Are you late all the time? It could be a sign of this mental health condition, according to doctors

No matter what you do, you're always late? And those closest to you blame you for being careless? Maybe they're on to something. According to the experts, an undiagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder could be the real problem.

ADHD and being chronically late

You're not just a little late, or very late: you're passionately late! No matter how hard you try, time seems to be against you! If this flaw, which has become a recurring gag among your friends, didn't worry you more than that, what doctors have discovered may well change your mind. According to clinical psychologist Rebecca Spelman, you could be suffering from 'time blindness'.

This temporal blindness is associated with neurodevelopmental pathologies, such as Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity (ADHD).

Such a pathology induces a very poor perception of time. People suffering from ADHD are unable to accurately estimate the passage of time, or to rationally assess how long it takes to complete a simple task. And this is chronic. So that 30 minutes you thought was enough should have been closer to 60! As a result, you'll be late again!

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You could be in search of a dopamine rush

This difficulty is attributable to the right brain. Like that of a child, it has not yet reached maturity. As a result, it only functions in the present moment, the 'now'. All that is 'yesterday', 'tomorrow' or 'later' is hardly palpable and a non-priority. Precise planning and anticipation become a real challenge.

Moreover, the release of dopamine with each delay keeps subjects in a never-ending cycle. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in deficit in ADHD sufferers. The dopamine rush caused by time miscalculation (running at top speed, finding last-minute alternatives) becomes addictive. As a result, you maintain this vicious circle of intense sensations. While not all delays are linked to attention deficit disorder, it's a safe bet that you won't look at them in the same way now!

If you think you have symptoms of ADHD, the best thing to do is to see a professional to get an official diagnosis. That way, you'll be able to get the treatment and help you require.

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This article has been translated from Gentside FR.

Source used:

The Private Therapy Clinic