ADHD in Men: Signs, Challenges, and Treatment Options

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often thought of as a condition that only affects kids. However, millions of men in the United States (US) continue to live with ADHD as adults. Researchers found that about 4.4% of adults in the US aged 18 to 44 have ADHD. The rate is even higher in men, with about 1 in 20 adult men diagnosed with ADHD. 

ADHD doesn’t disappear as you get older, but the symptoms do change over time. For men, that may mean that challenges look different from what women or children experience. Instead of bouncing off the walls, men with ADHD may find it difficult to stay organized, focus at work, or maintain their relationships. These aren’t character flaws, they’re symptoms of a neurological (brain) condition that affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels. 

In this article, we’ll explore how ADHD symptoms present in men, the common challenges it can create, and the treatment options that can help. 

Signs & Symptoms of ADHD in Men

Recognizing ADHD symptoms in adult men isn’t always straightforward. In childhood, disruptive hyperactivity and impulsivity make it easier to recognize boys with ADHD, and children with ADHD in general. The symptoms of adult ADHD can be more subtle. Instead of being seen as a sign of ADHD, symptoms might be viewed as personality quirks, bad habits, or even just stress. This can leave many men with ADHD feeling frustrated and misunderstood. 

Common symptoms of ADHD in adult men include:

• Difficulty focusing
• Becoming easily distracted 
• Restlessness
• Talkativeness 
• Impulsivity 
• Disorganization
• Procrastination and poor time management
• Forgetfulness
• Irritability or mood swings
• Difficulty relaxing
• Overworking 
• Risk-taking behaviors 
• Difficulty 

Recognizing these symptoms can be tricky, especially because men are often taught that they need to “tough it out” rather than seek the mental health help they need. It’s important to recognize that these symptoms are caused by differences in how the brain works, not a lack of discipline. 

How does ADHD differ in men?

ADHD doesn’t look the same from person to person, and gender can play a role in which symptoms are more likely. Research suggests that men are more likely than women to have externalized symptoms. Externalized symptoms include behaviors like impulsivity, hyperactivity, and risk-taking. In contrast, ADHD in women is more likely to manifest as internalized symptoms, such as inattention, anxiety, and depression. 

Since externalized behaviors tend to be more disruptive in school or work settings, boys with ADHD are more likely to be referred to a specialist for an official ADHD diagnosis. This means that boys are more likely to be diagnosed at an earlier age than girls with ADHD. 

ADHD symptoms in adult men can look different than those in boys. For many people, hyperactive and impulsive symptoms decrease with age. However, inattentive ADHD symptoms, such as forgetfulness, distractability, and difficulty staying organized, tend to linger. According to research, these symptoms can present ongoing challenges that can affect performance at work or school, relationships, and self-esteem without treatment. 

Unfortunately, the symptoms of ADHD in men are often overlooked or misunderstood. These symptoms can still be mistaken for stress or a “difficult” personality. On top of that, some men may feel discouraged to seek the mental health help they need because of society’s expectations to “suck it up.” Understanding how ADHD shows up in men is the first step to breaking the stigma and getting the right support. 

Challenges Men With ADHD Often Face

The symptoms of ADHD in adult men can affect daily life, causing unique challenges that reach work, relationships, and mental health.

Workplace and career struggles

ADHD can make the demands of the workplace especially challenging. Men with ADHD might struggle with organization, meeting deadlines, and time management. Restlessness and inattention can make it difficult to sit through meetings or complete detail-oriented tasks. 

As a result, some men may feel like they have to work harder to compensate for these struggles. Without proper support, this can quickly lead to ADHD burnout. 

Relationship problems

ADHD symptoms can affect how men connect with their partners, family, and friends. Forgetfulness, distractibility, and impulsivity can be misunderstood as being careless or lacking commitment, even when that’s not their intention. Feeling restless and having difficulty relaxing can make it hard to be fully present in a conversation or during shared moments. This can lead to conflict or tensions, even in deeply valued relationships. 

Impact on mental health

Although research suggests women are more likely to have anxiety or depression due to ADHD, that doesn’t mean ADHD doesn’t affect mental health in men. Men with ADHD can experience stress, anxiety, and depression as they navigate the challenges at work and home. Feeling constantly behind at work or misunderstood is exhausting and discouraging. Over time, these pressures can build, making it hard to manage symptoms. This creates a cycle where ADHD and mental health struggles can feed into each other. 

Self-esteem issues

ADHD can impact how men see themselves. Struggling with focus, organization, or impulsivity can lead to feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. Men might compare themselves to their peers without ADHD who seem more “put together,” eroding their confidence. 

ADHD Treatment Options for Men

While ADHD symptoms in adult men can create real challenges, there are effective ways to manage them. Treatment of ADHD in adult men can make it easier to function at work or school, regulate impulses, and maintain stable relationships. For many men, treatment might involve a combination of medication, therapy, behavioral strategies, and a support network. 

Medication

ADHD medication is a key part of treatment for many men. Long-acting stimulant medications are most often recommended as the first treatment to help reduce symptoms and improve focus and functioning. Examples of long-acting stimulant medications include methylphenidate (Concerta), amphetamine (Adderall XR), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse).

Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also available for those who don’t respond well to stimulants or have side effects. Examples of non-stimulant drugs for ADHD include atomoxetine (Strattera) and bupropion (Wellbutrin).

Your psychiatric provider can help you find the best medication option for you that balances symptom improvement with side effects. 

Therapy

Therapy can be used alone or in combination with medications to help manage daily challenges and improve functioning with adult ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of therapy that has been shown to improve ADHD symptoms and related mental health conditions like depression. Other therapy approaches for ADHD include supportive counseling, interpersonal therapy, and family therapy.

Behavioral strategies & coping skills

Learning new behavioral strategies and coping skills can help men with ADHD manage daily tasks and reduce their stress. Coping skills for ADHD might include creating a structured routine, using reminders, and getting more exercise to support focus and mood. ADHD coaching or a licensed therapist can help develop these strategies and reinforce new habits. 

Support groups

Support groups give men with ADHD an opportunity to connect with others who truly understand what it’s like living with the condition. They offer a space to share experiences and emotions, pick up new coping strategies, and feel less alone. Being part of a support group can also help you learn practical tips for managing ADHD symptoms at work and at home. 

Peer support can be a helpful add-on that complements therapy and medication, making it easier to stay motivated and consistent in treatment. In-person and online ADHD support groups are available, depending on what you prefer. 

How To Support the Men in Your Life With ADHD

If you have a loved one with ADHD in your life, your support can make a meaningful difference in how they navigate daily life and care for their well-being. Understanding ADHD as a neurological condition instead of a character flaw helps create space for patience, understanding, and encouragement. 

Here are some practical tips to help support the men in your life with ADHD:

• Be patient and nonjudgmental: Try to avoid labeling mistakes or forgetfulness as being lazy or careless.
• Establish open communication: Open and empathetic communication can help build trust and reduce frustration for all parties involved. 
• Validate feelings: Listen and acknowledge their experience without minimizing their feelings. 
• Promote structure: Help create a routine, set up a weekly calendar, or make reminders to manage tasks and other appointments. 
• Encourage healthy habits: Help set up healthy daily habits like a regular sleep schedule, more exercise, and balanced nutrition. 
• Celebrate progress: Recognize their wins, even the small ones, to help boost their confidence and motivation.  

Your support is important. However, it’s important to remember to respect their autonomy. Offer support without taking over to help maintain a balance between help and independence.

Get Support With ADHD Treatment Online

If you or a man in your life is navigating life with ADHD, professional support can make a real difference. Online therapy with a licensed Talkspace provider is a convenient, private, and flexible way to access care on your own schedule. 

Licensed Talkspace providers can help with a full range of ADHD needs from assessment and diagnosis to creating a personalized ADHD treatment plan. With online therapy, a Talkspace provider can help guide coping strategies and create a safe space to discuss emotional challenges, relationship struggles, and workplace concerns related to ADHD. With the right guidance and support, men with ADHD can build strategies to help manage symptoms, improve daily life, and feel more confident and in control.