ADHD Symptoms & Signs

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurological condition that affects attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The types of ADHD can affect individuals differently, and symptoms occur along a spectrum. Some individuals may experience more evident symptoms, such as fidgeting, restlessness, and distractibility. Others are prone to ADHD masking, meaning they can better conceal or control their symptoms and appear more “high-functioning.”

Depending on their symptoms, people may or may not feel impacted by their ADHD. Some may view ADHD as a part of their identity, accepting their experience as a natural aspect of neurodiversity. Either way, therapy, and medication can help those struggling with symptoms learn to cope with difficulties as they occur.

Symptoms of ADHD

Symptoms of ADHD are typically first observed in childhood as difficulties with challenging tasks, excessive motor activity (hyperactivity), and considering the consequences of actions. Both children and adults with ADHD may exhibit “ready, fire, aim” behaviors, meaning they lean toward impulsivity and quick decision-making.

ADHD Symptoms in Children & Teens

ADHD symptoms in children may present as language, motor, or social developmental delays.¹ Many parents first report excessive motor activity when their child is a toddler or signs of postural sway, but these symptoms of ADHD in toddlers can be difficult to distinguish from typical development. Most commonly, professionals diagnose ADHD during elementary school years after symptoms of inattention become more impairing.

Impulsivity, excessive activity levels, and poor focus often remain stable throughout early adolescence. For many individuals, hyperactive behaviors tend to lessen as they age and give way to fidgeting, impatience, and general restlessness. ADHD symptoms in teens may pose more educational difficulties, like failing grades and higher school dropouts, than their neurotypical peers. They also have more difficulty in their relationships with peers, teachers, siblings, and parents.² Parents should watch for these common signs of ADHD in kids and seek professional support as needed.

Symptoms of ADHD in kids and teens may include:

• Forgetfulness
• Inability to stay focused on tasks
• Fidgeting
• Excess energy
• Difficulty staying organized
• Short attention spans
• Struggling to follow directions
• Impulsive decision-making
• Inability to wait their turn

ADHD Symptoms in Adults

Research suggests a reduction in core symptoms of ADHD as adolescents develop into adults.³ Some symptoms and signs of adult ADHD, such as poor planning and inattention, tend to persist throughout life. Older individuals with ADHD often have more problems with adjustment and poorer mental health than comparison groups.

ADHD impulsivity can lead to financial or legal problems as individuals may be more likely to switch jobs or speed while driving. Some people struggle to drive with ADHD due to high distractibility. However, some research demonstrates hyperactive youngsters can use their energy more adaptively as adults. For example, they may work multiple jobs or work longer hours. In this way, the aimlessness of childhood restlessness gives way to more purposeful activity-seeking in adulthood.

Unfortunately, this behavior can also contribute to workaholism and perfectionism, as some adults strive to compensate for more impactful symptoms of ADHD. Over time, those with ADHD may feel ostracized because of their challenges, leading to low self-esteem and social avoidance.

Symptoms of ADHD in adults may include:

• Sense of underachievement
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty getting organized
• Chronic procrastination
• Trouble with follow-through
• Tendency to speak with little insight into the timing or appropriateness
• Frequent search for stimulation
• Intolerance for boredom
• High distractibility
• Low tolerance for frustration
• Impulsive behavior
• Tendency to work endlessly
• Sense of insecurity or worry
• Mood swings
• Restlessness
• Tendency toward addictive behavior

Symptoms in Each Type of ADHD

Symptoms and signs of ADHD can vary greatly depending on the type of ADHD someone experiences. For example, some with inattentive ADHD may exhibit more distractibility or forgetfulness, while those with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD present with higher energy levels and restlessness. Individuals with combined ADHD have symptoms of both types, leaving more room for variations in presentation.

Inattentive ADHD symptoms include:¹

• Difficulty with close attention to detail across multiple contexts
• Frequent mistakes 
• Poor work productivity
• Difficulty maintaining attention in non-preferred tasks or activities (i.e., reading or lengthy conversations)
• Demonstrating “wandering attention” without clear distractions
• Difficulty following through with tasks (preferred or nonpreferred)
• Challenges related to organization
•  Time blindness
• Avoidance of tasks that require persistence of mental effort (i.e., homework, lengthy forms)
• Frequently losing items (i.e., eyeglasses, car keys, cell phone, wallet)
• Easily distracted by stimuli in the environment
• Forgetful during activities of daily living (i.e., routine chores, errands, returning calls, keeping appointments)

Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include:¹

• Frequent fidgeting or tapping with hands or feet
• Squirming in seat
• Inability to remain seated when expected
• Excessive motor activity (i.e., running, climbing, restlessness)
• Difficulty engaging in quiet leisure activities (e.g., private reading in a library)
• Excessive talking
• Inability to inhibit communicative behavior
• Interrupts or intrudes on others (i.e., take over activities, invade others’ space without asking)

How to Treat Symptoms of ADHD

Treatment for ADHD includes different kinds of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Recognizing the early signs of ADHD can be helpful, as children can receive the best care to help them cope with symptoms as they enter adolescence and adulthood.

Spotting the signs of ADHD in adults may be more challenging, posing a barrier to treatment. However, seeking professional guidance can help adults learn more about their differences and take healthy steps toward symptom management.

Therapy Options

Behavior therapy is an evidence-based treatment for adult ADHD.⁴ Approaches like CBT for ADHD can be especially beneficial, and therapists can help clients learn how to increase desired behaviors to make lasting changes. 

As a chronic condition, ADHD does not go away. Many individuals with the diagnosis have ongoing difficulties throughout their lifetime, including a risk of ADHD and depression.² Because of these challenges, seeking support can be invaluable. Those ready to find a neurodiversity-affirming therapist can start their search in an online therapist directory. Choosing a provider specializing in ADHD symptoms can make a difference in your quality of treatment.

Medications 

Medications for ADHD can significantly improve quality of life for both children and adults. Numerous systematic reviews show that up to 70% of children respond well to stimulant medications, with short-term improvement in ADHD symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.⁵

ADHD medication side effects include nervousness, insomnia, dry mouth, loss of appetite, constipation, and tachycardia. While a pediatrician can prescribe these medications, many will refer families to a specialist (i.e., developmental pediatricians and/or psychiatrists) for ongoing medication management. Speak with your prescribing doctor to determine whether stimulants or non-stimulants are the best treatment for you or your child.

Medications for symptoms of ADHD may include:

• Ritalin
• Quillivant
• QuilliChew
• Metadate
• Concerta
• Adderall
• Dexedrine
• Strattera

Finding Help for a Child With ADHD Symptoms

Children and young adults struggling with symptoms of ADHD can often feel incompetent, frustrated, and misunderstood. Getting them the support they need can take time, and positive results may not occur immediately.

The first point of contact is often a teacher or daycare provider, who can provide context about academic, behavioral, or social behavior. Teachers’ feedback can be an important early indicator of ADHD. Pediatricians can discuss a potential diagnosis and provide information about developmental expectations. Multiple professionals are often involved in the management of ADHD symptoms, as many children benefit from both medication and behavioral therapy.

Younger children may require educational and behavioral support at school, including an IEP or 504 plan. Adolescents may consider informing administrators about an ADHD diagnosis for accommodations to increase productivity.

Aside from more formal accommodations, kids and teens with ADHD can take measures on their own to support skills deficits. Parents or caregivers can suggest strategies like note-taking to address ADHD and memory related issues including working memory deficits, structured scheduling to avoid procrastination, and using planners to improve difficulties with organization.

How to Deal With Symptoms of ADHD

Many strategies can help children, teens, and young adults struggling with ADHD symptoms, such as realistic goal-setting, taking breaks, and using accommodations. Living healthily with ADHD is possible, and many individuals find positive ways to manage their symptoms.

Here are 13 strategies to deal with symptoms of ADHD:

1. Personalize tasks and assignments: Making assignments personally meaningful for those with ADHD can help them stay motivated to complete tasks. They can rely lesss on rote memorization to make more relevant connections with the material.
2. Set smaller, more realistic goals: Many individuals with ADHD set unrealistic goals for themselves and strive for perfection. Smaller goals can increase a sense of accomplishment when faced with difficult tasks with multiple facets and steps.
3. Make time for movement: Some children experiencing hyperactive ADHD symptoms work best when provided with opportunities to move and be active. Activities like wood shop, culinary arts, and painting can be helpful in academic environments.
4. Provide visual resources: Many people with ADHD benefit from graphic organizers to help them formulate and structure their thoughts.
5. Take breaks: Because many individuals with ADHD struggle with sustaining attention for extended periods, opportunities for short, frequent breaks throughout the school and work day can help them manage symptoms.
6. Take notes: Both children and adults living with ADHD symptoms can benefit from note-taking. Having a tangible report can help them retain important information and stay focused.
7. Practice repetition and association: Individuals with ADHD often struggle with retaining information. Repeating what they hear and replacing words with substitutes they connect with can allow them to remember more challenging names, phrases, or formulas.
8. Try “chunking”: Chunking means grouping pieces of information into larger chunks, meaning people need to remember fewer “bits.” For example, a telephone number like 285-5678 becomes two, eighty-five, fifty-six, and seventy-eight.
9. Write everything down: Recording orally presented information in writing makes the information visual while also requiring the integration of modalities.
10. Categorize information: Individuals with ADHD symptoms may benefit from clustering information semantically (by meaning) to help improve recall. For example, someone may organize canned goods into meaningful categories, such as fruits, vegetables, and soups.
11. Set boundaries: Parents and family members should develop clear schedules, rules, and guidelines for children with ADHD. Adults experiencing symptoms of ADHD can also benefit from healthy routines, as these can help them form lasting connections between each step throughout their days. 
12. Get organized: Have designated spots for things like school and work supplies, shoes, clothing, wallets, and keys. Consider starting an ADHD doom box.
13. Try body-doubling: Having someone around working on their own task can provide much-needed motivation when struggling.

Final Thoughts

Consider speaking with a professional if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms. You and your care team can help determine how to manage these challenges.