How does ADHD present itself in adults?
First things first — what is ADHD?
ADHD, also known as “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is often diagnosed in childhood, although it’s increasingly being diagnosed among adults who may not have been aware of their ADHD during childhood. Studies have found that around 2.5% of adults in the U.S. have ADHD, and potentially more given how many people often go undiagnosed. People often will attribute their ADHD symptoms to fatigue, boredom, poor time management skills, or overall disinterest before being diagnosed.
Why do so many adults go undiagnosed?
Part of the reason why many adults often go undiagnosed is that ADHD looks different for everyone, and certain people exhibit more widely recognized characteristics of ADHD, such as becoming distracted easily and having trouble listening during conversations.
There is power in understanding how ADHD shows up for you, and by simply being aware that ADHD can impact the way you work, your relationships, and your overall daily life, you can work alongside a therapist to ease any challenges your symptoms may present.
Understanding Neurodivergence
ADHD would fall under the umbrella of being neurodivergent. This simply means that a neurodivergent brain just processes information differently. This does not mean it’s a disability or illness. There are both strengths and challenges that can come from being neurodivergent and one of the benefits of therapy is helping you learn tools and develop skills to utilize your neurodivergence to the best of your abilities.
How do I know if I have ADHD?
A psychologist or psychiatrist would be helpful in providing an official diagnosis. If you think there’s a possibility that you have ADHD, here are a few ways it can present itself in adults.
For some, ADHD presents itself as inattentiveness. This can look like:
Frequently losing things
Frequently making careless mistakes
Becoming distracted easily
Avoiding tasks that require sustained attention
Having trouble paying attention during meetings or class
Having trouble listening during conversations
Having trouble following directions
Forgetting appointments and other important dates
ADHD may present itself with mainly hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, which could include:
Having trouble doing quiet activities
Talking excessively
Having trouble sitting still
Having trouble staying seated
Frequently interrupting others
Having trouble standing in lines
Many times, ADHD may present a combination of inattention and hyperactivity symptoms.
Each person’s experience with ADHD is unique, and therapy can be a resource in helping you navigate it. Working with a therapist can help become more self-aware and help change the way you look at a situation, and subsequently, the way you react to that situation. Mindfulness-based therapy can be particularly helpful for people with ADHD, as it encourages skills that will help you with focus, productivity, and being present.
If you’d like to learn more about how therapy can be beneficial for folks with ADHD, reach out to our team here!
