other things and keep you from moving through your day productively. When you’re only hyper-focused on what you enjoy, you might also stifle your individual growth.
Time Blindness
Are you late more often than not? Do you have trouble keeping appointments, showing up on time for meetings, or even working?
Many adults with ADHD deal with time blindness. It’s hard for them to keep track of time and plan ahead because they don’t accurately predict how long something might take.
Time blindness can be somewhat remedied through things like reminder apps and alarms, but if you’re constantly struggling to be on time, it could be an unexpected sign of ADHD.
Job Hopping
It’s not uncommon for people with ADHD to change jobs frequently for a variety of reasons. You might leave a job because you feel too overwhelmed with everything you have to do. On the other hand, you might feel bored and unmotivated in a certain career position, causing you to look elsewhere.
Many people don’t love their jobs, but that doesn’t always mean they jump around from place to place, looking for something different. Whether you feel unmotivated, over-stimulated, or even have difficulty getting along with co-workers or your boss because of your ADHD, think about how many jobs you’ve had in your lifetime. As the number gets higher, consider why you’ve moved around so much.
Restlessness
Even as adults, it can be hard for someone with ADHD to sit still. If you regularly deal with feelings of restlessness and you feel like you need to constantly stay active, it could be a subtle sign of the disorder.
You might not notice your need to move at first. It could be something as simple as not being able to sit down and watch a TV show without fidgeting or holding a conversation with your family members without putting away dishes or laundry. Paying attention to this constant need for movement can help you determine if you’re dealing with something beneath the surface.
These subtle symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ADHD. It can be a very personal disorder, and not everyone is going to present symptoms the same way. Pay attention to what your mind and body are telling you, and don’t ignore these subtle symptoms so you can receive the diagnosis you need to start getting help.
If you’d like more information about ADHD or are suspicious you might have ADHD, reach out today. We can help you identify symptoms as well as help you find ways to cope in your day-to-day life.
Disclaimer: Our content is on and related to the topic of mental health. The content is general information that may or may not apply to you. The content is not a substitute for professional services. This website does not contain professional advice, nor is any professional-client relationship established with you through your use of this website.
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