ADHD in Adults: When Being Distracted Could Be Something More

Everyone gets distracted sometimes.

You forget where you put your keys, procrastinate on a task you do not feel like doing or find yourself struggling to concentrate after a particularly stressful week.

But when difficulties with attention, organisation, impulsivity or restlessness are persistent and regularly interfere with work, relationships and everyday life, there may be more going on.

For National Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Day on 14 September, we look at how ADHD can present in adults and when it may be worth speaking to a healthcare professional.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity.

Although ADHD is often associated with children, it does not necessarily disappear when someone reaches adulthood.

Some adults were diagnosed as children and continue to experience symptoms later in life. Others may reach adulthood without ever having been diagnosed.

For some people, increasing responsibilities at university, work or home make difficulties that were once manageable much more noticeable.

What does ADHD look like in adults?

Adult ADHD does not always look like someone who simply cannot sit still.

Symptoms can be much more subtle.

Difficulties with attention may include:

• Becoming distracted easily
• Struggling to complete tasks
• Starting several projects but leaving many unfinished
• Frequently losing keys, phones or other belongings
• Forgetting appointments or commitments
• Difficulty following lengthy instructions
• Making avoidable mistakes because details are missed
• Struggling to concentrate during conversations or meetings
• Frequently procrastinating

Organisation and time management can also be difficult

An adult with ADHD may genuinely intend to complete something but struggle with planning how to begin, prioritising tasks or estimating how long something will take.

This can lead to:

• Frequently running late
• Missing deadlines
• Feeling overwhelmed by ordinary administrative tasks
• Leaving important tasks until the last minute
• Difficulty maintaining routines
• Clutter or disorganisation at home or work

To others, this can sometimes appear like carelessness or lack of effort.

In reality, persistent problems with attention and organisation can be part of ADHD.

Hyperactivity may look different in adults

The image many people have of ADHD is a child constantly running around or unable to stay seated.

In adults, hyperactivity can present differently.

Someone may experience an internal sense of restlessness, feel uncomfortable sitting still for long periods or constantly feel that they need to be doing something.

Other signs may include:

• Frequently fidgeting
• Talking a lot
• Becoming impatient easily
• Finding quiet activities difficult
• Feeling uncomfortable during long meetings
• Constantly seeking stimulation or activity

Physical hyperactivity may also become less obvious as a person gets older.

What about impulsivity?

Impulsivity involves acting quickly without fully considering the possible consequences.

In adults, this might include:

• Interrupting people during conversations
• Finishing other people’s sentences
• Making quick decisions without sufficient thought
• Impulsive spending
• Difficulty waiting
• Saying things and regretting them afterwards
• Frequently changing plans or activities

Again, occasionally doing these things does not mean someone has ADHD.

It is the frequency, persistence and impact on everyday life that matters.

Being distracted does not automatically mean ADHD

With smartphones, constant notifications, busy schedules and demanding workloads, many people struggle with concentration.

Stress can also make focusing difficult.

So can poor sleep.

Anxiety, depression and some physical health conditions can also cause symptoms that resemble ADHD.

This is why ADHD should not be self-diagnosed based on a social media video, online quiz or a handful of relatable symptoms.

A proper assessment looks at the bigger picture.

ADHD begins in childhood

Although someone may only receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult, ADHD is considered a developmental condition.

This means symptoms must have been present during childhood, even if they were not recognised at the time.

During an assessment, a healthcare professional may therefore ask about:

• Your childhood behaviour
• School performance
• Concentration and organisation when you were younger
• Previous school reports
• Whether family members remember similar difficulties
• How symptoms currently affect your work, home life and relationships

Symptoms generally need to occur in more than one area of life rather than only in one particularly stressful situation.

Why are some adults diagnosed late?

There are many reasons someone may reach adulthood before ADHD is recognised.

Some people may have developed strategies that allowed them to cope while they were younger.

Structured school environments, parental support or strong academic ability may also have helped compensate for difficulties with attention and organisation.

Then adulthood arrives.

Suddenly there are work deadlines, bills, household responsibilities, relationships, appointments and multiple competing demands to manage independently.

The strategies that worked previously may no longer be enough.

ADHD can also be less obvious in people whose main difficulties involve attention rather than visible hyperactivity.

Women, in particular, may be more likely to have predominantly inattentive symptoms that are less easily recognised.

When should you consider speaking to someone?

It may be worth discussing your symptoms with a healthcare professional if difficulties with concentration, organisation or impulsivity have been present for a long time and are interfering with your daily life.

For example, you might consistently struggle with:

• Meeting deadlines
• Keeping appointments
• Completing important tasks
• Maintaining organisation
• Managing work responsibilities
• Concentrating during conversations
• Managing impulsive behaviour
• Maintaining relationships

A healthcare professional can also consider whether something else may be contributing to your symptoms.

How is adult ADHD diagnosed?

There is no single blood test or brain scan that confirms ADHD.

Diagnosis usually involves a detailed clinical assessment.

A qualified healthcare professional may explore your symptoms, developmental history, mental health, physical health and how the difficulties affect different areas of your life.

Questionnaires and ADHD rating scales can sometimes form part of the process, but they are not enough on their own to make a diagnosis.

Other possible explanations for the symptoms should also be considered.

Can adult ADHD be treated?

Yes.

ADHD can often be managed effectively, although the right approach differs from person to person.

Treatment may include:

• Education about ADHD
• Practical organisational strategies
• Changes to the work or study environment
• Behavioural strategies
• Psychological therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy
• Medication when clinically appropriate

Some people benefit from a combination of approaches.

If medication is considered, it should be prescribed and monitored by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Practical strategies can still help

Whether or not you have an ADHD diagnosis, certain strategies can make managing attention and organisation easier.

These might include:

• Keeping one central calendar
• Setting reminders for appointments and deadlines
• Breaking large tasks into smaller steps
• Creating written daily priorities
• Reducing unnecessary notifications while working
• Keeping commonly misplaced items in designated places
• Building predictable routines
• Scheduling regular breaks during long tasks
• Getting adequate sleep
• Exercising regularly

These tools do not replace professional treatment when ADHD is significantly affecting someone’s life, but they can form part of a broader management approach.

It is about more than being easily distracted

Almost everyone experiences poor concentration occasionally.

ADHD is different.

The symptoms are persistent, begin during childhood and can significantly affect multiple areas of someone’s life.

If you recognise several of these patterns in yourself, the answer is not necessarily to assume you have ADHD.

The better next step is to have a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional who can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.

Speak to a TruMD healthcare professional

If persistent concentration difficulties, forgetfulness, restlessness or problems with organisation are beginning to affect your daily life, TruMD gives you convenient access to qualified healthcare professionals online.

You can discuss your symptoms, medical history and concerns confidentially and receive guidance on the appropriate next step.

Where a specialist ADHD assessment or further evaluation is required, your healthcare professional can advise you accordingly.

You do not need to diagnose yourself to start asking the right questions.

Speak to a TruMD healthcare professional when persistent symptoms are affecting your everyday life.