ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) in adults can present differently than in children, and its traits may sometimes be subtle or misunderstood. In the UK, common traits of ADHD in adults include a mix of emotional, cognitive, and behavioural characteristics that can affect daily life, work, and relationships.
These traits can vary in severity and may overlap with other conditions, making diagnosis complex.
Here are some of the most common traits of ADHD in adults:
Difficulty with Focus and Attention
- Easily Distracted: Adults with ADHD may find it hard to stay focused on tasks, especially when they are routine or uninteresting. They may frequently lose track of what they are doing.
- Difficulty Completing Tasks: Starting tasks is often not a problem, but finishing them can be. There may be unfinished projects or tasks piling up, leading to frustration.
- Forgetfulness: Forgetting appointments, deadlines, or important details is common. They may also lose track of time or forget to follow through on commitments.
Impulsivity
- Interrupting Others: Adults with ADHD may have trouble waiting their turn in conversations, often interrupting others or jumping in with their thoughts before someone else has finished.
- Impulsive Decision Making: They may make snap decisions without fully considering the consequences, which could lead to problems in personal or professional life.
- Difficulty with Self-Regulation: There may be impulsive spending, overeating, or making decisions based on immediate feelings or desires.
Restlessness and Hyperactivity
- Feeling “On the Go”: Adults with ADHD often report feeling restless, like they can’t sit still. They may feel the need to keep moving or engaging in activity, even in situations where calmness is expected.
- Fidgeting or Moving Frequently: Restlessness often leads to physical fidgeting or the need to constantly move, like tapping feet or bouncing legs.
- Difficulty Relaxing: They may find it difficult to relax or unwind after a busy day and may experience feelings of being constantly ‘on edge.’
Disorganisation and Time Management Issues
- Poor Organizational Skills: ADHD can lead to challenges in keeping things in order, whether it’s clutter around the house, messy workspaces, or missing important items.
- Procrastination: A tendency to delay tasks, particularly those that require sustained focus or that are perceived as boring or overwhelming.
Difficulty Managing Time: Adults with ADHD may struggle to estimate how long tasks will take, leading to lateness or difficulty managing multiple deadlines.
Emotional Instability
- Mood Swings: Adults with ADHD may experience rapid mood changes, feeling elated and then frustrated or upset with little warning.
- Low Frustration Tolerance: They may have a shorter fuse and get irritated more easily by small issues, leading to outbursts or feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Chronic Stress: Ongoing difficulties with focus, time management, and emotional regulation can lead to feelings of stress or anxiety, especially when trying to meet demands in work or personal life.
Relationship Difficulties
- Challenges in Relationships: Impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty listening to others can strain relationships with family, friends, and partners. People with ADHD may be perceived as inattentive or irresponsible.
- Difficulty Following Through on Promises: This can lead to misunderstandings and frustration in relationships, as the person with ADHD may forget commitments or have trouble managing their responsibilities.
- Sensitivity to Criticism: Adults with ADHD can often be overly sensitive to criticism or rejection, which can lead to issues with self-esteem or an aversion to criticism at work or home.
Difficulty in Work and Study Environments
- Trouble with Focused Work: They may struggle to maintain concentration during long meetings, while reading, or during other tasks that require sustained attention.
- Struggling with Deadlines and Detail-Oriented Tasks: ADHD can impact an individual’s ability to pay attention to detail, complete projects on time, and meet the demands of their job.
- Frequent Job Changes or Career Instability: Due to challenges in organisation, time management, and emotional regulation, people with ADHD might find it difficult to hold onto jobs or advance in their careers.
Sleep Problems
- Difficulty Falling Asleep: Many adults with ADHD report issues with falling asleep, which could be linked to restlessness or racing thoughts.
- Sleep Disruptions: Problems with sleep can also include waking up frequently during the night or difficulty maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
Strengths Often Linked with ADHD
While ADHD presents several challenges, many adults with ADHD also have strengths such as:
- Creative Problem Solving: The ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems.
- High Energy: This can translate into the ability to tackle multiple tasks or take on demanding challenges.
- Hyperfocus: When genuinely interested in a task, individuals with ADHD can experience “hyperfocus,” where they become intensely absorbed in an activity and can work for long periods without interruption.
- Risk-Taking and Resilience: People with ADHD often show high resilience, persistence, and a willingness to take risks or try new things.
Co-Occurring Conditions
Many adults with ADHD may also experience:
- Anxiety: The challenges of managing attention, organisation, and relationships can lead to stress and anxiety.
- Depression: The difficulties associated with ADHD can lead to feelings of frustration, low self-esteem, and, in some cases, depression.
- Learning Disabilities: Some adults with ADHD may also have learning difficulties that affect their academic or work performance.
- Substance Use Issues: Adults with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing substance abuse problems as a way to self-medicate or cope with impulsivity and emotional regulation challenges.
Seeking Diagnosis and Support
If you believe you might have ADHD and recognise these traits in yourself, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional, such as a GP, who can help assess your symptoms and provide a referral for further diagnosis or support. Diagnosis typically involves an assessment that includes interviews, questionnaires, and sometimes an evaluation of childhood symptoms, as ADHD must be present from an early age.
In the UK, treatment may include ADHD coaching, and medication (such as stimulants or non-stimulants) to help manage symptoms. If you’re struggling in the workplace or with personal relationships, additional support or accommodations might be available to make daily life more manageable.