Children are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) far more often than adults are. In part, this is due to kids with ADHD being more obvious. Their symptoms are more likely to be assumed to be part of a disorder. If an adult is hyperactive, for example, they might be simply deemed ambitious or “Type A.”
Realities like this cause adults to possibly not even know they have ADHD. They know something is “off” but suffer in silence. After all, for most adults, the letters ADHD are used as a personality trait rather than for describing a neurodevelopmental condition. In the name of getting proper treatment, this trend has to change.
Why ADHD Symptoms Might Look Different in Adults
Some adults with ADHD were diagnosed during childhood and grew up with an awareness of the disorder. More typically, people can reach adulthood not knowing they have ADHD and they may or may not be diagnosed later in life. Either way, there’s a big reason why ADHD is less apparent in either group.
They’ve spent decades developing ways to cope with their symptoms. Adults with ADHD better understand social norms and have figured out ways to mask any neurodivergent tendencies. These techniques offer relief in the form of social acceptance and feeling less awkward. But they do not offer relief in terms of actual coping.
Possible ADHD Signs and Symptoms in Adults
Kids with ADHD are described as unable to sit still or wait their turn. They are forgetful, impulsive, and often lose track of time. Adults with ADHD will struggle with similar tendencies, but again, are usually better equipped at managing and/or hiding them. Such tendencies include:
As the Name Implies…
Attention deficit and hyperactivity are prevalent enough to be part of the condition’s name. This means that most adults with ADHD will experience some degree of challenge when it comes to maintaining concentration. Just as a child with ADHD can lose focus in class, an adult may struggle in meetings and long conversations.
Similarly, hyperactivity can look different in adults. In fact, it might not even be visible. Kids are more casually perceived as annoying or immature, an adult will be given the benefit of the doubt. They could earn labels like “quirky” or “driven” when they seem to never rest. In a profit-driven culture, this symptom can easily be mistaken as an attribute that they envy.
Where Did I Leave That?
ADHD will make it difficult to stay organized. As a result, you may spend a lot of time trying to locate items that have been misplaced. No one may bat an eye if a child loses a pen or toy. With adults, the stakes are higher. Sure, phones and keys go missing, but ADHD can also lead to situations in which bills go unpaid.
Look What Time It Is!
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may feel like it operates on a different timeline. Adults might get caught up in an activity and feel unable to identify how much time has passed. They show up late, lose track of time, and end up apologizing a lot. The social fallout can involve disagreements with others, along with a decrease in self-esteem.
What Type of Treatment Do Adults With ADHD Usually Get?
Children with ADHD are very reliant on parents and caregivers to help them navigate the twists and turns of this disorder. Adults are vulnerable, too, but they are also able to more clearly describe their emotions and needs. They are active participants in the design of any treatment plan. Once a compatible ADHD therapist has been found, the process can take shape and garner positive outcomes.
