ADHD symptoms in adults - all the signs you might be living with the condition

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Millions of individuals in the UK, including celebrities such as Ant McPartlin, Ben Fogle, Zoe Ball, Lily Allen and Richard Branson, have ADHD. However, ADHD UK suggests that over 80% of people with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) remain undiagnosed.

This is one of the reasons why October is recognised as ADHD Awareness Month, aiming to educate more people about the condition and assist those with undiagnosed ADHD in recognising the symptoms and seeking a diagnosis. As highlighted by ADHD UK, individuals with ADHD exhibit 'a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity that interferes with day-to-day functioning and/or development'.

Dr Selina Warlow, a psychologist specialising in ADHD and autism at The Nook Clinic in Surrey, states: "ADHD affects an estimated 2.5-4% of adults, though this may be an underestimation. It’s common for adults to have undiagnosed ADHD, particularly women."

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She further explains that many people misunderstand the condition, thinking ADHD always involves hyperactivity, but it can also present as inattentiveness, impulsivity, or a combination of both. "ADHD is one of the most talked about, and misunderstood conditions today," she adds.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Shyamal Mashru, an ADHD specialist at the ADHD Health Clinic in London, notes that people with ADHD may struggle with organisation, time management and emotional regulation, leading to difficulties in academics, work, and relationships.

"ADHD can significantly impact a person’s life, extending far beyond the core symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity," notes Mashru. "These challenges can lead to feelings of frustration, low self-esteem and anxiety, impacting their overall wellbeing and quality of life."

He details that ADHD manifests in three types: the majority, 70-80%, have a combined presentation with significant levels of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms; 10-15% experience a predominantly inattentive presentation, where inattention is more pronounced than hyperactivity-impulsivity; and the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation is considered rare.

ADHD UK highlights that diagnosing ADHD in adults and adolescents aged 17 or older requires at least five symptoms that are consistent and not just occasional.

So, what are they? Here, the experts outline signs of ADHD in adults…

Inattentive symptoms…

Difficulty focusing

If you have a lot of trouble focusing and sustaining attention on tasks, it may be linked to ADHD, says Mashru.

Forgetfulness

Mashru says adults with ADHD may be frequently forgetful and misplace things. However, Warlow points out that the official criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD says it’s forgetfulness that interferes with functioning or development, and stresses: “This really differentiates day-to-day difficulties – for example, forgetting where you left your keys or forgetting a one-off appointment = with a formal diagnosis.”

Easily distracted

Having ADHD can lead to adults becoming distracted by other things, instead of concentrating on the task at hand. “They may be easily distracted by external stimuli,” says Mashru.

Not following instructions

Difficulty following instructions and completing tasks on time can be a sign of ADHD, says Mashru.

Daydreaming

Someone who’s frequently got their head in the clouds and daydreams excessively could be displaying a symptom of ADHD, warns Mashru.

Impulsive symptoms…

Acting without thinking

Adults with ADHD may act without thinking about the consequences. “This might look like interrupting conversations, making hasty decisions, or needing help with waiting for their turn,” explains Warlow.

Mashru adds: “There may be a tendency to blurt out responses before fully thinking them through.”

Restlessness

Restlessness and fidgeting can be a sign of ADHD. Warlow says people who have the condition may have difficulty sitting still for extended periods, and adds: “This is more noticeable in children, who might seem like they’re always on the go, but adults can experience it too, often in the form of inner restlessness.”

Talking a lot

Excessive talking and difficulty taking turns in conversations can be another symptom of ADHD, says Mashru.

Risky behaviour

Mashru says the impulsivity linked to some types of ADHD may lead to people taking unnecessary risks, or engaging in impulsive actions.

The bigger picture…

Has your behaviour existed since childhood?

Adults who think they may have ADHD should think back to their childhood behaviour, suggests Warlow.

“It may be helpful for them to speak to their parents or think back to their childhood to look at if these have been ongoing difficulties,” she says. “As ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, we’d expect some of the difficulties to be historical.”

Get a professional assessment

Both experts advise adults who suspect they may have ADHD to seek a professional assessment. The Royal College of Psychiatrists says people who think they have ADHD which is having a negative effect on their life should speak to their GP, who can refer them to an appropriate service, such as a community mental health service. However, waiting times for referrals can currently be very long. Private assessments are also available.

Warlow explains that a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist will complete a formal assessment and then tailor support for each individual. “This may include behavioural strategies to support day-to-day, or medication can be helpful for some people,” she says.

Mashru adds: “Accurately identifying the type of ADHD allows for personalised treatment plans. Medication, therapy and behavioural strategies can be tailored to address the specific challenges faced by each individual.”

The World Health Organisation and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD have developed an Adult ADHD Self-Screening Tool to indicate whether someone might have ADHD and would benefit from further clinical analysis. Only a clinician can accurately diagnose ADHD. Visit adhduk.co.uk