Skip to content
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • Narcissism
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
    • Best Online Couples Counseling Services
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Providers
    • Online Therapy Reviews & Guides
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • Reviews
    • Best Online Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy with Insurance
    • Best Online Therapy for Teens
    • Best Online Therapy for Anxiety
    • Best Online Therapy for Depression
    • Best Online ADHD Treatments
    • Best Online Psychiatry
    • Best Mental Health Apps
    • All Reviews
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory

Join our Newsletter

Get helpful tips and the latest information

Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on Twitter
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube
ChoosingTherapy.com Logo

Newsletter

Search Icon
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • Narcissism
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
    • Best Online Couples Counseling Services
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Providers
    • Online Therapy Reviews & Guides
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • Reviews
    • Best Online Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy with Insurance
    • Best Online Therapy for Teens
    • Best Online Therapy for Anxiety
    • Best Online Therapy for Depression
    • Best Online ADHD Treatments
    • Best Online Psychiatry
    • Best Mental Health Apps
    • All Reviews
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory
  • What Is ADHD?What Is ADHD?
  • What Are the Symptoms?What Are the Symptoms?
  • Symptoms of Each TypeSymptoms of Each Type
  • Treatment OptionsTreatment Options
  • Finding Help for a ChildFinding Help for a Child
  • Coping With ADHDCoping With ADHD
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • InfographicsInfographics
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources
ADHD Articles ADHD ADHD Medication Online ADHD Treatment

ADHD Symptoms & Signs

Headshot of Matthew Edelstein, PsyD

Author: Matthew Edelstein, PsyD, BCBA-D

Headshot of Matthew Edelstein, PsyD

Matthew Edelstein Psy.D, BCBA-D

Dr. Matthew specializes in Applied Behavior Analysis, neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD and ADHD, and managing challenging behaviors. His work encompasses assessment, treatment, and training for caregivers.

See My Bio Editorial Policy
Maloa Affuembey, MD

Medical Reviewer: Maloa Affuembey, MD Licensed medical reviewer

Published: November 30, 2023
  • What Is ADHD?What Is ADHD?
  • What Are the Symptoms?What Are the Symptoms?
  • Symptoms of Each TypeSymptoms of Each Type
  • Treatment OptionsTreatment Options
  • Finding Help for a ChildFinding Help for a Child
  • Coping With ADHDCoping With ADHD
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • InfographicsInfographics
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) features patterns of inattention or hyperactivity that interfere with functioning or development. ADHD symptoms typically emerge in childhood, often manifesting as difficulties concentrating, staying organized, and completing tasks.1  Some individuals with ADHD may also struggle with impulsivity, mood swings, and low self-esteem. Therapy, medication, or a combination can help alleviate many symptoms of ADHD.

ADHD Workbook

ADHD Workbook

Our workbook helps you manage ADHD with goal-setting, planning, and coping skills.

Download for Free

ADVERTISEMENT

See If You Have ADHD

Circle Medical offers affordable and accessible ADHD evaluations and treatment. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted and same day appointments are available.

Visit Circle Medical

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

ADVERTISEMENT

See If You Have ADHD

Circle Medical offers affordable and accessible ADHD evaluations and treatment. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted and same day appointments are available.

Visit Circle Medical

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
ADVERTISEMENT

Get Help for ADHD

Circle Medical – ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment. Affordable and accessible ADHD evaluations and treatment, including controlled substances as clinically appropriate. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. Same & next day appointments available. Visit Circle Medical

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

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.

ADHD Symptoms & Signs Infographics

ADHD Symptoms in Teens ADHD Symptoms in Adults ADHD Symptoms in Each Type How to Treat ADHD Symptoms

Additional Resources

To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, ChoosingTherapy.com has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. ChoosingTherapy.com is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.

ADHD Management Tools

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

Online Psychiatry

Circle Medical – Affordable online ADHD evaluations and treatment. Circle Medical can prescribe controlled substances when clinically appropriate. Insurance accepted. Same day appointments available.  Visit Circle Medical

ADHD Medication Management + Therapy

Brightside Health – Different people experience ADHD in different ways. That’s why Brightside Health develops personalized plans that are unique to you and offers 1-on-1 support from start to finish. Brightside Health accepts United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna. No controlled substances. Appointments in as little as 24 hours. Start your free assessment.

For Further Reading

    • Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
    • Azstarys: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, & More
    • Conners Test for ADHD Assessment
    • ADHD & Hypersexuality: What Is the Connection?
    • Azstarys Vs Adderall XR: What Is the Difference?
    • Ring of Fire ADHD
    • Aphantasia & ADHD
    • Is ADHD Real?

SPONSORED
Circle Medical - Online ADHD Test

Do you think you have ADHD?

Answer an evidence-based questionnaire for Circle Medical to learn more. Takes 45 seconds.

Take Quiz

Best Online ADHD Treatments

Best Online ADHD Treatments

There are many considerations when looking for the best online ADHD treatments. It is important to know which online platforms can provide a diagnosis, which offers therapy only, which offers medication management only, and which offers a combination of treatments.

Read more

Find a therapist in your state

Get the help you need from a therapist near you

City or zip Search

California
Connecticut
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Texas
Washington

Are you a Therapist? Get Listed Today

ADHD Newsletter

A free newsletter for those impacted by ADHD. Get helpful tips and the latest information.

Sources Update History

ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. (2013). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.

  • Biederman, J., et al. (2006). Young adult outcome of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a controlled 10-year follow-up study. Psychological Medicine. 36(2), 167-179.

  • Weiss, M., Hechtman, L.T., & Weiss, G. In ADHD in Adulthood: A guide to current theory, diagnosis, and treatment (1999). Johns Hopkins University Press: Baltimore, MD.

  • Fabiano, G.A., et al. (2009). A meta-analysis, of behavioral treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Clinical Psychology Review, 29(2), 129-14.

  • Clinical Practice Guideline: treatment of the school aged child with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (2002), Pediatrics, 63(12), 16-22.

Show more Click here to open the article sources container.

We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

May 19, 2025
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added ADHD Workbook with six worksheets.
November 30, 2023
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Edited for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources.
January 6, 2023
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources. Added “Lifestyle Changes”. New material written by Silvi Saxena, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C and reviewed by Kristen Fuller, MD.
November 3, 2020
Author: Matthew Edelstein, Psy.D, BCBA-D
Reviewer: Maloa Affuembey, MD
Show more Click here to open the article update history container.

Your Voice Matters

Can't find what you're looking for?

Request an article! Tell ChoosingTherapy.com’s editorial team what questions you have about mental health, emotional wellness, relationships, and parenting. Our licensed therapists are just waiting to cover new topics you care about!

Request an Article

Leave your feedback for our editors.

Share your feedback on this article with our editors. If there’s something we missed or something we could improve on, we’d love to hear it.

Our writers and editors love compliments, too. :)

Leave Feedback
ChoosingTherapy.com Logo White
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE HELP CALL:

Medical Emergency: 911

Suicide Hotline: 988

View More Crisis Hotlines
Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on X
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube

© 2025 Choosing Therapy, Inc. All rights reserved.

X