Understanding Adult ADHD: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often thought of as a childhood condition, but it doesn’t magically disappear once someone reaches adulthood. In fact, many adults live with ADHD without even realising it, attributing their struggles to personality traits or stress. Understanding the symptoms of adult ADHD is crucial for a quality diagnosis and good management.

Nearly everyone will experience a degree of attentional lapse and other potential ADHD symptoms on a day-today basis. The key difference between these common symptoms and those caused by ADHD is that the latter are pervasive, perpetuating and problematic. We are going to give examples of some of the most common and challenging issues person with ADHD reports during an assessment. 

1. Procrastination: The Perpetual Delay

It’s not just about being lazy or unmotivated—it’s a struggle with initiating tasks, especially those that feel overwhelming or uninteresting. Adults with ADHD often find themselves putting off important responsibilities until the last minute, leading to stress and missed deadlines. This isn’t a lack of desire to complete tasks; it’s a real brin challenge.

2. Difficulty Prioritising Tasks: Where Do I Even Start?

Adults with ADHD often feel paralysed when faced with multiple tasks. Deciding what to tackle first can feel like an insurmountable challenge. This difficulty with prioritisation can also be associated with starting and stopping tasks, leaving many things unfinished. Clinicians often hear patients describe feeling “stuck” or “overwhelmed” even by simple to-do lists.

3. Zoning Out During Passive Listening: The Drifting Mind

Have you ever been in a meeting or conversation and realised you have no idea what was just said? This “zoning out” is a common symptom of adult ADHD. When listening passively—such as during lectures, long conversations, or even watching TV—the mind tends to wander. This isn’t intentional; it’s a result of the brain’s difficulty sustaining attention on tasks that aren’t immediately engaging, beyond just feeling bored.

4. Forgetting Appointments: The Memory Gap

Forgetting appointments, meetings, or even where you put your keys is a frequent complaint among adults with ADHD. This isn’t just occasional forgetfulness—it’s a consistent pattern that can disrupt daily life. Clinicians often see patients who rely heavily on reminders, sticky notes, or calendars to keep track of their responsibilities.

5. Fidgeting: The Need to Move

Fidgeting isn’t just a childhood behaviour. Many adults with ADHD feel an internal restlessness that manifests as tapping their feet, bouncing their legs, or playing with objects in their hands. This physical restlessness can be a way for the brain to self-regulate and better maintain focus, even if it looks like distraction to others.

6. Mental Restlessness: The Racing Mind

Adults with ADHD often describe their minds as being in constant motion. This internal restlessness can make it hard to relax or wind down, even when they’re physically still. It’s like having a browser with 20 tabs open, all playing different videos at once. This symptom can contribute to difficulty falling asleep or feeling overwhelmed one’s own thoughts.

7. Impulsive Speech: Speaking Before Thinking

Impulsivity in ADHD isn’t just about actions—it can also show up in speech. Adults with ADHD may blurt out thoughts without considering the consequences, interrupt others mid-conversation, or struggle to stay on topic. This can lead to social challenges, as others may perceive this behaviour as rude or inconsiderate, even though it is unintentional.

Diagnosing Adult ADHD: What to expect

If you recognise these symptoms in yourself, it can be helpful to seek a professional evaluation. Diagnosing ADHD in adults involves a comprehensive assessment, including:

• Clinical Interviews: A clinician will ask about your history, symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. Our interviews typically lats between 2-3 hours and may include follow-up appointments.

• Self-Report Scales: You may be asked to complete questionnaires about your behaviours and experiences.

• Collateral Information: Input from family members or close friends can provide additional insight into your symptoms. Reports from school or work are also very useful.

• Rule Out Other Conditions: ADHD symptoms can overlap with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. Careful exploration by an expert will allow for these conditions to be teased apart.

Understanding your symptoms is the first step toward taking control of your life and unlocking your potential. A good ADHD assessment is key to this. Remember, ADHD doesn’t define you but understanding it can empower you to take better control of your life and the direction you want to travel in.