Do I Have ADHD—or Am I Just Overwhelmed?
Difficulty concentrating. Missed deadlines. A growing list of unfinished tasks. Constantly feeling behind.
These may be signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But they can also happen when you’re stressed, anxious, sleep-deprived or simply trying to manage too much.
The primary difference is persistence. Overwhelm usually develops in response to current demands and improves when those demands decrease. ADHD is an ongoing pattern of inattention, impulsivity and/or restlessness that typically began in childhood and affects multiple areas of life.
What does adult ADHD look like?
Adult ADHD does not always involve obvious hyperactivity. It may look like:
- Frequently losing important items
- Struggling to start or finish tasks
- Missing appointments and deadlines
- Becoming distracted during conversations
- Procrastinating until a task feels urgent
- Having difficulty prioritizing
- Feeling chronically disorganized or restless
Everyone experiences these problems occasionally. With ADHD, however, symptoms are persistent, occur in more than one setting and interfere with work, relationships or everyday responsibilities.
ADHD vs. overwhelm
| ADHD | Overwhelm |
| Similar patterns were present earlier in life | Symptoms began during a demanding period |
| Problems occur across different settings | Problems center around a particular situation |
| Symptoms continue even when life is relatively calm | Symptoms improve as stress decreases |
| Rest may help, but the pattern remains | Rest and fewer responsibilities provide noticeable relief |
ADHD begins in childhood, but many people are not diagnosed until adulthood. Symptoms may become more noticeable when the demands of work, parenting and household management increase.
Could it be anxiety, poor sleep or something else?
ADHD is not the only cause of poor concentration or forgetfulness. Similar symptoms may be related to:
- Anxiety or depression
- Chronic stress or burnout
- Insomnia or sleep apnea
- Thyroid disorders
- Anemia or vitamin deficiencies
- Hormonal changes
- Medication side effects
Anxiety and ADHD can be especially difficult to separate. With anxiety, distraction is often driven by worry. With ADHD, attention may shift even when you are not feeling anxious. Some people experience both conditions.
There is no single test that diagnoses ADHD. An online quiz can identify possible symptoms, but it cannot determine their cause.
What happens during an ADHD evaluation?
At Innovative Primary Care, our adult ADHD assessment includes:
- A discussion of current symptoms
- Medical and mental health history
- Questions about childhood behavior
- Standardized screening questionnaires
- A review of how symptoms affect daily life
- Screening for anxiety, depression, sleep problems and medical conditions
Schedule an ADHD evaluation in Chicago
You don’t have to decide on your own whether you have ADHD or are simply overwhelmed – our team of experts is here to help.
Innovative Care offers adult ADHD testing and assessments through our Chicago primary care team. In-person and telemedicine appointments are available, and we accept major insurance plans.
Schedule an ADHD evaluation today, and get the answers you’re looking for.
