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Student Counseling Services

What are the signs of ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) starts at an early age, typically before the age of 7-years old but can remain throughout life. It may cause problems in many areas of life including academia, home life, and work. For most people affected, ADHD is worse during childhood then symptoms tend to become less prevalent in adulthood. However, for some, symptoms may persist into adulthood.

Often, a person with ADHD will report having always known that he or she is "different" from his or her peers, without understanding what the difference is. This is understandable since even a trained professional cannot make a diagnosis of ADHD by talking to or observing a patient; formal testing is required.

Although the presentation of ADHD varies somewhat among individuals, there are two "hallmarks" of this disorder. The first one is inattention, which includes:

  • making careless mistakes
  • difficulty sustaining attention while performing a task
  • not following through with tasks
  • person does not pay attention when spoken to directly
  • difficulty with organization
  • resistance to tasks that require sustained mental effort
  • easily distracted
  • often forgetful

The second hallmark of ADHD is hyperactivity-impulsivity, which includes:

  • interruption of other people's activities or conversations
  • fidgeting with hands or feet
  • leaving one's seat when sitting is expected
  • feelings of restlessness
  • difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly
  • often "on the go" as if driven by a motor
  • talkative
  • blurting out responses before the other person is finished talking
  • difficulty waiting for a turn

Of course, everyone experiences some of these symptoms from time to time. The issue is the degree to which this interferes with one's life. If after reading about inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity you believe you may have ADHD, please contact the OUHSC Counseling Clinic. We will set up an appointment for you with a clinician for an interview and testing.

Undiagnosed ADHD can have a negative impact on a person's life. It is like being left-handed in a world that only has tools for right-handed people. The proper diagnosis and treatment is like helping the person to create tools that are an exact fit. The diagnosis of ADHD brings relief because with it comes recommendations that are tailored to the individual. Following these recommendations will help the person to live a life that is less frustrating and more rewarding.

Where to go from here?

Evaluations for ADHD and recommendations to cope with the symptoms of ADHD are available through Counseling Services. Counseling is also available to provide emotional support for difficulties associated with ADHD. All support through Student Counseling Services is FREE and confidential. For further inquiries or if you would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact us at (405) 271-7336 or counselors@ouhsc.edu