It’s not hard to notice a child who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)—they will be jumping off the walls, the dog will always be “eating their homework,” and they will frequently test everyone’s patience. We know about kids, but how do you tell if an adult is on the ADHD spectrum?
Kids with ADHD grow up to be adults with ADHD. Many people associate the disorder with hyperactive children unable to sit still in school, however, adults often face their own unique set of challenges. This can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and frustrations at work and in personal relationships, especially if they’re undiagnosed.
Experiencing one or two of these symptoms occasionally doesn’t necessarily mean you have ADHD. If these behaviors are persistent and disruptive, it may be worth seeking a professional evaluation.
1. Talking Too Much
Some people have the gift of the gab, but those with ADHD have an overpowering need to verbalize every thought that crosses their minds. If you find that you’re often the last one speaking in conversations or that you’re frequently interrupting others to make your point, this could be a sign of ADHD.
This excessive talking can strain relationships. You may also be in danger of giving people TMI (too much information), oversharing personal details, or blurting out opinions before considering the consequences.
2. Inability to Sit Still for Long
How often do you get up from your desk at work? Can you sit still for 20 minutes? Adults with ADHD usually struggle to stay seated for extended periods. This restlessness isn’t just physical but also can be mentally taxing as well.
In meetings, at the dinner table, or during a movie, you might find yourself shifting in your seat, tapping your feet, or feeling an overwhelming urge to get up and move around.
3. Not Completing Tasks
There’s a half-organized spice drawer in the kitchen, a half-made bed in the bedroom, and last week’s painting of a cat that still doesn’t have a tail. One of the symptoms of adult ADHD is starting multiple projects but rarely seeing them through to completion.
It may often feel like you’re spinning your wheels without making any real progress. Whether it’s work, a household chore, or a hobby, not finishing what you start can create a backlog of tasks.
4. Being Disorganized
If your workspace always looks like a cat was chasing yarn on it, it could be an indicator of ADHD. Disorganization can manifest as cluttered workspaces or an inability to keep track of appointments. The lack of organization can create a sense of chaos and make it difficult to focus and be productive.
Establish routines and use tools such as planners, apps, and reminders to help you manage your time and tasks more effectively.
5. Always Losing Stuff
Who hasn’t misplaced their car keys or hat every once in a while? However, constantly misplacing items is a common symptom of adult ADHD. If you have lost your wallet for the fourth time between breakfast and leaving the house, it might be helpful to be evaluated for ADHD to start discussing strategies for keeping track of your belongings.
Implement strategies such as designated spots for frequently used items, checklists, and visual reminders to help reduce the frequency of lost items.
6. Making Careless Mistakes
A few mistakes here and there are understandable, but do you sometimes make ones that leave your boss wondering if you’re trying to get fired? These mistakes can stem from inattention or a rush to complete tasks.
The outcomes of these errors can range from minor inconveniences to more significant repercussions in professional settings. Take the time to double-check your work or break tasks into smaller steps to avoid this.
7. Mood Swings and Irritability
You feel excited one moment and extremely irritated by everything and everyone the next. Adults with ADHD might find themselves experiencing intense emotions that can shift rapidly.
This emotional volatility can affect relationships and overall well-being. Developing coping strategies like mindfulness techniques, regular exercise, and talking to a therapist can really help manage mood swings and irritability.
8. Forgetfulness
Most people become more forgetful as they age, but a person with ADHD will tend to forget things more than most. This can include forgetting appointments, deadlines, or even daily chores.
Don’t rely on your memory alone. Utilize tools such as calendars, reminders, and to-do lists to help manage forgetfulness.
9. Trouble Paying Attention
Do you find it challenging to focus on tasks, conversations, or even leisure activities for extended periods? It’s probably pretty frustrating and can lead to incomplete work and missed details. A common symptom of ADHD is having trouble with self-control or discipline.
If this happens often, minimizing distractions can improve attention span. Regular breaks and mindfulness exercises can also enhance focus.
10. Poor Time Management
Being punctual is a great virtue, but also one that eludes many people. People with ADHD find it hard to estimate how long tasks will take, leading to procrastination or constantly running late.
Make use of timers and alarms. Prioritize tasks to improve your time management and work your way through your to-do list without running out of breath.
11. Trouble Waiting in Line
Although there isn’t really anyone who actually likes lining up for anything, overwhelming impatience and difficulty waiting in line are common symptoms of ADHD in adults. Whether you’re stuck in the grocery store line or enduring a marathon meeting, the art of waiting can turn into a battle with impatience.
We’ll give it to you: waiting is as fun as watching an egg boil. Finding ways to stay occupied while waiting can help manage this impatience, whether it be quietly doodling or playing with a fidget toy.
12. Poor Listening Skills
Have you ever been told that you’re not listening even though you think you are? Adults with ADHD often struggle with zoning out during conversations, missing important details, or forgetting what someone just told them.
To improve listening skills, try maintaining eye contact, giving nonverbal responses, and summarizing what the other person has said to ensure you’ve understood correctly.
13. Trouble Doing Solo Activities
Have you ever started a book or a hobby, only to get distracted halfway and leave it unfinished? Difficulty doing things independently may be a sign of ADHD.
If the idea of spending time alone working on something feels daunting, try scheduling specific times for solo activities.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
