

Anxiety: Does your mind often race with worry or fear? Anxiety can be a common symptom of ADHD, as the inability to control thoughts and emotions may lead to feelings of unease and apprehension.Sensitivity to criticism: Are you someone who takes feedback or criticism to heart? People with ADHD can be particularly sensitive to negative feedback, feeling easily discouraged, and struggling with self-esteem issues.This is how some individuals with ADHD may describe their racing thoughts, making it challenging to focus on a single idea or task. Racing thoughts: Imagine your mind being like a radio constantly switching between stations.Mental fatigue: Do you ever find it mentally exhausting to concentrate on tasks, even if they seem simple? ADHD can lead to feelings of mental fatigue due to the increased effort required to maintain focus and filter out distractions.This improved understanding not only helps tailor treatment plans and interventions but also fosters empathy and compassion, allowing us to better support those living with ADHD or other mental health conditions. By considering both aspects, mental health professionals, educators, and family members can gain a more holistic view of the person’s struggles and strengths. Signs are externally observable behaviours or manifestations that can be seen by others, while symptoms refer to the individual’s internal experiences, which are not directly visible but can significantly impact their daily life. Recognising the distinction between the two can lead to more effective diagnosis, treatment, and support. It’s crucial to differentiate between signs and symptoms when discussing ADHD or any other mental health condition, as it enables a more comprehensive understanding of the individual’s experience.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek help and guidance from a mental health professional.
#Adhd iceberg diagram professional
However, it’s essential to remember that only a qualified professional can diagnose this condition accurately. These are just a few of the signs that may indicate ADHD. They often have a lower tolerance for frustration, which can result in anger, irritability, and impulsive reactions. Low tolerance for frustration: Can you imagine a pot of water on the stove that’s constantly on the verge of boiling over? That’s similar to how someone with ADHD may feel when faced with frustration.Procrastinating may stem from a combination of difficulty initiating tasks, staying focused, and managing time effectively. Procrastination: We all put things off from time to time, but for someone with ADHD, procrastination can be a persistent and debilitating problem.Difficulty following instructions: Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a set of instructions that others seem to grasp easily? This may be a sign of ADHD, as affected individuals can struggle with processing and retaining complex information, which can be frustrating for both them and others around them.They might struggle to manage their feelings, leading to mood swings and difficulties in maintaining stable relationships. Emotional dysregulation: Just like a roller coaster ride, people with ADHD may experience intense and rapidly shifting emotions.Disorganisation: Are you the kind of person who constantly misplaces items or struggles with organising your thoughts and tasks? Disorganisation is a hallmark sign of ADHD, often leading to missed deadlines, forgotten appointments, and difficulty managing time effectively.Hyperactivity often presents as excessive fidgeting, restlessness, and a constant need to be in motion, making it challenging to sit still for extended periods. That’s similar to how a person with ADHD may feel at times.


