It's commonly assumed that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is something only kids and teens have to deal with. But this isn't the case — adults can suffer from it too. The prevalence of ADHD diagnosed in adults is relatively high and reaches 5% in the general population. It means that every twentieth adult is suffering from this disorder, a number that seems to be growing.
Unfortunately, many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD, struggling through its symptoms without knowing the root of their difficulties.
They silently ask, “Why am I like this?”
Less than 20% of adults with ADHD are diagnosed or treated. While Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms in adults are similar to those in children, some signs of ADHD in adults can be hard to recognize.
So, let’s explore how this disorder manifests in adults and what specific signs and symptoms indicate that you may have adult ADHD.
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What Are the Most Common Adult ADHD Symptoms?
ADHD can affect both kids and grown-ups, yet the way its symptoms are experienced and perceived can differ between these two age groups.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders first recognized childhood ADHD in 1968 to describe children with high levels of activity and impulsivity. Since then, the condition has had many names, including Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood and Attention Deficit Disorder (with and without Hyperactivity), and early research was on children diagnosed with the disorder.
The term we use now, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), was introduced in 1987 in the DSM-3-R. In 2013, the DSM-5 took steps to provide "additional examples of how symptoms may manifest in adolescence and adulthood, and a reduction from six to five in the minimum number of symptoms in either symptom domain required for older adolescents and adults."
Here are the most common ADHD symptoms that can be present in children, adolescents, and adults.
To diagnose ADHD, these symptoms must be present in two or more settings and cannot be due to a developmental disorder, CNS disorder, or other cognitive or mental disorders.
Impulsiveness
Examples of impulsive behavior include acting on a whim without considering the consequences, jumping in and talking over people, risky behaviors, or being unable to exercise patience.
Disorganization
Having difficulty knowing what needs to come first, experiencing issues with prioritizing tasks, keeping materials in order, or dealing with overwhelming work due to poor time management habits.
Trouble focusing or difficulty paying attention
With a name like "attention deficit disorder," it's no surprise that focus issues are one of the core symptoms of ADHD. This can manifest in difficulty sustaining focus during tasks and play activities, not listening attentively to what others say, failing to complete instructions given, and leaving projects unfinished.
Restlessness and/or hyperactivity
The sensation of restlessness can manifest itself physically through pacing around, tapping your fingers incessantly on surfaces, or simply wanting an escape from everything that's going on inside you.
Poor time management
From underestimating the time necessary for completing tasks, running late on occasion, or having difficulty keeping up with deadlines and timetables — all these issues might point to poor time management.
Problems following through on tasks
Multitasking without finishing any task you have may signal that you have ADHD.
Mood swings
Mood swings — from being happy to being sad throughout the day without obvious reasons — are often present with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. However, to be considered one of the symptoms of ADHD, it is necessary to rule out the presence of a mood disorder (although ADHD can coexist with other mental health conditions such as depression).
Low frustration tolerance
Getting upset or angry more easily indicates that you have a low frustration tolerance, which is a common symptom of adult ADHD.
Hot temper
People with ADHD often struggle to manage their emotions, resulting in frequent displays of temper. This can take the form of intense outbursts that may be difficult for them (and those around them) to cope with.
Trouble coping with stress
ADHD symptoms can worsen with increased stress. This can create a vicious cycle as the symptoms of ADHD can lead to more extreme stress levels.
Differences Between Child and Adult ADHD
The abovementioned ADHD symptoms are commonly diagnosed in both children and adults. However, they manifest differently.
For instance, one of the main distinguishing features of children with ADHD is hyperactivity. They appear to be constantly on the move, fidgeting, sprinting around, or having difficulty staying still.
Though this external restlessness is not as prevalent in adults dealing with ADHD, they may experience internal issues preventing them from relaxing. Adults may feel their minds racing and find it difficult to relax. They often feel mentally exhausted and overwhelmed by various daily tasks and responsibilities.
In social settings, adults with ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on communication and being at ease. Even when surrounded by their friends, these individuals often find themselves preoccupied with thinking about the things that must be done or tasks left unfinished.
ADHD can often cause a lack of attentiveness, creating significant challenges for children and adults. Kids may struggle to stay focused in class or fail to complete their homework on time. Grown-ups face more severe repercussions, such as missed work deadlines, forgotten tasks or appointments, and difficulty managing household duties. Even cleaning can become problematic as adults with ADHD may constantly get distracted or lose focus.
Imagine the following scenario:
While cleaning up the kitchen, Jane, a 31-year-old woman with ADHD, notices a chip on her favorite mug. This sparks memories of the ceramics class she used to take. Jane picks up her smartphone and starts searching for local ceramic classes. Suddenly, a notification from social media pops up, getting her sucked into scrolling mindlessly down her feed until Jane eventually remembers that she is supposed to be cleaning.
This simple example shows how difficult it is for adults with ADHD to focus on the simplest tasks.
Impulsivity, another characteristic of ADHD, may lead to severe negative consequences in adults. Adults with ADHD have higher chances of engaging in risk-taking behaviors, such as gambling, reckless driving, or foolish business investments. As a result, adults with ADHD can become involved in illegal activities or experience financial difficulties.
You should be aware that ADHD is not the only factor that may cause impulsivity, lack of attention, and other ADHD symptoms. Personality traits can also influence them.
Want to know your personality type? Take a brief assessment and learn more about yourself.
Is Adult-Onset ADHD Possible?
ADHD has been traditionally perceived to manifest itself during childhood, and diagnostic criteria largely depend on the presence of symptoms before a specific age — commonly before 12. While there is no consensus in the scientific community on whether ADHD can first appear during adulthood, recent research suggests that this is possible.
Considering that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, it is likely that the onset of ADHD in adults (when there were no prior childhood symptoms) can be provoked by environmental factors that may alter brain functioning.
Substance use disorders, medication side effects, head injuries, or life changes can significantly impact one's ability to concentrate and control impulses and probably develop adult ADHD later in life.
There is also preliminary research suggesting that environmental factors may play a role in the increased ADHD diagnosis in both children and adults.
How Does Adult ADHD Affect Different Domains of Life?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in adults can be challenging, often leading to difficulties with self-control and maintaining motivation. These symptoms can potentially impact all facets of life — from employment to interpersonal relationships and health.
So how can ADHD influence your daily adult life?
Work Environment
Having Adult ADHD can be a real struggle in the workplace, both in terms of work performance and professional relationships. Symptoms like lack of focus, impulsiveness, and being overly active often make it difficult to succeed in such an environment.
Individuals with ADHD may struggle to stay organized, remember important details, and meet deadlines. They can also have difficulty concentrating on tasks — especially those that are monotonous or that demand a sustained mental effort. This poor concentration can lead to mistakes, procrastination, and missed deadlines — ultimately impacting productivity and career growth. This results in about 35 days of annual lost work performance.
Interpersonal Relationships
ADHD can have a dramatic effect on one's relationships. Its symptoms can be challenging to manage, making it difficult for those affected to properly fulfill their roles in the relationship — often leading to miscommunications and disagreements.
Carelessness or inattention can have consequences that range from missed meetings to broken promises. Such negligence might give off the impression of a lack of consideration and attention, leading to irritation or bitterness among those close to adults with ADHD.
Acting without consideration can cause disputes, arguments, and hurt feelings. People with ADHD may sometimes speak or act impulsively, which could detrimentally affect their relationships. Romantic partners may often perceive relationships with ADHD partners as unstable and turbulent.
Individuals with adult ADHD may find it challenging to relax or engage in quiet activities, potentially leading to conflict if their partner or friend enjoys a more serene lifestyle. Loneliness is not uncommon for people with ADHD.
Health and Well-being of Adults with ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in adults can have far-reaching implications beyond the work environment and interpersonal relationships. It's a challenge for productivity or social connectedness and also profoundly impacts our physical health and mental well-being.
Adults with ADHD are at an increased risk of developing other mental health conditions such as depression, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. The constant struggle to manage the symptoms associated with ADHD can lead to these additional mental health conditions over time.
People with ADHD may be prone to acting impulsively, which can manifest in risky behavior like reckless driving. This tendency can, unfortunately, increase the likelihood of an accident occurring. Another common impulsive behavior in adults with ADHD is engaging in unprotected sex, which can lead to sexually transmitted diseases.
Moreover, some research indicates that adults struggling with this condition might have a higher chance of developing lifestyle-related diseases due to difficulty adhering to healthy habits such as regular exercise and maintaining balanced nutrition.
Substance Misuse and Abuse
It is not uncommon for adults with undiagnosed ADHD to self-medicate in order to manage the persistent symptoms that cause difficulty in their lives. Unfortunately, this can mean more than turning to caffeine and alcohol. Unaware that they have a treatable mental health condition, many adults also present with substance abuse issues prior to ADHD diagnosis.
How Is ADHD Managed and Treated In Adults?
Treating ADHD in adults often requires a multi-faceted approach, including medication and psychotherapy. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamines are generally the go-to option. They increase specific brain chemicals to enhance concentration and focus.
While these ADHD medications can be highly effective, there may also be some undesirable side effects, such as loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, or even mood fluctuations. It's essential to consider lifestyle modifications that could further support treatment success.
If stimulants prove ineffective or cause serious side effects, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, clonidine, and guanfacine can be explored to treat ADHD. Combining a stimulant with one of these alternative drugs may also yield greater results.
Furthermore, psychotherapy is often integral in treating ADHD. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been found to assist adults with ADHD by helping them comprehend how their thought patterns lead to problematic behavior while simultaneously managing symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity. It additionally provides support for addressing issues related to low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety disorders that so commonly accompany ADHD.
Time management and relaxation techniques, such as meditation, can be invaluable for people with ADHD, as they assist in minimizing anxiety levels, bolstering concentration capabilities, and optimizing overall well-being. These are just some examples of behavioral treatments used to manage and treat ADHD symptoms.
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