Adult ADHD: Symptoms, Treatment, & Causes

Do you ever feel like your brain has 30 tabs open at once—and they all need your attention at the same time? Do you find yourself starting tasks with the best intentions but can’t seem to finish them? Perhaps you notice that you lose track of time without realizing it or simply feel like typical everyday responsibilities/tasks tend to be harder for you than they should?

Many adults seem to immediately disregard the possibility of having ADHD. This is because for many years, ADHD was commonly thought of as “something only children have”. When you heard the term ADHD, you probably thought of a child who can’t sit still during class or is always talking out of turn.

We’re here to tell you that ADHD can also impact adults, in fact, many adults don’t realize they have ADHD until the mental burnout starts to be too much to handle.

They go years of feeling easily distracted and overwhelmed without being able to find an answer. Adult ADHD shows up differently than it does in children, for adults, ADHD can look like constantly missing deadlines for work, leaving projects unfinished, and always feeling a certain level of mental restlessness.

Of course, it’s important to remember that while ADHD can look differently for everyone, one thing reigns true. Adult ADHD is more common, misunderstood, and treatable than most people realize!

Keep reading to learn more about adult ADHD symptoms to look out for, what causes it, and treatment options.

Key Takeaways:

• You cannot "develop" ADHD as an adult; it must have been present before age 12. Many adults with ADHD were simply never diagnosed as kids.
• In order to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, you must have at least 5 symptoms, symptoms must be persistent for 6 months, symptoms must show up in two areas of your life, symptoms must severely interfere with quality of life, and symptoms must have been present before the age of 12.
• ADHD presents differently in adulthood than the 'hyperactive' stereotypes often seen in children. Adults are better at “masking” or hiding ADHD symptoms, which explains why many adults with ADHD go a long time without a proper diagnosis or support.

What is Adult ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and is a neurodevelopmental disorder that always starts at childhood. While ADHD does not always continue into adulthood for everyone, most children with ADHD do continue to exhibit ADHD symptoms as adults. In fact, around 80%[1] of children who are diagnosed with ADHD, still have ADHD as adults.

The catch is that ADHD symptoms can evolve from childhood to adulthood, making it difficult for some adults to recognize the new signs of adult ADHD. Some adults may even believe they have “outgrown” their ADHD, when in reality they could simply have milder symptoms or develop strong coping skills into adulthood.

However, most people continue to struggle with ADHD into adulthood and lack the skills, guidance, and awareness to properly manage the condition that has evolved since childhood.

Typical signs of adult ADHD include:

• Inattention: Difficulty paying attention, staying organized, and sticking to certain tasks.
• Hyperactivity: Fidgeting, constantly moving around, talking more than normal, and feeling restless.
• Impulsivity: Interrupting others, being intrusive/nosey, and difficulty waiting their turn.

While we are all human and it’s normal for everyone to occasionally show some of these signs (we get it! We have all had those zoom meetings that could have been a quick email and you end up zoning out after the first 15 minutes ) people with ADHD experience them constantly to a point where it impacts their work, relationships, and overall life!

Here are a few examples of how adult ADHD symptoms can manifest in everyday life:

• Often losing keys, phone, or wallet
• Frequently start new hobbies and never commit
• Miss deadlines at work and it is hard to keep track of time
• Internally you often feel restless or burnt out

What Causes Adult ADHD?

The specific causes and risk factors for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are still unknown. While ADHD is known to potentially have genetic factors or pregnancy risks leading to increased rates, there is not yet one or a combination of determining factors.

It is estimated that around 15.5 million U.S. adults or one in every 16 adults have an ADHD diagnosis ( according to recent data from the CDC) [2]. Here is a list of what is believed to potentially increase the likelihood of ADHD:

• Genetic Factors
• Unique Brain Chemistry and Structure
• Environmental Factors ( things like exposure to alcohol/drugs, while in the womb or premature birth)

Types of ADHD in Adults

The DSM-5 ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), is the official “go-to” guide used by mental health professionals to define and diagnose mental disorders. The DSM-5 says that there are three types of ADHD: Inattentive, Hyperactive, and combined. Let’s go over that these terms mean below:

• Inattentive ADHD: People who have inattentive ADHD typically struggle to pay close attention to details, have trouble maintaining concentration, and can often make careless mistakes. They seem to not really listen to what others say and struggle to follow instructions. Those with inattentive ADHD will also constantly be losing things, are not good at organization, and can be forgetful.
• Hyperactive ADHD: People who have hyperactive ADHD, also known as hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, tend to fidget often. They have a hard time staying still or waiting their turn in certain situations. In adults this can manifest as restlessness while in children it is more obvious since kids have less impulse control and run/jump around as they please. Adults with this type are also known to talk a lot and interrupt others while they are speaking. They are known to intrude impulsively on people/things as well.
• Combined ADHD: Those who have combined ADHD ( ADHD Combined Type), share traits from both inattentive ADHD and hyperactive ADHD. In order to fall under this type of ADHD, you have to have around five or more symptoms [3] in each of the two categories. ADHD combined type is the most common type of ADHD.[4]

Adult ADHD Symptoms

Here is a breakdown of common adult ADHD symptoms depending on the type of ADHD.

Inattentive ADHD Symptoms in Adults:

• Easily Distracted
• Forgetful
• Disorganized
• Makes Careless Mistakes
• Bad at Time Management

Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD Symptom in Adults:

• Restlessness
• Excessive Talking
• Difficulty Waiting Their Turn
• Impulsive Behaviors
• Interrupts Others
• Risky Behavior
• Mood Swings

Combined Type ADHD Symptoms in Adults:

• Will have a mix of symptoms from both inattentive ADHD and Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD.

Common Misdiagnoses - Adult ADHD

Because ADHD cannot be accurately diagnosed from simply talking or observing the person in brief office visits, many adults with ADHD are often misdiagnosed. ADHD can have some overlapping traits with other mental health disorders, and because an in-depth knowledge of the person’s background and current functioning is needed, ADHD traits are often mistaken for something else when mental health evaluations are not properly conducted.

This is why it is important to go to a trained mental health professional who will conduct a thorough evaluation before diagnosing. The right professional will collect all the necessary information, review the patient’s history, use standardized scales, and provide other screenings/tests to rule out the possibility of other conditions.

Here are a few conditions that adult ADHD can be misdiagnosed as:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Fatigue seen in depression can often mirror cognitive slowing with ADHD. Motivation is a problem in both conditions, although depression is related to difficulty initiating tasks in general as opposed to those with ADHD being overwhelmed by having to pick a task to start first. Agitation can overlap although MDD is usually pervasive as opposed to those with ADHD who become agitated after not completing a task or having a setback during an activity.
• General Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Concentration difficulties are common with both. Yet, GAD is more related to worrying about multiple concerns which lower the ability to focus. Those with only ADHD may be more impacted by environmental or mental issues leading to difficulty with attention. However, they tend to not always endorse distress when distracted.
• Bipolar Disorder: Mania from bipolar disorder can often cause a child or adult to engage in rapid speech often going from topic to topic. While interrupting and tangential speech are common with ADHD, one would typically not see the severe mood lability, grandiosity, or very risky behaviors seen in those with more of a manic presentation.

Note: It’s important to keep in mind that ADHD can also co-occur with other conditions and there may be various symptoms present. This means someone with ADHD can receive a dual diagnosis. Common co-occurring conditions can include anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, bipolar disorder, and Tourette's just to name a few.

ADHD Diagnosis

Like we briefly mentioned in the section before, it’s best to go to a trained mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis. If you find a provider that states they specialize in ADHD, that would be even better. Most providers are extremely willing to talk about their background, training, and expertise.

Feel free to ask your provider questions on their qualifications, if you receive any pushback or if they are unwilling to answer, take it as a red flag and find another provider who is open about their training and background.

Once you find the right provider for you, they will conduct multiple tests, likely ask to speak to someone close to you who can describe your current situation/habits, and review your background/ history, to rule out any differential diagnosis and ensure you are properly diagnosed.

Adult ADHD Symptoms Required for a Diagnosis (According to the DSM-5)

According to the DSM-5, for an adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must fit the following criteria:

• Symptoms must have been present in childhood (before the age of 12): Your provider will know that ADHD symptoms can evolve from childhood to adulthood so they will know what to keep an eye out for when collecting your background/history.
• There has to be at least 5 symptoms of ADHD present: The 5 symptoms can be from either inattention and/or hyperactivity and must not be able to be better explained by another condition.
• Symptoms interfere with daily life: Symptoms must significantly impact or reduce the person’s quality of life. This can be anything from difficulty keeping a job because of their symptoms or getting into financial problems because they forget to pay bills etc.
• Symptoms are present in at least two settings: Symptoms have to be present in two major areas of the person's life such as: their job, their marriage, their social life, academic life etc.
• Symptoms have to persist for 6 months: The symptoms have to be present for at least 6 months in order to qualify.

As you can see, in order to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis many factors are taken into consideration. Things like the severity of the symptoms, number of symptoms, longevity of symptoms, and more have to fit the set standard.

ADHD Self Assessments

You might notice that there are a lot of “ADHD self assessments” you can easily access for free online. It’s important to note that most of these “ADHD tests” or “adult ADHD self-reporting scale” are not standardized or valid and the results should not be taken as an actual diagnosis.

A real diagnosis can only be given by a licensed professional such as a psychiatrist or psychiatric PA/NP to name a few. However, if you are unsure whether or not to book an ADHD consultation with a professional, feel free to take our ADHD quiz. It is meant to help you understand if further evaluation with a professional would be helpful or not.

Always remember that it’s better to see a professional to rule out the possibility of ADHD than to live with the ongoing doubt. By getting a professional evaluation you will find clarity, relief, answers, and the tools you need to help you feel supported.

Living With Adult ADHD

Did you know? ADHD is considered a disability under the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Much like someone with a physical disability would need certain accommodations to assist them in their workplace or academic education, those with ADHD have legal rights to specific accommodations to help increase performance.

For example, many individuals with ADHD have difficulty processing information quickly and may have trouble keeping up with quotas. Therefore, they may need extra time to complete tasks.

Common Examples of ADHD Accommodations:

Education (including college)

• Quiet Workspace in the Classroom
• Extra Time for Assignments and Tests (Including GRE, MCAT, LSAT, and other professional exams)
• A Note Taker Who Writes Class Notes
• Proactive Accommodations such as Receiving Assignments or a Syllabus Early

Employment

• Increased Breaks to Reduce Mental Fatigue
• Allowance to Use Noise Cancelling Headphones or a White Noise Machine
• Assigning a Mentor for more One-on-One Instruction
• Assistive Technology (Timers, Calendars, etc.)

Home

• Breaking Instructions into Smaller Chunks of Information
• Having the People Repeat Back Information for Clarity
• Visual Reminders such as Calendars or Chore List
• Reinforcement of Positive Behavior

Medical/Mental Health Care

• Writing Instructions for the Patient
• Providing Handouts and Worksheets
• Sending Frequent Reminders via Email, Text, or Phone Calls
• For Constant Visits, Maintaining the Same Appointment Time and Day of the Week

Adult ADHD Treatment

Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, your provider will walk you through the possible treatment options and work with you to come up with a tailored plan that fits your unique needs.

Both in-person and online care is available now for ADHD. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, online ADHD treatment (telehealth) has become more prevalent. This is great for many busy adults because it helps make quality ADHD care highly accessible!

Both medication management and therapy are effective options for adult ADHD treatment. Some treatment plans even combine therapy and medication for a highly effective outcome.

Common Therapy Options for ADHD Include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT for ADHD is a popular choice for adults with ADHD. This type of therapy focuses on current thoughts and behaviors and establishing measurable goals. This helps many adults build the skills they need to address any ADHD behaviors that may be causing issues such as time management, organization, and emotional regulation. [5]
• Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Mindfulness based therapies for ADHD help individuals learn how to better identify any problematic behaviors or thought patterns. It can help improve attention control and emotional regulation, helping individuals learn how to control their emotional state instead of acting impulsively. Mindfulness practices may also support neurocognitive challenges associated with ADHD, such as difficulty sustaining attention.
• Behavioral Therapy: This type of therapy helps individuals change their behavior, as the name suggests. It helps equip you with the right tools to improve behavioral issues such as organization or social skills. While CBT focuses more on thoughts and actions, this type of therapy focuses more on actions and environment.

Medication Management for ADHD:

Apart from therapy, medication can also be used to help treat ADHD. Typically, stimulant medications are the first line of treatment for ADHD. These medications may help those with ADHD be able to better focus, think clearly, and improve their social interactions.

If stimulant medications are not working or causing significant side-effects, non-stimulant medication can also be recommended.

• Stimulant Medications: A broad class of drugs that work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, these drugs are known to work quickly. While not a medication for ADHD, Caffeine is a popular example of what a stimulant is.

Popular stimulant medications examples for ADHD:

• Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
• Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)
• Ritalin (Methylphenidate)
• Concerta (Methylphenidate ER)

• Non-Stimulant Medications: A broad class of drugs that is commonly used for ADHD when stimulants do not work. These work by altering levels of neurotransmitters in the brain such as norepinephrine and at times dopamine. Unlike stimulants, non stimulants take a little longer to work, typically around seven days to several weeks to see full benefits.

Popular non-stimulant medications examples for ADHD:

• Strattera (atomoxetine)
• Kapvay (clonidine)
• Intuniv (guanfacine)
• Qelbree (viloxazine)
• Wellbutrin (bupropion)

Adult ADHD Treatment In Chicago

At Clarity Clinic, we have highly trained psychiatrists and psychiatric providers who specialize in comprehensive ADHD treatment for adults. Whether you know you are experiencing ADHD symptoms or wondering, "Do I have ADHD?", we offer a range of services to help.

Start by taking our ADHD quiz to gain insight into your symptoms. From there, book a consultation to get an accurate diagnosis and begin exploring personalized treatment options, including ADHD medication and therapy. Our experienced ADHD psychiatrists and providers will help guide you on the path to managing ADHD and improving your quality of life.

We have mental health clinics located throughout Chicago such as the Loop, River North, Lakeview Belmont, and Lakeview Broadway. If you are located in surrounding suburbs, no worries! We have a clinic in Evanston and Arlington Heights for those located in areas such as Oakbrook, Northbrook, Schaumburg, Winnetka, or Naperville, IL.

Related Readings:

• How to Manage ADHD at Work: Tips for Staying Focused
• ADD vs ADHD : What You Need to Know
• ADHD Testing for Adults
• ADHD vs Autism: Signs, Symptoms, & Differences

Adult ADHD FAQs

References:

[1] CHADD. ADHD Changes in Adulthood.https://chadd.org/adhd-weekly/adhd-changes-in-adulthood/

[2] Staley, B. S., Robinson, L. R., Claussen, A. H., Katz, S. M., Danielson, M. L., Summers, A. D., Farr, S. L., Blumberg, S. J., & Tinker, S. C. (2024). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis, treatment, and telehealth use in adults — National Center for Health Statistics Rapid Surveys System, United States, October–November 2023. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 73(40), 890–895. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7340a1

[3] National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI Bookshelf). ADHD: Neuropsychological Impairments and Treatment Tables.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519712/table/ch3.t3/

[4] ADD.org. Types of ADHD.https://add.org/adhd-types/

[5] CHADD. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults with ADHD.https://chadd.org/for-adults/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/

Additional Sources Used:

-National Institutes of Health (PMC). Behavioral Interventions for Adults with ADHD.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4921925/

-National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: What You Need to Know. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-what-you-need-to-know?utm_source=chatgpt.com

-National Institutes of Health (PMC). Behavioral Interventions for Adults with ADHD — Reference Table.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4921925/#B19

-National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI Bookshelf). Adult ADHD Overview.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539896/