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Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD is more common than you think. Here are some things to look for and, more importantly, ways to get the help you need to thrive.

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What does adult ADHD look like?

ADHD symptoms are the same in both children and adults – but how they present will naturally be different because our days, our environments, and our way of interacting with the world are different. Take a look at this list of how ADHD symptoms present in adults to see if any sound familiar to you.

Childhood ADHD symptoms

Adult ADHD symptoms

Difficulty paying attention

Teachers note excessive daydreaming

Friends and family don’t get your full attention when they are talking with you

All kids interrupt but this one takes it to a whole new level

In conversations, you frequently interrupt the person speaking

The student almost single-handedly keeps the school lost-and-found in business

Keys, socks, glasses of water, remote controls, phones, and more go ‘missing’ daily

Mood swings

Teachers note a quick temper and frequent outbursts

Friends and family have noted that you have a quick temper

All kids get frustrated when trying a new skill but this one cannot seem to push through

You get frustrated easily–when your kiddo can’t find their shoes, at the person in front of you at the drive-thru, by your own inability to finish a task

You can see the child feels scared by not being able to control emotions

In daily life, you often feel like your emotions are not within your control

Sleep schedules have always been elusive

Sleep–or, rather, lack of sleep–feels tied to your mood swings but you can’t seem to get enough zzz’s

Disorganization

Teachers note assignments turned in late – or not at all

You struggle to prioritize your work which leaves you feeling flustered and behind most of the time

All kids have a messy room from time to time but this goes beyond anything you’ve seen

Friends and family lovingly joke that your room/house/car is a mess as they watch you search for things

Each time you help your child catch up, it’s hours before they are behind again

More than a few missed deadlines haunt you at any given moment

Hyperactivity

All kids fidget and wiggle, but this one’s constantly buzzing

Friends and family regularly ask you to stop tapping your foot, shaking a table, or making an annoying sound with your fingers

Teachers note a tendency to get up and wander around the classroom

You find yourself standing up and walking around during meetings, or that you focus better when you keep your hands busy with a fidget toy

How does ADHD impact adults?

Relationships​

Your family and friends love you. But some of your symptoms, if left uncontrolled, can add tension to your relationships. This is about more than losing your keys every morning. When loved ones don’t feel as though they ever have your full attention, that your low frustration tolerance will result in an outburst, or that they can’t count on you to follow through, the relationship overall may suffer.

Work / School​

You probably already know this one. When it comes to meeting deadlines or completing projects, everything from poor time management to forgetfulness, lack of concentration to disorganization,and everything in between will get in the way.

Overall health​

Did you know that Adult ADHD rarely exists alone? Studies show that 60-70% of adults with ADHD also struggle with other mental health challenges such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorder.

Why should I get diagnosed or treat ADHD?

You can thrive​

You’ve just read how ADHD impacts adults. If you could lessen any of those impacts, and improve your relationships, work, school, or overall health, why wouldn’t you? Getting a concrete answer as to why you experience these challenges will change the way you think about yourself, your past, and your future. And treating your symptoms so that these challenges are even a little bit less a part of your everyday life will change the way you show up with friends, family, colleagues, and the world around you. You can thrive with ADHD.

Consider the genetics​

Have we not convinced you? Then let’s try one more approach. Think about your kids. Or your grandkids. Studies show that approximately half of parents with ADHD have a child with ADHD. There is even some research that suggests there are genetic markers associated with ADHD development. Getting a diagnosis for yourself might just be the first step towards helping your children thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need more answers to your questions about ADHD, Assessment, Treatment, medication, and more? We’ve got you.

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