What are the symptoms of ADHD from the patient’s point of view? ADHD and Symptoms are written and talked about a lot. But as a person with this disorder the descriptions “has trouble concentrating” or “is distracted” or “tends to be fidgety” do not begin to describe or capture what it is like to experience ADHD and Symptoms personally every day.
What are the Symptoms of ADHD?
In their own words:
If I am not interested, I have an uncontrolable urge to get up from my homework for ANY reason. – High School Student
When I read I have to try really, really hard to pay attention to each and every word and then each sentence and then each paragraph. Then I have to ask myself what I just read. If I can’t answer the question I have to re-read what I just read with as must or more effort. It is exhausting! – ADHD Adult
I often have a feeling of being in a fog. This fog comes and goes during the day. - ADHD Student
When there is too much stimulation, such as being at a bowling alley or amusement park, I can’t concentrate and feel completely overwhelmed. If I don’t get away from the place, my brain kind of shuts down and I fell catatonic. My wife says I look like I am staring into space. - ADHD Adult
ADHD and Symptoms
Keep in mind that these various feelings and hardwships that ar being described last a life time for many people. They experience these moments many times throughout each day. With medication things can be considerably better, but one can not be on these medications every waking moment because of the side effects such as loss of appetite, insomnia, and nervousness. For a brief look into the mind of an ADHD patient check out this site on misunderstood minds. The site has interactive activities which simulate what it is like to try to read, do math, to listen to instructions as a person with ADHD. It is not perfect, but it is the closest thing to being able to show people what it is like for me every day; what it was like in school.
ADHD and Symptoms are many time difficult for non-ADHD folks to understand because it is just not something they experience. The next time someone asks you, “What are the symptoms of ADHD,” send the link above to give them a little taste of what it is like.
I would love to better understand what the world looks like to my son and how I can help him better cope. Thank you.
Thank you for your interest, Victoria.
Try out the misunderstood minds web site. It may not exactly replicate how any one ADHD person sees the world, but it most likely will give you a feel for the frustration that can add up as a person struggles with activities that most people find easy.
Sincerely,
Michael