ADHD in Adults: Are You Experiencing These Signs?

When you hear “ADHD,” you might think of a kid who can’t sit still in class, but ADHD isn’t just a childhood issue. Many adults have ADHD too, and it can show up in ways that impact work, relationships, and daily life. If you’ve ever wondered whether ADHD might be affecting you, keep reading to learn more about the signs and what you can do about it.

What ADHD Looks Like in Adults

ADHD in adults often manifests as ongoing issues with paying attention, staying organized, or controlling impulses. Below is an overview of the key diagnostic criteria for ADHD in adults, based on the DSM-51 (a guide used by mental health professionals to diagnose and understand different mental health conditions).

Signs of Inattention: Adults with ADHD may experience:

1. Trouble Focusing: Do you find your mind wandering during meetings, conversations, or even while reading a book?
2. Careless Mistakes: Are you frequently making errors at work or forgetting important details, simply because you’re distracted?
3. Not Listening: People might tell you that you don’t seem to listen when they’re talking to you, even if you’re trying your best to pay attention.
4. Starting but Not Finishing Projects: Maybe you’re excited to start new projects but lose interest or get distracted before finishing them.
5. Disorganization: Do you find it challenging to keep your tasks and schedule organized? You might miss deadlines or put things off until the last minute.
6. Avoiding Tedious Tasks: Do you avoid tasks that require a lot of mental effort, like filling out paperwork or working on detailed projects?
7. Frequently Losing Items: Misplace keys, phones, or important documents.
8. Easily Distracted: Whether it’s external noises or your own thoughts, distractions can make staying focused a challenge.
9. Forgetfulness: Forgetting appointments, meetings, or daily tasks happens more often than you’d like.

Signs of Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: These symptoms can also show up in adults with ADHD:

1. Feeling Restless: Do you often feel the urge to fidget or tap your feet, even when you need to stay still?
2. Trouble Staying Seated: Do you find it difficult to remain seated during long meetings or even meals?
3. Always Feeling “On the Go”: You might feel driven by an internal motor, making it tough to relax or engage in quiet activities.
4. Talking Excessively: Friends or colleagues might notice that you talk more than usual or interrupt others frequently.
5. Interrupting Conversations: It can be hard to wait for your turn in conversations, leading to frequent interruptions or finishing others’ sentences.
6. Impulsive Decisions: Making quick decisions without thinking them through can lead to issues at work, personal relationships, and your financial health.
7. Difficulty Waiting: Patience might not be your strong suit, especially when waiting in line or for your turn.

How ADHD is Diagnosed in Adults

While many people might experience similar behaviors from time to time, what sets ADHD apart is the consistency and persistence of these symptoms. To be diagnosed with ADHD, these should be more pronounced than what’s typical for your age group. Importantly, these signs should be present in more than one setting—like both at home and at work—to ensure they’re not just situational. The symptoms should also significantly impact your daily life, making it harder to succeed at work, maintain relationships, or manage everyday tasks.  It’s also crucial to rule out other possible causes. ADHD symptoms can sometimes look like anxiety, depression, or even the effects of not getting enough sleep. A thorough evaluation by a mental health professional can help differentiate ADHD from other conditions.  

Along with the diagnosis of ADHD, specifiers are used in order to clarify how it manifests for the client:

1. Predominantly Inattentive: Mainly trouble with paying attention and staying focused.
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive: Mainly trouble with being overly active and acting without thinking.
3. Combined: A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

Could This Be You?

If you answered yes to these questions, you’re not alone. Many adults struggle with ADHD, and recognizing the signs is the first step toward finding the support you need. ADHD is manageable, and with the right strategies and guidance, you can improve your focus, organization, and overall quality of life.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you think ADHD might be affecting you, consider reaching out for a professional evaluation. ADHD can be managed, and with the right support, you can improve your focus, organization, and quality of life.

Interested in learning more or ready to talk? Contact Kerry Diana, LPC today to set up a free 15-minute phone consultation.

¹American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). American Psychiatric Publishing.