How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Adult ADHD

Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition where you have trouble paying attention, sitting still, and controlling your behavior. Most people struggle with attention from time to time. But if you have adult ADHD, you may notice that your attention problems and restlessness are more severe. Adult ADHD can prevent you from performing your best at school or work and cause you to be disorganized in your everyday life. 

Almost 3% of adults have ADHD. While ADHD can be difficult to deal with, getting treatment can help you lead a happy and productive life. 

What are the symptoms of ADHD in adults?

Inattention is one characteristic of ADHD. Signs of inattention include:

• Struggling to attention when you have to complete tasks

• Having trouble noticing details

• Being easily distracted

• Not hearing what others say when they speak to you

• Not following directions 

• Having poor organizational skills

• Being forgetful

• Losing or misplacing things often

• Avoiding tasks that require a lot of effort, like doing homework or housework

Hyperactivity is another aspect of ADHD. Signs of hyperactivity include:

• Fidgeting, tapping the hands or feet, or squirming often

• Feeling restless

• Leaving places that require you to sit still for a while

• Being unable to participate in activities quietly 

• Talking excessively 

• Blurting out answers to questions before they’re finished 

• Interrupting others during conversations

• Feeling like you’re always “on the go” 

• Difficulty waiting your turn

Symptoms of adult ADHD often go unrecognized for years. But most people with adult ADHD begin showing signs of the condition before 12 years old. Some people may suspect that they have ADHD, but they may not receive a diagnosis until many years later. 

If you have ADHD, your symptoms will likely affect how you function in at least two areas of your life. You may notice that you can’t keep up with responsibilities at home, work, or school. ADHD can also affect your relationships with family and friends. Your loved ones may feel frustrated with your poor attention and hyperactivity. 

In addition, ADHD may occur along with other mental health conditions. It’s common to see ADHD in people with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and addictions. 

Are there different types of ADHD in adults?

There are three types of ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity, and combined type. 

Inattention 

In the inattention type, you mostly experience signs of poor attention. You may show some signs of hyperactivity, but it’s not a main feature. You may notice that you:

• Have trouble listening well to others

• Forget where you’ve put things

• Get sidetracked easily

• Often don’t finish tasks 

Adults with the inattention type of ADHD can adapt over time. You may develop skills that allow you to cope with your attention difficulties. You may find that you choose jobs or tasks where you don’t have to be focused on one task very long.

Hyperactivity

With this type, you mainly have hyperactivity symptoms, with a few signs of inattention. You may have:

• Trouble sitting still

• A tendency to interrupt others while they’re speaking

• Fidgety hands

• A habit of talking or getting up to move around at inappropriate times

If you have adult hyperactivity ADHD, you may experience difficulty with self-control. Situations where you’re expected to be quiet and sit still may be challenging for you.

Combined

Adults with the combined type have a mix of both inattention and hyperactivity symptoms. You may find it hard to stay focused and control your impulses at the same time. Symptoms of adult ADHD can change over time. So you may notice that you have mixed features of ADHD. Based on your symptoms, your provider can figure out which type of adult ADHD fits you best.

Does ADHD get worse with age?

ADHD does not get worse with age, but the signs that you have may change as you get older. Many people with ADHD begin to have signs of hyperactivity and inattention as children. As you get older, your hyperactivity may improve. But you may notice that you continue to have a hard time with attention, organization, and impulse control. 

As a result, you may underperform at work or school and frequently change jobs. Or you may have trouble making friends and maintaining relationships.

How can you find out if you have adult ADHD?

To find out if you have adult ADHD, you first need to meet with a professional to discuss your symptoms. You can meet with several different types of professionals, including a:

• Primary care provider

• Neurologist

• Psychiatrist

• Psychologist

• Social worker

• Counselor

When you meet with a provider, they will ask you several questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. This is a clinical interview, and it can be anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. 

Depending on the type of provider you see, they may also do a physical exam, psychological testing, and/or neurological testing. During testing, a psychologist or neurologist may have you complete a series of tests and rating scales to see if you have adult ADHD. 

Speaking with a medical or mental health provider and going through an assessment is the first step toward getting help for ADHD. 

How do you treat ADHD in adults?

If you have a diagnosis of adult ADHD, your treatment may consist of therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Treating ADHD can help improve attention and reduce hyperactivity. And this can have positive effects on your work, school, relationships, and other areas of your life. 

Therapy for ADHD

Psychotherapy can help you learn skills to improve your focus, decrease hyperactivity, and better control your impulses. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that teaches you how to:

• Set goals

• Improve organization

• Problem-solve

• Better manage your time

• Deal with stress

One study found that CBT could improve symptoms and related mental health conditions in adults with ADHD. And it’s particularly effective when combined with medication.

You can do CBT individually or in a group format. Group CBT can help you learn about ADHD and improve your self-esteem and sense of control over your behavior. 

Medications for adult ADHD 

Medications for ADHD can help with focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. They include stimulants such as:

• Methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta)

• Amphetamine salt combo (Adderall)

• Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)

These medications are typically the treatment of choice for ADHD. That’s because research shows that they help alleviate symptoms quickly and effectively. They work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, which helps improve focus and concentration. 

You may notice effects right away, but the effects can wear off within a few hours. You may have to take the medication at certain times of the day, like right before school or work. Or you may need to use an extended-release form so you can feel the effects for longer. 

Non-stimulant medications are sometimes used to treat adult ADHD symptoms. They include:

• Atomoxetine (Strattera) 

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

• Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

These medications work by increasing the amount of brain chemicals like norepinephrine. It may take longer for you to feel the effects of this medication than the effects of stimulants. But they may be a good choice if you can’t use stimulants for medical reasons.

Alternative treatments

There are several alternative treatments for ADHD. They haven’t been well studied, but they may help. These include:

• Yoga

• Decreased sugar intake

• Supplements (like zinc and iron)

Support services

If you have adult ADHD that affects you at work or school, you may be eligible for accommodations through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To qualify, you must meet certain criteria. In order to receive accommodations, you must share your diagnosis with your school or workplace. In some cases, sharing your diagnosis may help you get the support you need to perform at your best. 

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Written by:

Emily Guarnotta, PsyD

Emily Guarnotta, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified perinatal mental health professional with over 10 years of clinical experience.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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