When To See a Psychiatrist for ADHD Treatment

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common chronic mental disorder that makes it difficult to pay attention and complete tasks. ADHD treatment can help manage this disorder. Although it is mostly thought of as a childhood mental disorder, many adults live with ADHD and can also benefit from treatment. If you or someone you love has noticed the signs of ADHD and is struggling because of them, consult a psychiatrist for treatment.

Signs of ADHD

Regardless of whether a client is a child or adult with undiagnosed ADHD, there are common signs and symptoms to look out for. Keep in mind that these may manifest differently according to age. For instance, the most notable sign of childhood ADHD is having a hard time behaving and paying attention in class. An adult, however, may have trouble with attention to detail and prioritizing tasks at work.

ADHD could be the underlying issue if an adult or child struggles with the following symptoms to the point that they negatively impact life.

Forgetfulness

ADHD feels different for everyone, but one common symptom is forgetfulness. Whether this is because one feels overloaded with thoughts or is affected by ADHD-related brain fog, people with ADHD often experience difficulty remembering things. A child may get distracted while cleaning their room, whereas an adult may forget what they are doing mid-task. This may look like the following for children and adults alike:

• Forgetting what they were doing mid-task
• Misplacing belongings, such as toys, keys, wallets, etc.
• Forgetting to pay bills, fulfill social commitments, and complete other responsibilities

Trouble concentrating and finishing tasks

Children with ADHD often have trouble concentrating in class, while adults may have the same issue during work meetings and social conversations. ADHD can also make it difficult to concentrate on one task and see it through to completion. For adults, this may look like needing to have a video playing in the background while they work, listening to a podcast while doing chores, and other versions of having multiple things to split their attention between in order to finish tasks.

Poor impulse control

Clients with ADHD report struggling with impatience and a lack of impulse control. Running red lights and crossing the street without looking because they are eager for something on the other side are common examples. Impulsivity may also manifest as emotional outbursts, having trouble waiting in line, and finding traffic unbearable. In social settings, a lack of impulse control may manifest as frequent interruptions and answering questions before the person has finished asking them. As a result, this symptom can negatively impact one’s social life and overall quality of life, as many life situations require patience.