Adult ADHD: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments

What Is ADHD?

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by issues with attention and impulsivity. These issues must be present for at least six months, as many of these symptoms can be situational if someone is experiencing stress or a big life change. In children, it can impact their social life, concentration and ability to adapt to changes.

Signs & Symptoms of Adult ADHD

For an adult to be diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there must have been significant symptomatology that began in childhood before the age of twelve. Because of this, it can be difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis as an adult if you’re not able to accurately recall childhood symptomatology.

Signs and symptoms of ADHD include:

• Lack of focus
• Disorganization
• Forgetfulness
• Distraction
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Impulsivity
• Excitability
• Low frustration tolerance
• Boredom
• Making careless mistakes
• Poor time management

Presentations of ADHD

There are three key presentations of ADHD. Depending on the symptoms and signs of adult ADHD, someone’s ADHD diagnosis will contain one of the following specifiers: predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation, predominantly inattentive presentation, and combined presentation.

While underlying symptoms of ADHD remain the same from childhood into adulthood, the expression of these symptoms tends to change as the individual ages. In other words, inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity will usually remain present from childhood into adolescence and adulthood. The difference will be in the way that these symptoms manifest, and someone may have learned ways to be “high-functioning” ADHD and practice ADHD masking in adulthood.

Hyperactive/Impulsive

For diagnosis of a hyperactive/impulsive presentation in adults, at least five of these symptoms must be present:²

• Fidgets, taps hands or feet, squirms in the seat
• Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected
• Runs about or climbs when not appropriate
• Unable to engage in leisure activity quietly
• Is often “on the go,” acting as if “driven by a motor”
• Talks excessively
• Blurts out an answer before a question has been completed
• Difficulty waiting his/her turn
• Interrupts or intrudes on others

Inattentive

For diagnosis of an inattentive ADHD presentation, at least five of these symptoms must be present:²

• Fails to give close attention to details, makes careless mistakes
• Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks
• Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
• Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or work assignments
• Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Loses things necessary for tasks or activities
• Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
• Forgetful of daily activities

How these inattentive symptoms may look in adults:³

• Procrastinating important work assignments
• Disorganized or messy work and home environments
• Financial risk-taking behaviors
• Poor time management and time blindness
• Problems focusing on tasks, easily sidetracked
• Mood swings
• Irritability or low frustration tolerance
• Inability to complete tasks, often starting but rarely finishing tasks
• Unable to multitask
• Restlessness or fidgeting

Combined Presentation

For a diagnosis of combined presentation, the individual must meet criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. Note that symptoms may change over time, meaning children may end up fitting for different presentations as they age.

These symptoms provide the basis of an ADHD diagnosis. Other factors, such as length/duration and severity of symptoms are also considered. Many people may have some or many of the symptoms without meeting the complete criteria for a diagnosis.

Do Women Experience Adult ADHD Differently Than Men?

While ADHD in men is more prominent in males than in females, females are more likely to present with inattentive vs. hyperactive features. Because hyperactivity is easier to recognize, there may be an under-reporting of female cases.² Studies also suggest that ADHD in women is more likely to present as depression and anxiety as well as low self-esteem. Plus, they tend to focus less on fixing existing problems and more on compensating for unfinished or forgotten tasks.⁴

Challenges of Adult ADHD

Challenges of ADHD can occur within the realm of work/school life, social life, and home life. Note that symptoms can change over time, aren’t always present, and vary from setting to setting. Symptoms may also lessen or be less noticeable when the individual is receiving praise, engaged in activities they find interesting, interacting one-on-one, or having consistent external stimuli (phone, tv, video games, etc.).²

Issues At Work/School

Because of issues related to inattention and focus (i.e., ADHD paralysis), those with ADHD often struggle with organization, prioritization, procrastination, and task completion. This leads to poor occupational performance, attainment, and attendance, as well as higher rates of unemployment. Those who are unfamiliar with the signs and symptoms of ADHD often misinterpret these individuals as lazy, irresponsible, and uncooperative.²

Impact On Relationships

Because ADHD is associated with reduced behavioral inhibition and other inappropriate social behaviors, social relationships are often more difficult for people with ADHD. They can have difficulty maintaining relationships and are more prone to elevated interpersonal conflicts.

Adult ADHD & Potential Substance Use

Many people with ADHD try to self-medicate, meaning they use drugs (legal or illegal) and/or alcohol in an attempt to alleviate, mask, or numb their symptoms. Young adults with ADHD are more likely to abuse alcohol than those without. Due to decreased inhibition and lack of impulse control, they are also more likely to start abusing alcohol and drugs at an earlier age, although genetics can play a role as well.⁵

Typically, adults with untreated ADHD are much more susceptible to engaging in substance abuse and other behaviors that would lead to legal issues and incarceration than those who are diagnosed and receive treatment.⁶

Treatment of Adult ADHD

Treatment for adult ADHD can be divided into two categories: therapy and medication. Problems with attention/focus and impulsivity/hyperactivity can be greatly helped with proper medication usage. However, other aspects like organizational skills and procrastination are generally better managed with psychotherapy and behavior modification training.

Therapy

Common types of therapies used to treat adult ADHD include behavioral therapy and psychotherapy.

Here are two kinds of therapy used to treat adult ADHD:

• Behavior therapy: teaches organizational skills, time management, social skills, and healthy lifestyle changes
• Psychotherapy: helps with stress and anxiety reduction, processing thoughts and emotions, and developing coping skills

Medication

Common adult ADHD medications include stimulants and non-stimulants.⁷ Note that you should always discuss your symptoms and medical history with your prescribing doctor to determine whether stimulants vs. non-stimulants are the best treatment for you.

Your doctor can prescribe ADHD medications, but because stimulant medications are a controlled substance, many general practitioners will refer you to a psychiatrist for diagnosis and medication management. Regular medication management checkups will also be required for prescription refills.

Here are details about ADHD medications:

• Stimulants: medications that stimulate the central nervous system are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. They work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
• Non-stimulants: some non-stimulant ADHD medications also work by increasing norepinephrine in the brain. There are other non-stimulant medications that can treat ADHD, though the reason they work isn’t fully known; however, research suggests that they aid certain chemicals in the brain associated with memory and attention.

Common side effects of ADHD medication include:

• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of appetite, stomach upset, weight loss
• Nervousness, irritability
• Headaches
• Dry mouth

More serious side effects include:

• Hallucinations
• Increased blood pressure
• Seizures or allergic reactions
• Suicidal ideations

How to Get Help For Adult ADHD

If you think you may have adult ADHD, talk with your doctor about your symptoms. They can either evaluate you themselves or refer you to a specialist. You can also contact a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or licensed counselor. These individuals usually have referrals for psychiatrists if you decide to consider medication along with psychotherapy.

If you suspect you may have some symptoms associated with ADHD but are unsure whether you meet criteria for a diagnosis, therapy can still be beneficial to treat the symptoms. There are also many self-help books available on the topic of ADHD in adults and its associated symptoms (organizations skills training, social skills development, etc.).

Find a Therapist

If you want to start your search for a mental health professional, consider using an online directory. Doing so allows you to narrow down your search by things like locations, expertise, and cost.

7 Self-Help Strategies For Managing Adult ADHD

To live a healthy life with adult ADHD, there are also a number of simple, everyday practices that focus on organizational and time management skills as well as lifestyle changes.

Here are seven helpful self-help strategies for managing adult ADHD:

1. Create a Routine That Follows a Set Schedule

Setting a schedule and routine helps to structure your days so if you struggle with impulsive actions and concentration issues, a routine can be something you can follow without a lot of need to plan your day as it’s happening.

2. Get Organized & Maintain Organization Daily

It is important to have designated spots for things like school/work supplies, shoes, clothing, wallet and keys, etc. Also, if you do all your work from the same place you relax, you may have a hard time separating your emotions and experiences.

3. Think Through & Manage Distractions 

Learn what background noises impede attention and what may help, such as movement or music. Learning this can help you with your tasks and give you ideas on how you can find ways to get more accomplished.

4. Take Scheduled Breaks 

When completing long tasks, try to break down long or complicated tasks into shorter, more manageable ones. Breaks are helpful because it can be easy to get overstimulated with ADHD.

5. Search For & Create Positive Opportunities

Identifying ways in which you excel can help create positive experiences. Finding ways to increase or maximize your own serotonin and dopamine is a good way to help you manage ADHD dopamine deficiencies.

6. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Eat nutritious foods and get regular physical exercise. Having a healthy and balanced lifestyle is important as ADHD can make it hard to stick to tasks and commitments. This is a great way to feel good and have accountability for yourself.

7. Try Body-Doubling

When you are doing a task and having a hard time concentrating, having someone around doing their own work or a task they need to do can be motivating and make it easier for you to begin any work you may be putting off. This is a concept known as ADHD body doubling.

Adult ADHD & Co-Occurring Mental Health Concerns

One of the biggest concerns for people with ADHD is the co-occurrence of other mental health disorders. In fact, the majority of those diagnosed with ADHD are also diagnosed with a second or third co-occurring disorder. Only a trained healthcare professional can evaluate and diagnose these disorders.

Common disorders that co-occur with ADHD include:²

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Intermittent explosive disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Substance use disorders
• Personality disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Tic disorder
• Autism spectrum disorder

Final Thoughts on ADHD in Adults

What you are dealing with may be unique to you, but you are not alone. Talking to a therapist or reaching out to a trusted friend or family member can make a positive difference. Don’t be afraid to seek help.