Do you also have these difficulties at work? Let's talk about adult ADHD! (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Do you have trouble concentrating on your work at the office? Do you find yourself constantly in meetings? Do you often procrastinate and fail to complete tasks on time? If these things are causing problems at work, this topic we are discussing today will be very important for you. This condition is what we call adult ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder .

Let's understand exactly what ADHD is?

Simply put, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects brain development. It can be present from childhood, but sometimes it goes undiagnosed until adulthood. ADHD symptoms in adults are not the same for everyone, and they can be different from those in children.

There are two main categories of symptoms:

1. Problems with attention : Inability to focus on a task, being distracted by even the smallest things, constantly forgetting things, and difficulty getting things done in an orderly manner.

2. Hyperactivity and Impulsiveness: Difficulty staying in one place, constant restlessness, doing things all at once without thinking, and interrupting others when they are talking.

There are also slight differences in these symptoms between women and men. While men tend to have more external symptoms, such as aggressive behavior and anger, women tend to have more internal symptoms. That is, they may have a lack of interest in work, be easily upset, have trouble sleeping, and have low self-esteem.

How does ADHD affect the workplace?

The workplace can be a big challenge for someone with ADHD. The noise in the office, the people moving around, etc. can easily distract you. Also, the same boring tasks and paperwork can be boring, which can lead to procrastination.

Let's look at the table below to see what the main challenges that ADHD can cause at work are.

These abilities, such as planning, organization, and time management, are called ' Executive Functions ' . These are higher-level abilities controlled by the brain. These abilities are directly affected when you have ADHD.

Don't panic! There are ways to manage ADHD.

If you suspect you have these symptoms, the first thing you should definitely do is talk to a doctor who specializes in adult ADHD, or your family doctor, to find out if you have the condition and get the treatment you need.

Treatment may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both. In addition, there are some practical tips to make your daily routine easier.

• Create a routine and to-do lists: Start and finish work at the same time every day. Break down your daily tasks into small chunks and make a list. When you complete a task, you will feel motivated.
• Try changing your work environment a bit: ADHD brains get bored quickly with the same thing. If possible, change your work environment, and listen to some music while doing boring tasks.
• Reward yourself: When you finish a task on your list, give yourself a small reward. It could be something as simple as drinking a cup of tea or going for a walk.
• Create a quiet space for yourself: If the office is noisy, if possible, go to a quiet place where no one will bother you (an unused conference room, a corner cubicle) and work.
• Improve communication: Talk to your manager about your work, your difficulties (not to mention ADHD). Pay attention to other people's body language and speech patterns.

Do I need to tell my boss about ADHD?

First of all, there is no legal obligation for you to tell anyone at your workplace that you have ADHD. That is entirely your personal decision.

But, if you want to talk about it, there's a right way to do it. Your goal shouldn't be to get sympathy by saying, "I have a disease," but to suggest a solution by saying, "I need this kind of help/change to get things done."

Follow these three steps:

1. Explain the challenge you are facing: For example, say, "I'm having a hard time concentrating on work because of the noise around me."

2. Suggest a solution: "Can I work from that quiet spot in the corner?"

3. Show the benefit that the solution will bring to the organization: "Then I can increase my productivity even more and do my work better."

Is ADHD a disadvantage? There are advantages too!

You may think that ADHD is a disadvantage because of things like difficulty getting started, procrastination, and lack of organization. It's true, these are challenges.

However, there is another side to the coin. Many people with ADHD also have amazing positive traits.

• Creativity: You have an amazing ability to think outside the box and find new solutions.
• High Energy and Enthusiasm: When they do something they love, they work at it with incredible energy and enthusiasm.
• Hyperfocus: If you are focused on a subject or task that you love, you have the ability to forget the outside world and focus completely on it.
• Crisis Management: In an emergency, when most people panic, people with ADHD have times when they remain surprisingly calm and solve problems.

Studies have even shown that a large number of successful entrepreneurs and business people have ADHD. The important thing is to identify your strengths and choose a job or career path that suits them. Then, instead of being an obstacle, ADHD can be a great asset to your success.

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