What are the symptoms of ADHD in adults?
In recent years, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) awareness has spread among both medical professionals and patients. Behaviours of ADHD have previously been overlooked, leading to both clear and subtle signs of ADHD going unrecognised and misrepresented. Thankfully, we're seeing changes.
Adult ADHD is different from Childhood ADHD, though they share the same core symptoms. ADHD is a lifelong condition, but the way symptoms appear can change with age. If these signs are misunderstood, they can present barriers in day-to-day life. These barriers can impact social interactions, work life and relationships with friends or family.
This guide to the seven most common signs of ADHD aims to help in understanding and recognition, making every day easier for everyone.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a condition that, in most cases, develops during childhood. As those with ADHD grow up, many can experience challenges such as attention span, organisation and hyperactivity amongst other experiences.
These elements can, in some individuals, affect school, work, home life, and relationships. Complications in both displaying and controlling emotions can be present. The most clear signs of ADHD are common in childhood and adolescence. It is also possible to see many of these in adults.
The three subtypes of ADHD
There are three subtypes of ADHD. Being able to recognise the difference is key to fully understanding the person, their behaviours, and how we may be able to help.
ADHD – Inattentive
Accounting for around 33% of adult ADHD conditions, experiences can include being easily distracted and becoming bored with tasks quickly.
ADHD – Hyperactive & Impulsive
Accounting for around 7% of adult ADHD diagnoses, the main experiences are hyperactivity and a tendency to act under impulse.
ADHD – Combined
Combined ADHD accounts for about 60% of all ADHD in adults and is a combination of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
The 7 most common signs of adult ADHD
Although adults with ADHD display a wide range of experiences we have summarised 7 of the most common to help you understand what they are and recognise the signs that may be less obvious.
Struggles with focus
Keeping focus on tasks can be a challenge with ADHD. This displays the inattentive form of the disorder and can be one of the most common signs. Although the condition is described by name as an attention deficit, it does not mean a whole lack of attention and focus. People with ADHD are more likely to focus on tasks they find engaging but may struggle to stay on task with other areas.
Hyperactivity
Displaying more outwardly than some other signs, Hyperactivity is one of the most well-known signs of ADHD. Adults with ADHD can often feel a sense of restlessness and a need for excitement. This can lead to a great deal of focus on elements that excite them and a lack of interest in tasks that don’t.
Impulsiveness
Linked with hyperactivity, impulsive decision-making is a characteristic that can be troublesome in many areas, including finances. Decisions can be made in the moment and without thought, sometimes coming across as irresponsible and reckless if not understood.
Time management
Another common trait is poor organisation and management of time. This can be seen as bouncing between tasks rather than seeking to complete one before moving on. It can also look like time blindness, which is having a hard time perceiving how quickly time is passing, meaning lateness or spending too long on an activity.
Trouble maintaining relationships
Trouble with relationships is sadly also very common in ADHD. Relationships with friends, family, colleagues, and partners can be challenged by characteristics such as not listening, speaking over the other person, and failing to fulfil promises or commitments.
Mood swings
Adults with ADHD often experience mood swings that can be intense, unpredictable, and difficult to control. The person may experience rapid shifts in emotions which lead to sudden or intense reactions which can impact on personal and working relationships.
Interrupting others
A characteristic that many with ADHD display is interrupting others. This in most cases stems from a lack of impulse control and difficulty in retaining focus on the conversation’s path. This can create problems when there is a need to stay on a certain topic and can appear rude to others pre-diagnosis or to those unaware of an ADHD diagnosis.
Online self-assessment
Do you believe that you or a loved one have signs of ADHD? Our online ADHD test offers insight into whether you are experiencing some of the common behaviours and thoughts associated with having ADHD. The questions are based on an evidence-based screening tool but are indicative only and do not form a formal diagnosis.
Looking to start the process for a diagnosis? You can request a free confidential call back from one of our trained assistant psychologists to find out more about the options available to you.
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Clinically reviewed
- Amy Mowson