Title: ADHD Coach Reveals Five Surprising Behaviors that Could Indicate a Diagnosis
By Adriana Diaz | Published Sep. 28, 2023, 8:20 p.m. ET
A popular attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) coach has recently shed light on five unexpected behaviors that could be potential red flags for the disorder. Kelly Baum, who was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, took to TikTok to share her own experiences and shed light on habits she never knew were symptoms of something deeper.
Baum revealed that one common behavior in people with ADHD is listening to the same song on repeat until they have “drawn all the emotion out” of the song and become sick of it. Additionally, she explained that procrastinating small tasks that could be quickly accomplished is also a symptom of ADHD. Baum shared, “Even though you know it will literally take you five minutes, you cannot get yourself to do it. No matter how hard you try or how many times people tell you, ‘Just do it,’ you can’t.”
Another surprising behavior Baum highlighted is constantly running into furniture. She explained that ADHD and neurodivergence can affect one’s proprioception, which is the awareness of body position and movement.
Additionally, Baum mentioned that individuals with ADHD may have an unusual relationship with coffee, experiencing the opposite intended effect. Instead of feeling more alert after consuming coffee, those with ADHD might feel tired due to their lower dopamine levels. Baum compared the effect of caffeine to that of stimulant medication.
Lastly, she revealed that people with ADHD tend to stay in their cars for longer periods after reaching their destination. This behavior stems from their difficulties in switching tasks, and they need time to mentally prepare for the next activity.
Baum, who was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 30, actively shares her insights about the neurobehavioral disorder to encourage others to seek diagnosis and provide support. She emphasized her surprise upon discovering these behaviors after her late diagnosis.
It is important to note that ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder, with approximately 6 million children aged 3 to 17 being diagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, doctors caution that licensed professionals should be responsible for giving diagnoses rather than relying on self-diagnosis or social media “experts.”
Furthermore, it has been observed that women with ADHD are often overlooked and undiagnosed compared to men. However, a concerning trend has emerged on TikTok, where women are self-diagnosing themselves after watching trending videos. This raises concerns regarding the accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for the disorder.
Moreover, the social media app has faced criticism for allowing startups to exploit relaxed drug regulations and promote the sale of prescription medications for ADHD, such as Adderall and Vyvanse. This has raised ethical and legal questions within the medical community.
While TikTok may provide valuable insights and awareness about ADHD, it is crucial for individuals to consult licensed professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment.
In conclusion, Kelly Baum’s revelations about surprising ADHD behaviors have served to increase awareness and understanding of the condition. However, it is essential for individuals to seek professional help to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.