Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is often perceived as a childhood condition that is characterized by impulsivity and hyperactivity. Many people imagine children who can’t seem to sit still in a classroom. But even though it’s more commonly diagnosed in children, ADHD isn’t a condition that someone just grows out of. It doesn’t just magically disappear once you reach adulthood.
Many adults live with ADHD, and a lot of those adults are unfortunately living with undiagnosed ADHD. ADHD, whether it’s diagnosed or undiagnosed, can affect a person’s personal and professional life, including their relationships. If you’ve ever wondered why certain things feel a little bit harder than they should, ADHD could be the culprit. Let’s learn more about what adult ADHD really looks like.
What Adult ADHD Looks Like
Adult ADHD isn’t as common as childhood ADHD because there is a narrative that focuses on young children, especially young boys, who can’t sit still in class. But adult ADHD may look different from what you’d expect it to look like. Adults with ADHD may not be bouncing off the walls or constantly interrupting their family, friends, and colleagues. Instead, adult ADHD tends to be a little sneakier than it appears to be in childhood. This is what adult ADHD can look like:
- Difficulty focusing at work
- Constantly feeling overwhelmed
- Misplacing your wallet, keys, or phone
- Jumping from one task to the next without finishing anything
- Forgetting about or missing an appointment
- Making impulsive choices that you regret later
- Mood swings
- Feeling stuck
Why Adult ADHD is Often Missed
Adult ADHD isn’t always apparent. Due to this, many people who have ADHD just go through their everyday lives thinking that they’re just bad with their time, disorganized, or lazy. But the truth is, they’re none of those things. They’ve just been battling with symptoms their entire life, which they never got properly diagnosed. Many of these adults only figure out that they, too, have been struggling with ADHD if their own children are diagnosed.
The Impact of Adult ADHD
When ADHD isn’t properly diagnosed, it can mess with a person’s daily life and routine. It can cause a person to constantly try to fix problems using the wrong tools, which can be highly frustrating. In one’s personal life, they may struggle to balance their roles and responsibilities within their family dynamic. They can also experience financial problems and work burnout. Other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can also be associated with adult ADHD.
How to Get Help with Adult ADHD
The good news is that adult ADHD is treatable. It’s never too late to seek support, even if your ADHD was undiagnosed in your childhood. Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can feel like a huge relief and take off your shoulders. It can help explain a lot of the challenges you’ve been facing. Once you’re properly diagnosed, treatment may include a combination of medication, coaching, therapy, creating and sticking to a routine, and utilizing time management tools like planners or apps.
Next Steps
ADHD doesn’t just happen to kids. It’s much more than being hyper or impulsive. Adults who have ADHD can experience a daily struggle where they are often left feeling misunderstood. The more that we have conversations to talk about what adult ADHD really looks like, the more that people just like you can find answers, experience less feelings of shame, feel more understood, and they can finally start living their lives feeling more supported.
If you suspect that you’ve been struggling with adult ADHD, you’re not alone. You’re also not broken. It’s time to change the narrative and get the help you need and deserve. Reach out today to set up an initial consultation.