ADHD in men tends to appear differently than in other populations. Adult males often struggle with emotional regulation, procrastination, and low frustration tolerance.1 Many are more likely to experience hyperactive or impulsive symptoms, meaning they may be easily angered or engage in risky behaviors. Typically, therapy and medication can help alleviate symptoms of male ADHD.
Online Psychiatry For ADHD Covered By Insurance
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Check out this video by Kristen Souza, LMHC, which summarizes some of the key points from my article:
What Is ADHD?
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition featuring a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interferes with overall functioning. Symptoms can present differently depending on several factors, including age, gender, and environment.
The types of ADHD include:
- Inattentive ADHD: Inattentive ADHD results in predominant symptoms of distractibility, poor focus, and forgetfulness.
- Impulsive/hyperactive ADHD: Impulsive/hyperactive ADHD refers to behaviors such as interrupting, restlessness, and feeling perpetually “on the go.”
- Combined ADHD: Individuals with combined ADHD experience both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms.
ADHD Symptoms in Men
Symptoms of ADHD in adult men may be less apparent than in children. For example, a man might not exhibit restless energy but still struggle with paying attention, remembering important details, or staying organized. These symptom variances can make obtaining a diagnosis in adulthood difficult, as mental health professionals can easily overlook concentration difficulties.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD in men may include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor time management or time blindness
- Shifts in mood or poor emotional regulation
- Chronic procrastination
- Making simple mistakes at work or school
- Failing to follow along in conversations
- Not following through on hobbies or ventures
Symptoms of hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in men may include:
- Blurting out answers or interrupting conversations
- Restlessness
- Feeling fidgety constantly
- Acting without assessing the negative consequences
- Trouble with waiting their turn
- Being unable to sit still for long periods
Signs of ADHD in Men
Some common signs of ADHD in adult men include problems with focus, an inability to multitask, and compromised time management skills. Even when men are outwardly successful, they may experience poor stress management skills or difficulties staying on task. Some may also have mood swings and a diminished tolerance for stress and frustration.
Below are common signs of ADHD in men:
- Rejection sensitive dysphoria
- Low motivation
- Sleep disturbances
- Poor planning skills
- Difficulties with time management
- Inability to focus on tasks
- Excessive restlessness
ADHD in Men Vs. Women
ADHD symptom intensity varies between men and women. Some research suggests females with ADHD are more likely to present with inattentive symptoms than males.2 Like with many other disorders, manifested differences rely heavily on roles and expectations within social environments.
Men with ADHD tend to receive a diagnosis more frequently and earlier than their female counterparts, likely due to the overt nature of their symptoms. Masculine behaviors are typically more noticeable and exacerbate stereotypical male characteristics. In academic and professional settings, these actions can be disruptive, thus receiving more attention than inattentive behaviors exhibited by women.
In addition, symptoms of ADHD in men often include heightened levels of distraction and hyperactivity. Many quickly jump from task to task, often without completing previous ones. Because of this, their performance at work or school may suffer. In contrast, women tend to be more forgetful and inattentive, perhaps because of ADHD racing thoughts. Still, this mental overstimulation can manifest in poor performance reviews and frequent mistakes.
ADHD in Men Vs. Women
Men with ADHD | Women with ADHD |
More hyperactive symptoms | More anxious/depressed symptoms |
High-risk impulsive behaviors | Trouble staying focused |
Difficulties controlling anger | Body-focused compulsive behaviors |
Need to be right in interpersonal dynamics | Perfectionism/people-pleasing |
Presenting as self-centered | Deep feelings of shame |
Impacts of ADHD in Men
Society often shames, misunderstands, or stigmatizes ADHD symptoms in men. Additionally, undiagnosed men may feel like something is fundamentally wrong with them, while those diagnosed may feel frustrated by their perceived limits. Eventually, untreated or unmanaged ADHD can lead to relationship, work-related, and personal problems that impact life satisfaction.
Issues with Relationships
Many men with ADHD may experience relationship problems because of low impulse control or emotional dysregulation. They may be more prone to mood swings and anger, thus heightening conflict with loved ones. They may also be more distracted, meaning they can forget about important events, dates, or promises. Ultimately, these challenges can frustrate their partners or friends.
Emotional Reactivity
Many people with ADHD have a lowered frustration tolerance. They may also be more rigid with their beliefs and inflexible. Such emotional dysregulation can affect well-being and exacerbate relationship problems, physical health issues, and other mental health concerns.
Poor Work or Academic Performance
Reduced impulse control, inattentiveness, and distractibility can make focusing on work or school difficult. Some people perform well when they can hyperfocus on something they enjoy. However, others find that paying attention to less-than-desirable tasks impairs their ability to succeed. Subsequently, many men with ADHD experience issues with procrastination and avoidance behaviors.
Low Self-Esteem
One of the key ADHD symptoms in adult men is low self-esteem. Many feel poorly about themselves and have a diminished sense of self-worth. They may feel upset about their ADHD, blaming themselves for perceived deficits. They might also feel guilty about how their symptoms affect others.
Issues With Conflict & Criticism
Many men with ADHD feel overwhelmed or ashamed when faced with conflict. They may get preemptively defensive if they sense someone is upset with them. This behavior can result in lashing out, passive-aggressiveness, or verbal altercations.
Shame About Their Diagnosis
Some people stigmatize ADHD in males, particularly in certain cultures. Feeling “othered” can create shame and cause men to conceal their struggles or downplay their truth. Some will also avoid seeking mental health care because they do not want to acknowledge their issues (or they feel unworthy of support).
Get Help For ADHD
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
Inflow App – Inflow is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain, and build lifelong skills. Free Trial
How Do Professionals Diagnose ADHD in Men?
Trained mental health professionals can adequately screen for signs of ADHD in men. However, experts do not have one specific test for ADHD. Instead, most evaluations are comprehensive and multifaceted. Assessment typically includes self-reports, information about co-occurring issues, details about medical history, and collateral information about family life and childhood.
Treatment for ADHD in Adult Men
Adult men with ADHD can benefit greatly from seeking care and support. Although there is no cure for ADHD, the right treatment may reduce your symptoms and promote an overall better quality of life. Treatment may consist of a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Your treatment needs may fluctuate over time, and that’s normal.
Therapy Options
Psychotherapy can be beneficial in the treatment of adult ADHD in men.3 Finding a neurodiversity-affirming therapist can take time but is worth the effort. Working with an understanding professional can help you determine the best ways to manage challenging symptoms.
If you have insurance, you can start your search by obtaining a list of in-network providers specializing in ADHD. Online therapist directories are also a great information source, and you can narrow therapists based on expertise, location, accepted insurance, and more. You do not have to struggle with your ADHD alone–help is available to assist you in living healthily with ADHD.
Below are therapy options for ADHD in men:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT for ADHD helps men challenge their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier alternatives. These changes can promote positive behavior and symptom management.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT can strengthen skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to improve ADHD symptoms.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT can help men with ADHD improve their interpersonal relationships that may suffer because of their symptoms.
- Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic therapy can provide insight into how early childhood/familial experiences impact current functioning and thoughts.
Coping With ADHD as a Male Adult
Although living with ADHD can be frustrating, you can have a meaningful, productive, and healthy life. ADHD also has benefits, so focus on finding your strengths and celebrating successes. You simply need to be mindful of your triggers and have a plan for regulating stress.
Below are ways to cope as a man with ADHD:
- Focus on improving emotional regulation: Be mindful of your emotional triggers and strive to implement healthy coping skills when overwhelmed.
- Practice more self-acceptance: Accepting your ADHD diagnosis and harnessing your neurodivergence as a unique quality (rather than a deficit) can be empowering. Learn to love yourself and embrace the characteristics that make you “you.”
- Use systems and tools to keep you organized: Create a routine that helps you optimize organization, efficiency, and productivity. Doing this can save you time and help you remember necessary tasks.
- Be patient with treatment: Patience is key for sticking through this journey toward symptom management and wellness. Allow space for slip-ups, and remember to practice self-compassion.
- Seek positive support: Surround yourself with people who care about your emotional well-being. Having a support network is crucial when coping with challenges.
- Avoid or limit mood-altering substances: While caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or marijuana can provide some initial relief, they may magnify ADHD symptoms and create more problems.
Supporting Men With ADHD
You can be an invaluable source of support for a loved one with ADHD. You cannot fix their problems, but providing compassion, patience, and a deep understanding of their experience can help them feel validated and supported.
Here are tips for supporting men with adult ADHD:
- Learn more about ADHD: Educate yourself on ADHD, its presenting symptoms, and the various treatment options. This knowledge can help you understand their experience.
- Maintain a sense of positivity and hope: Remind your loved one of their virtues. They are not their diagnosis–highlight their strengths and uniqueness.
- Work together to create a routine: Support your loved one to make a healthy routine that honors their needs and plays up their inherent strengths.
- Encourage them to seek help: Therapy can be an important part of ADHD treatment. Help your loved one access treatment and be thoughtful in how you communicate about therapy with them.
In My Experience
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
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ADHD in Men Infographics