ADHD Symptoms In Adults: What To Look Out For

ADHD is a developmental disorder that usually starts when a person is a child or adolescent and often persists into adulthood. Despite common misconceptions that only children can experience ADHD symptoms, adults can also live with the disorder. 

The way ADHD manifests during adulthood can look different, however, and may present unique challenges that can have serious implications for an individual’s quality of life. For instance, adults with ADHD may be unable to stay organized, get sidetracked easily, feel restless, and struggle to control their emotions. If you believe you may be living with ADHD or another mental health disorder, it’s generally recommended to speak with a licensed mental health professional for insight and guidance.

What is ADHD?

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that affects both children and adults. Both adults and children with ADHD often experience difficulties paying attention, trouble with time management, and symptoms of hyperactivity. People with ADHD may experience challenges in everyday tasks and benefit from strategies and support to manage these symptoms. 

For adults with ADHD, symptoms can impact work, relationships, and daily life, making an accurate ADHD diagnosis and appropriate health care essential. However, many people who are living with adult ADHD may not recieve their diagnosis until much later in life — the diagnosis of ADHD also may become more difficult as years pass. These individuals learn to cope with and mask their adult ADHD symptoms, often believing that they’re simply “lazy,” distractable,” or “not trying hard enough.” These can be harmful beliefs that cause the signs and symptoms of their ADHD to remain untreated for longer. 

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of ADHD and seeking help from primary care providers can lead to effective long-term management and improved quality of life. If you suspect that you’re experiencing ADHD, consider speaking with a healthcare provider who specializes in adult ADHD. 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder over the years

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), previously known as attention deficit disorder (ADD), is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD symptoms are often much different during adulthood than they are in childhood or throughout adolescence, regardless of the age at which an individual is diagnosed.

Most ADHD symptoms in children are identifiable before the age of 6, but telltale signs, like impulsivity and hyperactivity, an inability to concentrate, and difficulties at school or in the home, can extend well into adulthood. While symptoms might not necessarily be different for adults, they can manifest in unique ways. What might show up as poor organizational skills during one’s younger years might develop into an inability to manage multiple tasks, such as holding down a job while also finishing school, raising a family, or maintaining healthy relationships. ADHD can impact various facets of adult life—in fact, a primary criterion of ADHD is the presence of symptoms in “two or more settings”.

Although adult ADHD has generally managed to reach the spotlight in recent years, there tend to be far fewer studies pertaining to adult ADHD and its subsequent effects. In many cases, adult responses to symptoms aren’t seen as what they are: challenges related to a diagnosable condition. Things like excessive substance use, risky behaviors (gambling, unprotected sexual intercourse, etc.), and other behaviors may be relied on to overcome ADHD symptoms, especially when an adult is unaware of the true nature of their challenges.

No matter where you fall on the ADHD spectrum, the key to moving forward may be to recognize the symptoms and cultivate awareness around your disorder. Because many adults don’t understand their experiences and may overlook the role ADHD plays in their lives, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with common symptoms so you can learn how best to support your needs.

ADHD symptoms as an adult

While ADHD symptoms can be varied, the following examples may be among some of the most common experienced by adults and children alike. Keep in mind that having a few of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean that you have ADHD, and it's usually better to consult a professional for diagnosis rather than take a "do I have ADHD quiz" online.

An inability to get or stay organized

While children who are unable to stay organized may be able to get by with the help of a structured schedule and adult supervision, adults often must stay organized in all aspects of their lives in order to maintain their desired lifestyles.

Adults with ADHD may find it hard to organize things such as their finances, their schedule, or their home. They may likewise have a hard time keeping track of tasks that need to be done, following through on commitments, and understanding how to strike an appropriate balance between different areas of life. If you have trouble staying organized in most parts of your life, this could be a symptom of adult ADHD.

Difficulty focusing

Nearly every adult has days where they seem to have trouble staying focused on the task at hand, and it’s okay not to always be able to perform at your best. However, if you find that you are distracted or unfocused most of the time that you are trying to accomplish things, it may be a sign that you have ADHD. 

The nervous system of someone with ADHD can prevent them from properly focusing and can urge them to give in to their impulses rather than staying focused on one task at a time, even when that task is important. This can greatly impact your professional life and make it difficult for you to keep a job, maintain healthy relationships, stay on top of responsibilities, and more. 

Trouble with social situations

ADHD can have a significant impact on a person’s social skills. Many adults living with ADHD find that they don’t always have the best listening skills, perhaps because they’re easily distracted or tend to have a hard time focusing for long periods. If you notice that you seem to forget important details often, miss out on key points of conversations, have a hard time processing auditory instruction, or otherwise find focus, memory, and communication to be difficult, it may be worth noting. 

Hyperactive and impulsive behavior related to ADHD

In children, ADHD often shows itself through waves of energy that may cause hyperactivity symptoms, like fidgeting, to skyrocket. Energy levels usually tend to level out as we age, which means that sudden spikes and drops may be less frequent. 

ADHD can be much harder to detect in adults due to differences in how hyperactivity and impulsivity are displayed. Adults may become restless, feel like they have too much energy, experience difficulty “turning off” their brains, move around constantly, or seek out stimulating activities because of their ADHD symptoms. When it seems impossible to shut off the noise in your mind, ADHD might be at play. It can be important to note, though, that other mental health disorders can produce similar symptoms, especially anxiety disorders. 

Struggling to prioritize and meet deadlines

Although this symptom can fall in line with an inability to properly organize, the challenges here often involve impulsivity and the inability of individuals to properly prioritize their work or daily tasks. 

Adults with ADHD may seem to have some areas of life “together” while others are in disarray. A successful career might come at the expense of a cluttered, chaotic home space or a lack of attention dedicated to personal passions. Viewing all demands as equally important can make it hard for minds with ADHD to understand the order to complete tasks, how to manage time, and when it’s time to adjust in order to make things easier. Challenges like these may point to ADHD, especially if you experience them often.

Difficulty with emotional control

Emotional control generally refers to our ability to maintain and control our feelings. Those with ADHD might find they tend to experience more extreme, sudden changes in emotions, feel more sensitive to rejection, or have a hard time communicating emotions to others. Low self-esteem and poor self-image, concerns that often go together with ADHD for many adults, can make these challenges feel even more significant.

Developing comorbid physical and mental disorders

We tend to think of ADHD in terms of hyperactivity, but some individuals can become so overworked because of their disorder that they feel tired all the time. In addition to extreme fatigue that can make it harder to do basic tasks, there may also be other health issues that arise from ADHD or the challenges that stem from it. 

Those who have ADHD diagnosed may be at risk of experiencing other mental health conditions. Research shows that ADHD can be comorbid with mood disorders—like depressive disorders and bipolar disorder—and a range of other mental disorders, including anxiety disorders, substance use disorder (previously called substance abuse disorder), and personality disorders. If you believe you’re living with comorbid mental health conditions, a mental health professional can provide you with screenings and determine whether further psychological tests, a diagnosis, and treatment are necessary. 

How to address adult ADHD symptoms 

ADHD symptoms in adults can have heavy consequences for those who experience them, particularly in the absence of appropriate treatment. Our responsibilities usually grow as we do, and ADHD can make it hard for people to keep up with those responsibilities and manage their lives. 

Medication

Medication for ADHD—which is generally classed as either stimulant or non-stimulant—can reduce core symptoms of ADHD like distractibility. Often, medication is used alongside behavioral treatments, such as therapy, to manage symptoms. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional prior to starting or stopping any medication.

Utilize your support system

Your friends, family members, and other trusted individuals can provide you with care, advice, and guidance as you navigate ADHD. Members of your support network may be familiar with your specific challenges with ADHD, which can be helpful as they assist you. You may also want to take advantage of nearby support groups, where you can connect with individuals who are experiencing similar challenges. 

Minimize distractions

Often, environmental factors can exacerbate adult symptoms of ADHD, making it harder for an individual to focus. Limiting distractions by eliminating clutter from your workspace, setting your phone to do not disturb, or listening to white noise can help with difficulty paying attention. You may also want to implement website-blockers on your browser, which can help you avoid time-wasting sites. 

Work with a coach

An ADHD coach can provide practical support for those struggling with common challenges associated with ADHD, like difficulty staying organized, managing time, or focusing. A coach can help you prioritize time-sensitive tasks, create a daily schedule, eliminate distractions, and work through relationship problems. It is important to note that ADHD coaches may not be licensed mental health professionals, so it can help to research a coach’s credentials prior to working with them. 

Exercise regularly

Research shows that physical activity is an effective coping strategy for those living with ADHD. In a meta-analysis of clinical trials, researchers found that exercise had a positive effect on attention, executive function, and other symptoms of ADHD. Exercise may also help alleviate health problems that arise due to ADHD, such as extreme restlessness. 

If you can relate to any of the above symptoms and believe that you may need help managing ADHD or another mental health disorder so you feel empowered to start living the life you deserve, it may be beneficial to reach out to a mental health professional. Research suggests that therapy and other behavioral treatments can help adults manage symptoms of ADHD. In one clinical trial, researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy reduced the severity of ADHD symptoms in adult participants after only six sessions. 

Consult with a professional

Online therapy may make it especially convenient to get professional guidance and support. You can schedule sessions at a time that works for you; all you need is an internet connection to talk, which means you can attend from home or any other location with an internet connection. This type of therapy generally requires less planning and preparation, as you may not need to figure out transportation and childcare, so it may be simpler for you to manage.

When it comes to treating ADHD symptoms, online therapy seems to be just as effective as traditional, in-person options. One 2022 study found that online therapy could effectively improve some ADHD symptoms in both adults and children. The study also noted that online intervention could make supporting families of those with ADHD easier than ever, as bringing resources and understanding into the home may be aided by technology.