5 Common Signs of Adult ADHD

Over 70% of adults that have ADHD do not know they have ADHD.

A common misconception is that only children have ADHD, and the obvious tell signs are the kids being hyperactive and doing poorly in school.

But, at least 75% of adults with ADHD do not know they have ADHD. ADHD in women tends to go undetected more than in males, with the diagnosis rate three times lower than in men. Without a proper understanding of what makes them different from others, some struggle with feeling misunderstood and a sense of self worthless.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that commonly causes a combination or only predominately one of the signs; Difficulty in paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

5 Common Signs of Adult ADHD

The never-ending clockworks of the mind

As an adult, hyperactivity is more internalized than externalized.

There’s a constant flow of thoughts in an ADHD mind, whether a big, great idea or a menial task that pops up randomly in their head. People with ADHD find their minds often wandering and daydreaming even as they are working on something. And, on bad days, it feels like their mind is clogged up with the many thoughts they are juggling up there.

There’s always a sense of restlessness in people with ADHD with the constant need to be productive with their time and have difficulties unwinding.

Bad with details

People with ADHD could relate to this scenario,

Walking out the door to realize they had forgotten their car keys. When that’s done, a wave of doubt will come. “Did I leave the switch off the lights? I did lock the doors, did I?”

They find themselves having difficulties doing the menial task; Forgetting to pay bills, late for appointments.

Impulsivity

People with ADHD find themselves making rash decisions even though knowing what’s logically better. Purchasing and regretting the purchase when the bill comes at the end of the month.

They are prone to mood swings, easily frustrated at their job, and may even have short lash out or outbursts. While some are easily riled up, the anger quickly defuses too.

Disorganized

People with ADHD have many uncompleted projects. They would often pick up on a task before setting it aside and picking up another new project. Their room or working space is usually disorganized and untidy.

Hyperfocus

Despite feeling like a mess, they find themselves capable of many things once they set their mind to it or if it’s just interesting. The list of jobs that they have procrastinated on over and over again could get done in a short period. The dirty dishes and the messy room are cleaned and organized like brand new.

Their brain is hyper-focused on tasks, overcompensating for the time they have slacked off. They are capable of being a functioning human when their mind is set to it to the point that it overdoes themselves; forgetting the time and meals. This throws the misconception of people with ADHD being bad in studies. While some struggled, some with ADHD scored great academically.

Some with ADHD have less severe symptoms, and it does not disrupt their daily lives. Some found ways to manage it through medication and adapting to it, whether it’s finding a job that requires constant traveling or even a checklist of their daily task. While some struggle with ADHD symptoms without knowing that they have a mental health disorder.

Everything starts with pinpointing the problem. Solutions, coping measures, and support from loved ones will follow. Dr. Michael Manos, founding Director of Cleveland Clinic’s ADHD Center for Evaluation and Treatment, said,

“It’s not that someone can outgrow or grow into ADHD. It’s whether or not the symptoms — which were probably always there — are impairing. Adaptability, the means to manage or even leverage ADHD symptoms, is what changes throughout life.”

Disclaimer: The author is not a professional in the subject. Please seek help from medical professionals if you need help.

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