Am I Experiencing Adult ADHD Symptoms at Work?

Q: Am I Experiencing Adult ADHD Symptoms at Work?

Hello, Snowman： Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically presents symptoms from a young age. <br>One subtype is characterized by pure inattention without the presence of hyperactivity or impulsivity, which is more commonly ob

Do I have adult ADHD?

Hello, Doctor.
I recently started a new job just over a month ago.
This job requires me to meet certain daily progress goals, which means I need to maintain a certain speed to complete my tasks.
However, the nature of the work demands a high level of attention to detail, and there are many specifics to manage.
In short, I need to be both fast and meticulous.

During the first week of work, I realized that I was significantly behind schedule, and even after working overtime, I still couldn't meet the company's progress requirements.
This situation hasn't improved over time.
After consulting with my boss and colleagues, I found that those around me don't seem to struggle as I do.
My work results have also been unsatisfactory, often receiving feedback that I am not thorough enough and make many careless mistakes.
I feel quite wronged because I sometimes believe I am putting in a lot of effort or checking my work, yet it seems that no matter how much I check, I still make some careless errors.
I have tried to push myself to achieve a certain amount of work within a specific timeframe, but that doesn't seem sustainable for long.
I feel mentally drained—not physically tired, but psychologically fatigued and unwilling to continue in this manner.
As I reflected on my work state, I realized that I seem to have difficulty concentrating for extended periods.
I don't know why I associate my work performance with concentration, but I have always felt that my inability to speed up is due to a lack of focus.
Some possible examples include: 1.
When my boss is speaking, I can hear him, but I can't absorb the information at that moment.
2.
When reading text, I may need to read a sentence several times before I can understand it (the first few times, my eyes see the words, but I don't grasp their meaning).
3.
While working, I often feel the urge to distract myself, such as getting up to walk around.
If I can't move, I start thinking about unimportant things or zoning out (like what to have for dinner or what to do on the weekend).
This happens approximately every 15 minutes.
4.
In a group setting, if asked to check some document content, I seem unable to notice very obvious mistakes that my colleagues have likely already spotted.
I often need others to explicitly point out the issues for me to barely keep up.
Because of this, my boss has scolded me several times with comments like, "Did you really not see such basic things?" 5.
I tend to overlook very important details, such as contract dates with legal implications, which has led to mistakes and reprimands.
Additionally, I seem to be a careless person; I have often forgotten to bring various items since childhood.
A memorable example is leaving my keys in the door when I go out or mistakenly writing down the wrong phone number when filling out online shopping information.
Due to this new job, my mood has been quite gloomy lately, feeling worthless, and I often receive negative feedback about my performance (or being told where I went wrong).
My progress is not ideal, and while I want to speed up, I keep making mistakes and getting distracted, which leaves me feeling quite depressed.
In my previous job, I worked for three years, and although there were challenges, I also felt a sense of accomplishment.
However, this new job seems to provide no sense of value or improvement, and it has negatively impacted my quality of life.
I understand that everyone needs some time to adjust to a new job, but regarding work efficiency, I don't see any progress at all.
Observing my colleagues, it seems that they do not have the same issues I do, which makes me question whether my situation is normal.
After researching online, I found that many of my symptoms align with adult ADHD tendencies, but I was never diagnosed with ADHD as a child.
I don't consider myself hyperactive, nor was I ever monitored in school for such issues.
However, I feel that my life has been characterized by a lack of focus.
Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to read this lengthy message! I really want to ask you, what is going on with me? Do I need to see a mental health specialist? Am I just feeling unwell because I recently switched jobs and feel less accomplished compared to my previous position? Or do I really have ADHD? Thank you again!

Xue Ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/01/07

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello, Snowman: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically presents symptoms from a young age.
One subtype is characterized by pure inattention without the presence of hyperactivity or impulsivity, which is more commonly observed in females.
However, attention can be influenced by emotional state, motivation levels, physical health, sleep deprivation, environmental factors, task difficulty, and the individual's inherent attentional capacity.
If all factors aside from attention have been ruled out, and symptoms have indeed been present since childhood or adolescence, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation.

Reply Date: 2017/01/07

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing significant challenges in your new job, particularly with attention and focus, which can indeed be indicative of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While I cannot provide a diagnosis, I can help you understand the symptoms and suggest steps you might consider taking.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can persist into adulthood. It is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and sometimes hyperactivity. In adults, the symptoms often manifest as difficulties in maintaining attention, organizing tasks, following through on projects, and managing time effectively. Your experiences of feeling overwhelmed, struggling to concentrate, and making careless mistakes align with common ADHD symptoms.

From your description, it seems you are facing several specific challenges:
1. Difficulty Sustaining Attention: You mentioned that you struggle to focus during meetings and often find your mind wandering. This is a classic symptom of ADHD, where individuals may find it hard to concentrate on tasks for extended periods.

2. Careless Mistakes: The tendency to overlook details and make errors, even after checking your work, is another common issue for those with ADHD. This can lead to frustration, especially in a work environment that demands high attention to detail.

3. Feeling Overwhelmed: The pressure to meet deadlines while also needing to be meticulous can create a sense of mental fatigue. This is often exacerbated by the stress of feeling like you are not performing at the same level as your colleagues.

4. Distraction and Forgetfulness: Your experiences of getting distracted easily and forgetting important details, such as contract dates, are also consistent with ADHD symptoms.

5. Emotional Distress: The feelings of inadequacy and frustration you are experiencing can be linked to the challenges of managing ADHD symptoms, which can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem.

Given these challenges, it is advisable to seek a professional evaluation. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can conduct a thorough assessment to determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD or if other factors, such as anxiety or depression, may be contributing to your difficulties.
It's also important to consider that transitioning to a new job can be stressful, and it may take time to adjust. However, if you find that your symptoms persist and significantly impact your work and quality of life, seeking help is crucial.
In the meantime, here are some strategies that might help you manage your symptoms:
1. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Large tasks can feel overwhelming. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps can help you stay focused and feel a sense of accomplishment.

2. Use Timers: Set a timer for focused work sessions (e.g., 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break). This technique, known as the Pomodoro Technique, can help maintain your focus.

3. Create a Structured Environment: Minimize distractions in your workspace. This might include organizing your desk, using noise-canceling headphones, or finding a quiet place to work.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques can help improve focus and reduce anxiety. Consider incorporating short mindfulness exercises or meditation into your daily routine.

5. Seek Support: Talk to your supervisor about your challenges. They may be able to provide accommodations or support to help you succeed in your role.

6. Consider Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective for managing ADHD symptoms and addressing any anxiety or low self-esteem issues.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may suggest ADHD, a professional evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Remember, you are not alone in this, and seeking help is a positive step toward improving your work performance and overall well-being.

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