6 Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes. If you have further questions or concerns, consult with a licensed professional. 

I am sure you have heard the term “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” or ADHD before. It is a disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention or hyperactivity that interferes with functioning and development. 

Though ADHD is diagnosed during childhood, it can also affect adults. Unfortunately, there is a significant lack of research into adults with ADHD because many scientists believe that, since ADHD is a developmental disorder, it cannot develop in adults without demonstrating any signs during early childhood. But, signs and symptoms of ADHD often persist into adolescence and adulthood. 

According to the NHS, by the age of 25, 15% of those diagnosed will still present symptoms. Of those diagnosed, 65% will have symptoms that affect their lives.  

Here are six signs and symptoms that you should look out for.

• Inattentiveness

One of the hallmark signs of ADHD is inattentiveness. It goes beyond not paying attention. It can also look like an inability to focus on a task, finding it hard to pay attention to others, or overlooking details. Though these symptoms can also be by stress, pay special attention if you find your focus shifting a lot.   

• Hyperfocus

On the opposite side of the coin, you can also experience hyperfocus. It may seem contradictory, but hyperfocus is also another sign of ADHD in adults. Hyperfocus, in a person with ADHD, can cause them to be so engrossed in a task that you forget about other pressing tasks. 

Note, it is important to differentiate when you are hyperfocused, and when you find yourself in a state of flow.   Flow emerges from a state of deep concentration or engagement in something. Typically, the result produces a positive feeling– a sense of accomplishment. Hyperfocus is a result of an inability to regulate your attention span.  

Though being hyperfocused on a task can seem productive, but it may not always be beneficial. The one side of hyperfocus is that you can’t always choose what you focus on. Sometimes your attention is set on something productive like homework, but it can also be on something insignificant like bidding on eBay.   

Both inattentiveness and hyperfocus can lead to setbacks in relationships, at work, or in school. Fortunately, there are coping mechanisms that can help. For example, you could prioritize your tasks and accomplish them one by one, or ask family and friends to send you an email or text at a specific time to help you shift your focus. 

• Impulsiveness

This symptom can present itself in different ways. Acting with impulse does not always look like someone making a decision that you might regret later. It can also look like speaking out of turn, being socially inappropriate, or rushing through tasks.  

• Disorganization 

We all have hectic lives, but for someone with ADHD, things may be a bit more chaotic. If you have ADHD, you may have trouble establishing order in your life. Luckily, there are apps that can help. 

• Mood swings

Because this symptom is present in a lot of other disorders, it is not an inherent sign of ADHD. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, you may experience mood swings or irritability. There may be days where you feel great emotionally and days where you ate in the emotional gutter. 

Fortunately, here are some techniques that can help you find stability. For example, writing your emotions down. I know that it might be annoying to commit to journaling, but having a record of your emotions can be help you and your therapist spot emotional patterns and prepare for the next time.  Also, setting a schedule will help you establish a routine and avoid possible stress. 

• Lack of Motivation

Though it may feel like you are doing everything at once, you might find yourself unmotivated to do them. Lack of motivation is a symptom commonly seen in children with ADHD, but it can be present in adults too. A lack of motivation combined with other symptoms, like poor organizational skills, is problematic when it comes to accomplishing tasks or being engaged at work. 

There are many ways to help fight a lack of motivation. For example, you could break down your chores into manageable tasks or write down positive feelings you experience throughout the day. These techniques can help you find the motivation to finish your tasks.   

If making a list or using a planner seems useless or futile, you can also try different techniques to keep your motivation going. One YouTube commenter stated that staying in their street shoes is helpful!

I don’t know what it is like to live with ADHD, but I understand that it may come with its own set of challenges.   While there  are plenty of helpful solutions online, some of them may not work for you and that’s fine. I hope that you seek help from a licensed professional when necessary. Some articles suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy as it can give you techniques that will keep you organized and motivated. 

Some other mechanisms to cope with ADHD symptoms are learning to manage stress, eating right, and getting enough sleep. If your symptoms worsen, talk to a health care professional for further treatment options. 

Because ADHD is comorbid with other disorders, some of the symptoms may not a direct result of ADHD. Please consult with a health professional if you have questions or concerns. 

Additionally, please do not use this article as a form of diagnosis. Many of us have experienced some of the points stated in this article, but those who actually have ADHD experience these symptoms differently and with varying degrees of severity.  If you have questions, always refer to a licensed professional.

As always, take care!

Sources:

Bhandari, S. (2020, September 18). How to Manage ADHD Mood Swings. Retrieved November 20, 2020, from https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/manage-mood-swings

Legg, T. J., M.D. (2018, December 17). Symptoms and Signs of Adult ADHD. Retrieved 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adult-adhd#restlessness-and-anxiety

Legg, T. J., M.D. (2019, February 19). ADHD and Hyperfocus. Retrieved 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adhd-symptoms-hyperfocus#Hyperfocus-in-Adults

MayoClinic. (2019, June 22). Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Retrieved November 20, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350883

MentalHealth. (2020, January 16). What advice would you give to someone lacking in motivation? Retrieved November 20, 2020, from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/blog/what-advice-would-you-give-someone-lacking-motivation

NHS. (2018, May 30). Retrieved November 20, 2020, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/symptoms/

NIMH. (2019, June 22). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Retrieved November 20, 2020, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml

updated on October 2021