Adult ADHD Symptoms

The hyperactivity that can come with ADHD fades further with age. However, the symptoms of ADHD in adulthood still have a significant impact on a person’s life and relationships, both at work and at home.

About ADHD

There are 3 subtypes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

There are 3 subtypes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Predominantly
inattentive

Tends to persist into
adulthood

Hyperactive
impulsive

Consistent reductions
with increasing age

Combined
presentation

80% persistence into
adulthood

Experiences of ADHD symptoms often
change over the course of development

Experiences of ADHD symptoms often
change over the course of development

Stick figures of children, and adults. Inattention symptoms in children tend to lead to difficulty completing chores or word based activities in adults. Hyperactivity symptoms experience in childhood tend to lead to feelings of inner restlessness and discomfort in adults.
Adults with ADHD symptoms may experience
pervasive impairment in areas including success and safety at work, interpersonal relationships, executive functioning,
academic outcomes and general
life satisfaction.

With treatment, together you and your health care provider can develop a care plan that may help relieve your symptoms by increasing attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity, which in turn can help with getting you to a higher level of
functioning.

Common symptoms and behaviours of ADHD in adults:

  • Unable to pay attention for a period of time
  • Easily distracted by things around you
  • Unable to pay close attention to details
  • Over-focusing and being unable to refocus your attention
  • Making careless mistakes
  • Poor time management
  • Messy and disorganized
  • Forgetting or struggling to complete tasks
  • Frequently losing keys, wallet, sunglasses, cell phone, etc.
  • Difficulty managing finances
  • Fidgeting, finger drumming, leg shaking, etc.
  • A feeling of internal restlessness
  • Feeling that your mind is racing
  • Talking too much or at inappropriate times
  • Interrupting or blurting out things
  • Problems with driving (speeding tickets, serious accidents, license revoked)
  • Frequent accidents/injuries, due to recklessness or not paying attention (e.g., while playing sports)
  • Making impulsive decisions (quit job, max out credit cards)
  • High-risk activities (abuse drugs and alcohol, risky sex)
  • Low self-esteem, feelings of underachievement
  • Relationship issues , difficult social interaction, trouble seeing effect on others

Differences between men
and women with ADHD

Men with ADHD are more likely to experience one of the following medical concern or comorbidity: antisocial personality disorder, conduct disorder or substance or alcohol abuse. On the other hand, women with ADHD can experience other symptoms such as bulimia, somatic symptoms or certain mood disorders. Probability of having at least one psychotic medical concern is 50% among men but 34% among women.

Detection of ADHD in females

Inattention symptoms: easily distracted, disorganized, overwhelmed, lacking in effort or motivation.ADHD symptoms become more obvious later in life, often during periods of social or educational transition.Symptoms may be exacerbated by hormonal changes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.

Reasons why girls and/or women
may be diagnosed later than boys

For a long time, scientists insisted that ADHD was
very rare in girls , and even more so in women.

In childhood, teachers and
parents report the symptoms
that they see.
Since girls tend to have the
inattentive subtype of ADHD,
this is difficult to "see".

Less overt ADHD symptoms are more likely to be overlooked by providers.


Girls and women are less
likely than boys and men to
display disruptive behaviours.

ADHD IN ADULT STUDENTS

ADHD can affect students of any age, including those in college or university as well as adult students returning to complete their high school diploma.

  • Post-secondary students with undiagnosed ADHD often find that they were able to cope in elementary or high school. This is likely thanks to the environmental structure and support they received while living at home.
  • However, at this higher level of education, increased freedom, lack of structure, and additional strain on their attention can make it difficult or impossible to succeed.
  • The symptoms and challenges faced as students in their adolescent/teen years are now amplified and may need to be addressed for them to succeed.

Understand Your Treatment Options

Wondering what happens next when you know that it’s ADHD? Find out more about the different treatment options and support available.

Take steps to make a plan

Coping strategies for Adults with ADHD

ADHD can affect all areas of an adult’s life, but learning some new skills and strategies makes it possible to manage ADHD symptoms and improve daily habits.

TIPS TO HELP ADULTS ADAPT

Need Help Talking to Your Doctor about ADHD?

Are you exploring a possible ADHD diagnosis? Or have questions about your current ADHD treatment plan? Our Doctor Discussion Guides can help you get the conversation started.

Doctor Discussion Guides