Are You Restless or Do You Have Adult ADHD?

You’ve already tried everything to calm yourself down and improve your focus, from strong sleeping pills and extreme lifestyle changes to gentle melatonin and even CBD. But nothing seems to work. You end up feeling restless and scatterbrained most of the day no matter what you do.

That’s a common problem for empty nesters, especially those who are ready to hit the road and start living their best lives. However, restlessness may be caused by more than just your desire to travel. In fact, the experts at Mind Diagnostics say it could be a sign of adult ADHD.

5 reasons you could be feeling restless

There are many causes of restlessness, including some that are purely emotional. Depending on what’s current going on in your life, you could experience bouts of anxiety or uneasiness at almost any time. But if you’re restless a bit too much for your liking, it could be caused by one of these five things:

#1. You have a long to-do list and a short window of time.

Life doesn’t slow down just because of your age, family structure, or occupation. Truth be told, it often gets more hectic as you start to enjoy forgotten pastimes again. Combined with all the demands of everyday life, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. And wanting quick solutions can make you feel agitated, fidgety, or irritable.

#2. You’re excited about the possibilities of something.

Your emotions can get mixed up and become confusing, causing you to worry more than you should. Positive anticipation is always a good thing, but it doesn’t always feel like it. Being excited about something that’s coming up or about to happen may make you experience uncomfortable emotions when you experience the same waves every time you’re upset.

#3. Your hormones could be imbalanced in some way.

Did you know that hormonal imbalances may cause feelings of extreme restlessness, especially in menopausal or perimenopausal women? That’s because the increases in estrogen make it difficult to sleep, thereby worsening the situation with each passing night. Meanwhile, men with imbalanced testosterone levels may experience the same thing in a different way.

#4. You might be taking medication that causes restlessness.

Certain medications are notorious for causing agitation, irritability, and/or an inability to concentrate. They can also change your brain or body chemistry over time, causing you to react differently to familiar stimuli. If you suspect your medicines are responsible for your restlessness, don’t stop taking them abruptly. Instead, talk to your doctor to develop a safer treatment plan.

#5. You may suffer from adult attention-deficit hyperactive disorder, or ADHD.

Nearly 4.5% of the North American population between the ages of 18 and 44 suffer from diagnosed ADHD. It’s unclear how many undiagnosed cases there are. One thing is for sure, though. Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder is difficult to spot in active, functional adults. However, it can make you feel extremely restless, especially when performing repetitive or mundane tasks.

What is adult ADHD?

This is a chronic condition, which means it persists regardless of what you’re doing. Symptoms can include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and repetitive body movements. Meanwhile, those with adult ADHD typically deal with a low self-esteem, poor school or work performances, and difficulty maintaining relationships.

Many times, the condition begins in early childhood. However, it was not officially recognized in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) until 1990. Thus, many cases fell through the cracks, causing some empty nesters to feel especially restless once their lifestyle shifts and they can no longer hide or cope under the weight of their previous habits.

How to tell if you’re an adult with ADHD

The many symptoms of adult ADHD can be grouped into three main categories as follows:

    • Behavioral
    • Mood
    • Cognitive

Behavioral symptoms of adult attention-deficit hyperactive disorder may include fidgeting, irritability, impatience, and a lack of self-control. Excessive risk-taking, substance abuse, and gambling addiction are common as well.

Mood symptoms generally include anxiousness, extreme boredom or excitement, and mood swings, while the cognitive side effects are somewhat more disruptive. In fact, they can include forgetfulness, racing thoughts, a short attention span, and even a learning disability.

Adults with ADHD typically feel restless and uneasy, especially if they’re unaware of their diagnosis. Instead of dealing with the issues head-on, they assume the worst about themselves and become even more concerned. So, if you or someone you love suspects that adult ADHD may be the problem, seek counseling from a licensed clinical therapist as soon as you can.

Marie Miguel Biography:
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with Mind-Diagnostics.org. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

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One thought on “Are You Restless or Do You Have Adult ADHD?”

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