3 Signs It May Be Right for an Older Teen or Adult to Get Screened for ADHD
By Juliana Burt, MA, RMHCI
Given the updated diagnostic criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, there has been an increase in the number of ADHD diagnoses in children and adults in the past decade. With this increase, ADHD has become a commonly discussed topic on various social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, providing the public with more information than ever before on ADHD signs and symptoms. However, the amount of information and diversity of opinion on the subject can cause confusion and make it challenging to determine if these symptoms really apply to you. Here are some indicators that an ADHD screener may be right for you:
1) You often “zone out” when people are talking to you
We have all had the experience at some point of listening to a co-worker, friend or family member and halfway through their story, we realize we’re lost; they were talking right to us but we didn’t comprehend what they said because our mind drifted to something else. Most people can probably relate to this situation, but if you are noticing that zoning out is a weekly or semi-daily occurrence for you that interferes with your work or relationships, it may be a sign of an attention deficit or auditory processing issue.
2) You have extreme difficulty sitting still
You find yourself in a waiting room with no Wi-Fi; You finish your meal long before everyone else at the table; You finish your tasks at work early but can’t leave before 5pm; You’re in a boring movie your spouse wanted to go see…. If any of these scenarios sound like they would be highly uncomfortable for you and would make it difficult for you to sit still, it may be a sign of a hyperactive tendency.
3) Your challenges in elementary school persist today
Many of us remember challenges in elementary school with learning, paying attention, and getting homework done on time, but often these issues are largely resolved by the time we enter the workforce as adults. But if you notice that you are still struggling with similar issues you had in 5th grade, it may be time to get screened for ADHD.
ADHD diagnoses can help individuals clarify the basis of their behaviors and challenges, provide an avenue for appropriate occupational and academic accommodations, and inform effective mental health treatment. Getting screened for ADHD is not for everyone, but if you are noticing frequent issues with attention, focus, or hyperactivity that have not resolved since childhood, an ADHD screening may be the right choice for you.
