Do I Have Adult ADHD?

Do I have adult ADHD?

Short answer: You are having difficulty focusing, concentrating, completing tasks, etc. but you more than likely do not have ADHD.

You have probably been wondering if you have adult ADHD because you are experiencing difficulty focusing, difficulty concentrating, issues with memory, brain fog, restlessness, fidgeting, time management issues, difficulty completing tasks and getting organized, or generally feeling overwhelmed. All of these symptoms fall under the umbrella term of “executive functioning”. Unfortunately, there are many professionals who use ADHD as an umbrella term for executive functioning concerns, but this is incorrect.

ADHD is a mental disorder that impacts executive functioning, but it is a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder. This means the executive functioning challenges were present in childhood and are due to the brain developing in a way different than neurotypical people. Thus, if you are an adult who had ADHD as a child, then Yes!, you have ADHD as an adult. Sometimes it can be overlooked or misdiagnosed, many times young girls are undiagnosed, so there are adults who discover they have always had ADHD. Click hear to learn to more about ADHD.

Adult ADHD is not a diagnosis and ADHD does not start in adulthood.

Yes, you are having executive functioning challenges, so what is happening?

Your executive functioning challenges can be from numerous root causes if the diagnosis is not ADHD. This is why it is recommended that you schedule a comprehensive assessment with a psychologist or neuropsychologist to have a better understanding of the root issue for your symptoms. Prior to giving someone a medical or a mental health diagnosis, professionals should explore if there are other adjustments that can be made to improve your functioning.

Occam’s razor suggests that the simplest explanation is sometimes the best reason. Many times these executive functioning issues are directly related to inadequate sleep, poor nutrition, dehydration, or lack of exercise. Making lifestyle changes as an adult can be an incredible challenge, but even small changes to address these concerns can make huge difference in executive functioning.

Another contributor to executive functioning challenges can be phases of life. If you are comparing your functioning as a someone who was single with no children to how you are functioning as a parent or how you functioned as a student to how you are functioning as an entrepreneur, you will see a drastic difference. As more responsibilities increases in your life, the harder it can be to manage. Adjustments to how you are living or the expectations you are putting on yourself, can alleviate the stress on your brain and improve your executive functioning.

What if it is beyond lifestyle issues? What else can be a contributing factor?

Our initial recommendation is a comprehensive medical evaluation with your primary care physician or specialists. There are numerous medical conditions that could be effecting executive functioning. A recent conversation has started about perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal symptoms that include changes in executive functioning. Once again, this is not ADHD, but these changes in executive functioning are related to hormonal changes. This doesn’t only affect women, men also will experience hormonal changes as they age. In general, hormonal imbalances can affect someone at any age as there are numerous hormones that contribute to our functioning. Additionally, chronic disease, chronic pain, neurodegenerative diseases, and traumatic brain injuries can lead to executive functioning challenges.

Mental health conditions can also lead to executive functioning concerns that are not ADHD. Autism, like ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that presents with similar symptoms, is present in childhood, and can be misdiagnosed. Like ADHD, Autism requires a comprehensive evaluation by a trained psychologist or neuropsychologist. Autism and ADHD can also coexist.

Long-term substance use or using substances during adolescence into early adulthood while the brain is still developing can lead to executive functioning challenges. Furthermore, the impact of anxiety, depression, trauma or PTSD, bipolar, and other mental health disorders can negatively affect your executive functioning. With proper treatment of these diagnoses, you could see improvement in your overall mental health and wellness and your executive functioning.

It is imperative that you are evaluated and treated for the root cause of your executive functioning challenges. This will ensure that you can mitigate these symptoms effectively, receive the appropriate treatment, and improve your overall functioning.