ADHD in adults: signs and symptoms

What ADHD is

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that can affect how you focus. The NHS describes it as something that can make it hard to concentrate and sit still, and notes that there are things you can do to help manage symptoms.^[1] The Royal College of Psychiatrists calls it a neurodevelopmental condition — one that starts in childhood and, for many people, is lifelong, although it can change or improve over time.^[2]

ADHD is not a character flaw, a lack of effort or a modern fad. The Royal College of Psychiatrists points out that a disorder resembling ADHD was first described by a doctor in the 18th century, and that there is international agreement that ADHD is a valid diagnosis with clear guidelines for assessment and support.^[2] In England and Wales, those guidelines are set out by NICE in guideline NG87.^[3]

The Royal College of Psychiatrists estimates that ADHD affects about 3 to 4 in every 100 adults.^[2] It can affect people from any background.

Signs of inattention

Inattention means finding it hard to direct and hold your attention — particularly on things that are not naturally interesting or rewarding. The NHS lists signs such as:^[1]

• being easily distracted or forgetful
• finding it hard to organise your time
• finding it hard to follow instructions or finish tasks
• losing things often, like your wallet, mobile or keys

The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ fuller list also includes a lack of attention to detail, struggling to listen when spoken to directly, trouble organising tasks, and avoiding or disliking tasks that need sustained mental effort — such as paperwork or housework.^[2]

“For me, reading a book can feel like a carousel ride with the book held by someone in the crowd.”A person with ADHD, quoted by the Royal College of Psychiatrists

Hyperactivity and impulsivity

Hyperactivity is about energy and restlessness; impulsivity is about acting or speaking before thinking through the consequences. The NHS describes adult signs including:^[1]

• having a lot of energy or feeling restless
• being very talkative or interrupting conversations
• making quick decisions without thinking about what might happen as a result

Other commonly described signs include fidgeting, finding it hard to wait your turn, and blurting out an answer before a question has been finished.^[2] The NHS notes that most people with ADHD have symptoms of both the inattentive and the hyperactive-impulsive type, while some only show signs of one.^[1]

Why it can look different in adults

The Royal College of Psychiatrists explains that hyperactive and impulsive symptoms tend to be more common in childhood and become less of a challenge for some people over time, whereas inattentive symptoms tend to become more of an issue in the teenage years and adulthood.^[2] Restlessness may move “inside” — a busy mind rather than a body that won’t sit still.

Adult life also brings new demands: work, running a home, money, relationships, parenting. The College describes how, as overall demand and stress increase, people with ADHD can find it harder to keep up and may become overwhelmed — and that appropriate support can help prevent this.^[2] This is one reason some people first recognise their ADHD in their thirties, forties or later.

What friends and family sometimes notice

The Royal College of Psychiatrists shares a list (from the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance) of signs others might notice in an adult with unsupported ADHD, including:^[2]

• problems organising — such as poor time management, missed appointments and late or unfinished projects
• erratic work or academic performance
• a lack of routine, such as poor sleeping patterns
• difficulty managing finances
• frequent accidents through inattention or recklessness
• low self-esteem or a sense of chronic under-achievement

Strengths, not only struggles

It can help to see ADHD as a difference, not only a deficit. Some people describe strengths in certain situations — for example being able to “hyperfocus” on things that interest them, responding well in a crisis, or creative problem-solving. The Royal College of Psychiatrists describes these experiences while noting that some people need supportive structures to build on them.^[2] Research on ADHD strengths is still limited, and everyone’s experience is different.

Things that can look similar

Many experiences linked with ADHD can also have other causes — poor sleep, stress, anxiety, depression or a physical health problem among them. The NHS says a GP may want to consider other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, such as autism, Tourette’s or anxiety.^[1] ADHD also often occurs alongside other conditions: the NHS mentions depression, anxiety, addictions and learning difficulties such as dyslexia.^[1]

That is why online quizzes can only ever be a starting point. NICE says a diagnosis should not be made solely on the basis of rating scales or observational data, and should involve a full clinical and psychosocial assessment, a developmental and psychiatric history, and observer reports.^[4]

What to do next

If your symptoms are affecting your studies, work or relationships, the NHS suggests making an appointment with a GP to find out what support is available.^[1] Before you go, it can help to:

1. Write down specific examples of how attention, organisation, restlessness or impulsivity affect your daily life — at work, at home, with money and in relationships.
2. Think back to childhood. Specialists usually ask whether symptoms started when you were young and how they affected you at school.^[1] Old school reports or a conversation with a parent can help.
3. Note other health issues, including sleep, mood and any medicines you take.
4. Bring your notes. Appointments are short and it is easy to forget things.

Our guide to getting an ADHD assessment in the UK walks through referrals, waiting times and Right to Choose. ADHD UK offers further information and support groups.^[5]

Common questions