“Is This ADHD?" - Surprising Adult ADHD Symptoms Explained
What Is Adult ADHD?
Adult ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, impulsivity, and energy regulation. While symptoms usually begin before age 12, they often persist into adulthood—impacting careers, relationships, and wellbeing.
Common but Overlooked Adult ADHD Symptoms
Forgetfulness in Daily Tasks
ADHD affects working memory. Adults frequently misplace items, miss appointments, or abandon tasks midway—not from carelessness, but from measurable cognitive challenges.
Time Blindness and Chronic Lateness
Adults with ADHD often underestimate how long tasks take, leading to chronic lateness or overcommitment. This “time blindness” reflects neurological differences in how the brain tracks time.
Restlessness and Difficulty Relaxing
Hyperactivity may become less visible in adulthood but persists as inner restlessness, constant fidgeting, or difficulty sitting still.
Impulsive Spending and Decision-Making
ADHD brains crave dopamine, which can fuel impulsive buying and risky financial decisions. This often results in increased debt and relationship strain.
Emotional Dysregulation and Mood Swings
Many adults with ADHD experience intense emotions, rapid mood shifts, and difficulty calming themselves—often mistaken for a mood disorder.
How Adult ADHD Differs From Childhood ADHD
Subtle signs vs. hyperactivity: Children may be visibly hyperactive, while adults often show internal restlessness.
Masking behaviours: Adults develop coping strategies to hide symptoms, but these come at the cost of stress and fatigue.
Gender differences: Women often present with inattentive symptoms and may be misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression.
Getting Diagnosed as an Adult
When to Seek an ADHD Assessment
If you struggle with work, relationships, or daily responsibilities due to symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, or chronic stress, it may be time to seek a professional evaluation.
What to Expect During an Assessment
A clinician will conduct a structured interview (e.g., DIVA-5), gather input from family, and rule out other conditions. Diagnosis relies on multiple factors rather than one test.
Common Misdiagnoses
ADHD can overlap with or be mistaken for anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. This is why a specialist assessment is essential.
Managing ADHD in Daily Life
Workplace Adjustments
Under the Equality Act 2010, adults with ADHD are entitled to reasonable adjustments. Examples include quiet workspaces, flexible hours, and regular check-ins.
Routines and Reminders
Consistent routines, visual prompts, and accountability methods like body doubling help manage everyday tasks.
Therapy and Coaching
CBT can support emotional regulation and focus, while ADHD coaching builds practical skills and accountability.
Medication
Stimulant and non-stimulant medications improve symptoms for many adults. Treatment should always be supervised by a qualified clinician.
Building a Support System
Support groups, trusted friends, and family understanding play a critical role in long-term management.
Key Takeaways
Adult ADHD often looks different from childhood ADHD, with symptoms like time blindness, emotional dysregulation, and masking behaviours.
Women are more likely to be misdiagnosed due to inattentive symptom profiles.
Diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment by a qualified professional.
Effective management combines routines, workplace support, therapy, medication, and strong social networks.
Next Steps
If you suspect you may have ADHD, early recognition and assessment can make a significant difference. At Focus Gently, we provide clear, NICE-aligned ADHD assessments and treatment options.
