Signs of ADHD in Adults
ADHD adults typically have a very hard time concentrating and can find things like staying organized, prioritizing their days and weeks, and completing tasks incredibly overwhelming. They might feel fidgety or experience impulsivity. They can be perceived as careless, forgetful, or even ambivalent. The reality is they’re just struggling with a condition that, once diagnosed, can be successfully managed.
DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for different ADHD types
The first step in treating any mental (or physical) health condition is getting an accurate diagnosis. For attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, this can include determining which of the 3 types of ADHD someone might have: hyperactive and impulsive ADHD, distractible and inattentive ADHD, or ADHD combined type.
The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), has clear guidelines that healthcare providers use to diagnose ADHD. A doctor will look for consistent patterns of inattentiveness and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that interfere with the ability to function.
The DSM-5 states that for a diagnosis of adult ADHD to be made, symptoms must occur in multiple settings. They must clearly disrupt someone’s quality of work or social functioning skills. Most importantly, symptoms can’t be the result of another mental health condition like:
- An anxiety disorder
- A mood disorder
- A personality disorder
- Dissociative disorder
Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms in adults can have a substantial impact on the mental health and well-being of a person’s professional, personal, and social worlds. Symptoms are assessed based on the following subcategories of the condition.
Inattention symptoms: Adult ADHD symptoms must present with 5 or more of the following, for at least 6 months.
- Makes careless mistakes; doesn’t pay attention to minor details
- Seems to not listen when being spoken to
- Has difficulty paying attention to tasks
- Losses track of tasks
- Avoids or puts off doing things that require long periods of mental focus to complete
- Has difficulty getting and staying organized
- Loses things often
- Is forgetful about daily responsibilities
- Is easily distracted
Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms:
- Gets up from their seat when they should remain seated
- Taps, fidgets, or squirms
- Feels restless
- Appears to be on the go
- Has a hard time taking part in leisure or quiet activities
- Answers questions before they’ve fully been asked
- Talks excessively
- Has difficulty waiting their turn
- Interrupts others often
What Causes ADHD?
Here’s what we do know: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect communication between different parts of the brain. Brain scans show that ADHD increases activity in some brain regions, while decreasing it in others. This can lead to some of the main symptoms of ADHD, like hyperactivity and issues with executive function.
The majority of people with ADHD report an onset of symptoms before age 12, but symptoms really can appear earlier or later in life. This is why though ADHD is often diagnosed during childhood, an ADHD diagnosis can be given to adults as well. While we once believed that most children would outgrow ADHD symptoms as time went on, recent research suggests that it’s common for people to continue experiencing symptoms well into and through adulthood. The most common ADHD symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
In the past, it had been suggested that ADHD symptoms might be caused by sugar consumption or food additives, but these claims have never truly been backed by evidence. What the research does tell us is that there are many things that could contribute to the causes of ADHD.
“ADHD is caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, premature birth, and brain function. Individuals diagnosed with ADHD can be treated through a combination of therapy and medication. If you notice your child might be struggling with some symptoms, such as difficulty focusing and concentrating, then they might need to get an evaluation by a medical doctor and be referred to a specialist.”
— Bisma Anwar, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), MA, MSc
As current research suggests that ADHD can be caused by a combination of factors, we’ve identified a number of potential causes.
Brain structure and function
One thing we’ve understood for quite a while is that ADHD impacts brain function, but newer research has given us a better look at exactly how. Evidence suggests that people with ADHD may have structural differences in their brains. One study used MRIs to identify a difference in brain volume between children with ADHD and those without.
In the same study, researchers also realized that neural pathways can vary in the brains of people with ADHD. These differences in brain structure could be the cause of many ADHD symptoms.
Genetic factors
Approximately 44% of children with childhood ADHD have parents who also exhibit symptoms of the condition. We know that parents with ADHD are much more likely to have children with ADHD — in fact, some research estimates the chance of passing ADHD on to children is somewhere between 75 and 91%.
Still, even though evidence strongly suggests a genetic component to ADHD, we have limited research explaining exactly how the condition might be inherited. It’s possible that other factors may contribute to ADHD’s heritability. For example, it may be easier for adults with ADHD to recognize ADHD symptoms in their children.
Prenatal exposure
Research shows us that children who are exposed to nicotine in the womb are more likely to develop ADHD. Prenatal alcohol use is strongly correlated with ADHD as well. One study found that the children of mothers who drink during pregnancy are 5 times more likely to develop ADHD.
It’s possible that exposure to certain substances increases the risk of brain abnormalities which might lead to ADHD in children. However, it’s also a possibility that mothers with ADHD are less likely to abstain from cigarettes and alcohol while pregnant. More research is needed to confirm which may be true.
Severe head trauma
Serious head injuries have been linked to many mental health conditions, including ADHD. Some research suggests that 1 in every 5 children who sustains a traumatic brain injury (TMI) will develop ADHD. Symptoms usually start within a few years post-injury, but some research suggests it might take as long as 10 years for them to appear.
Interestingly, and worthy of more study, researchers have also discovered that people who develop ADHD after a brain injury don’t have a higher genetic risk factor. This further suggests that there could be a direct link between ADHD and brain trauma. Some experts even believe that TBI-related ADHD may be a distinct condition.
Prematurity or low birth weight
Babies who are born prematurely are more likely to develop ADHD, according to some studies. This seems to be true of babies born with low birth weight as well. Being born early can impact brain development, but that doesn’t mean that all pre-term babies will eventually be diagnosed with ADHD. Even though there’s an apparent correlation between ADHD and premature birth, most babies who are born early won’t develop attention problems.
It’s worth noting, though, that certain factors that have been linked to ADHD — for example, smoking during pregnancy — also increase the risk of low birth weight and premature delivery. This makes it difficult to identify which of these factors, if any, actually might contribute to an ADHD diagnosis.
Environmental toxins
Exposure to chemicals and other environmental toxins can interfere with brain development. In particular, lead poisoning can be very harmful to children. It might, according to some research, be associated with ADHD. Studies suggest that even low levels of lead exposure could potentially contribute to the development of ADHD.
Other environmental toxins, such as perfluorinated compounds, have also been linked to ADHD in some research. The risk of exposure begins during pregnancy and continues throughout childhood. Potentially harmful chemicals can be found in many household items, making it difficult for parents to limit exposure. Findings thus far warrant the need for more research.
The 3 Types of ADHD
There are 3 types or categories of ADHD that people commonly fall into. Regardless of which one it is, almost all people with ADHD will struggle with at least some degree of distractibility, focus, and inattention issues that negatively impact their daily lives, whether it is professionally, personally, or school-related. That said, each of the 3 types of ADHD has its own characteristics.
“There are several types of attention disorders that include levels of inattentiveness, impulsivity and hyperactivity, and also combined. Oftentimes, one might be inclined to self-diagnose, but a professional can help you better understand the nature of your symptoms and steps to create a robust treatment plan to help you cope if you are struggling. Symptoms can feel overwhelming if you’re feeling challenged in school or at work, but slowing down and gaining some perspective can help you feel reassured about navigating forward.”
— Elizabeth Keohan, Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical, (LCSW-C), LICSW, MSW
Inattentive and Distractible Type ADHD
People with distractive or inattentive ADHD will experience more issues with staying focused than they will with hyperactivity. Although boys are more often diagnosed with ADHD, it’s likely that the prevalence in girls, especially when considering the inattentive type ADHD, might be just as high.
Signs and symptoms of inattentive and distractible type ADHD
Inattentive and distractible type ADHD was formerly known as just attention deficit disorder, or ADD. Now, this form is referred to as inattentive and distractible type ADHD.
People with this ADHD subtype will have some of the following symptoms:
- Easily distracted
- Problems focusing on school or work-related tasks
- Does not appear to pay attention when you are speaking (even when there is no obvious distraction)
- May begin lessons but quickly lose focus
- Make careless mistakes in school or at work
- Not paying close attention to details
- Difficulty completing schoolwork or tasks or following through on instructions
- Problems organizing personal belongings — may have a messy desk, binders, and notebooks
- Often miss deadlines
- Forgetting daily tasks, such as doing chores and running errands
- Avoiding tasks that require continued effort, like completing forms
- Frequently losing things like homework, backpacks, books, cell phone, and sunglasses
Impulsive/Hyperactive Type ADHD
The impulsive ADHD type is marked by increased impulsivity and/or hyperactivity. This is one of the types of ADHD that’s most recognizable and is more often diagnosed in boys.
Signs and symptoms of impulsive/hyperactive type ADHD
People who are impulsive/hyperactive ADHD diagnosed will have some of the following symptoms:
- Not able to stay seated whether in a classroom or any workplace
- Constantly moving or “on the go”
- Unable to play or do leisure activities quietly
- Difficulty waiting in line
- Hard time with taking turns
- Fidgeting or squirming in a seat
- Interrupting others
- Running or climbing (especially where it’s inappropriate)
- Talking too much
- Blurting out an answer before a question is finished
Combination Type ADHD
Doctors will diagnose people with combination type ADHD if they meet the criteria for both the inattentive and hyperactive types of ADHD.
Signs and symptoms of combination type ADHD
Combined ADHD symptoms include both inattention and hyperactivity. People with ADHD combined type may be unable to sit still without fidgeting and they’re generally very easily distracted.
The range and intensity of symptoms in combination ADHD can vary from person to person. One person might experience extreme restlessness and the need to move. Another may not be able to take turns without cutting in line but might not have a problem with restlessness.
Understanding More About ADHD
Whether you’re the parent of a young child with ADHD or an adult with adult ADHD symptoms, understanding more about the condition — including how it affects the brain — and how it can be treated is essential. ADHD behaviors are often misinterpreted, and many people aren’t aware of how ADHD can affect someone’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and day-to-day life.
“Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that can develop in children. It has become one of the most common conditions of childhood. Therapy and medication can help manage the symptoms of ADHD.”
— Bisma Anwar, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), MA, MSc
When someone has any one of the types of ADHD, they can have great difficulty concentrating or focusing. People with ADHD often abandon tasks before they’re completed. They might seem distracted, thoughtless, careless, or ambivalent. ADHD can also cause impulsive behavior and emotional outbursts, and it can make it difficult for some people to fall or stay asleep.
When you have a better understanding of ADHD, it can be easier to develop strategies and coping mechanisms to effectively manage symptoms. People with untreated ADHD will almost always benefit immensely from professional help. Although we aren’t sure exactly what causes ADHD, we have identified many effective ADHD treatment options that can improve symptoms and quality of life.
If you’re wondering how to treat ADHD, therapy and ADHD medication can be game-changers. Talkspace therapists are skilled and experienced in treating all types of ADHD. They have expert knowledge in helping people understand their condition and learn to cope. Talkspace isn’t your average therapy platform. We make getting therapy for ADHD simple and convenient, so you can manage ADHD, or any other mental health condition, in the best way possible.
You don’t have to live with the struggles ADHD can cause in life. Reach out to Talkspace today to learn more about our online therapy options.
