- [Instructor] Hey you Psych2Goers,
welcome back to another video.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD
is a disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention
or hyperactivity that interferes
with functioning and development.
It can make focusing on everyday tasks
and routine challenging.
ADHD doesn't mean that you cannot focus.
In some cases, it means that you focus intensely
on something that may not be a priority.
Some people describe it
as a constant feeling of being overwhelmed or paranoid.
For years, people with ADHD were stigmatized
and labeled as lazy, procrastinators,
flaky or irresponsible.
These labels only produce shame
and prevent those with ADHD from seeking help.
But please remember that these labels
do not represent who you are.
Before we begin, remember that this video
is for educational purposes only,
and is not intended
to be a substitute for professional advice,
diagnosis or treatment.
With that said, here are five signs
you might have ADHD.
Number one, childhood history.
It's common for people diagnosed with ADHD as adults
to have exhibited symptoms during childhood,
even if they were not formally diagnosed.
A reason you may not have been diagnosed
is that ADHD shares similar symptoms with depression,
mood swings, forgetfulness,
and an inability to focus.
Number two, short attention span.
Speaking of similarities between ADHD and depression,
the most common similarity is short attention span.
However, the difference between them is motivation.
Someone with ADHD has a short attention span
as a result of the condition.
There is no definitive reason
to explain why a short attention span
is one of the symptoms.
However, researchers believe
that differences in brain structure might play a role.
It's not that you're incapable of being focused.
It's that something else caught your brain's attention.
ADHD can also make you hyper focused on something.
It sounds paradoxical,
but this too is seen as having a short attention span
or to restate, a selective attention span.
Number three, leaving things unfinished.
As a result of a short attention span,
you might be prone to leaving things undone.
Projects, housework, homework might be put off
for another day or fall to the sidelines,
regardless of how enthusiastic you are to start them.
Though frustrating and incredibly challenging,
there are therapies that can help.
Doctors typically prescribe medication
as a form of treatment.
Depending on your ADHD,
they may prescribe stimulants
or non-stimulants to help you focus.
There is also the option of psychotherapy
where a therapist might engage in behavioral therapy
or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Number four, poor impulse control.
Another sign that you might have ADHD
is poor impulse control.
Now this wouldn't be a one-off clothing splurge.
This is more like doing something
you know you should not do,
like running a red light
or maxing out your card on something
you know you don't need.
You may not even know why you do things.
You just do them.
That's what poor impulse control is.
It's acting without any foresight.
But impulse control is not always as dramatic.
Sometimes it can be as subtle as having distractions
for your distractions, interrupting conversations,
engaging in risky behaviors
or spending large amounts of money
when your bank account is low.
Number five, inability to get organized.
The last time that you might have ADHD
is that you cannot seem to get organized.
Deadlines creep up out of the blue
and priorities have gone out the window,
but do not fret.
There is hope.
While calendar, planners and bullet journals
may work for some,
they may not work in your case.
However, alarms may help.
Give yourself 30 minutes to an hour
to complete something from your to do list.
After the alarm rings,
move on to the next item,
whether you finished the previous item or not.
That way you don't get stuck working on one thing.
So did you relate to any of these signs?
I did.
We hope you've learned
about some of the different signs of ADHD.
Consult a mental health professional
if you identify with these signs.
They can guide you through forms of therapy
that can be greatly beneficial.
Please like and share it with friends
that might find some insight in this video too.
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All the references used
are added in the description box below.
Thanks so much for watching,
and we'll see you next time.