Do I Really Have ADHD? How to Recognize the Signs as an Adult

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has gained more attention recently, and many adults are starting to wonder: "Do I have ADHD?" Interestingly, a recent survey found that 25% of American adults suspect they might have undiagnosed ADHD.

However, only 13% have brought up these concerns with a doctor. So, what are the odds that a good percentage of these people aren’t misdiagnosing themselves and probably have the wrong idea about what ADHD really is? Even more importantly, what if they truly have ADHD but not getting treatment?

To know whether or not you have ADHD, you must be able to recognize the symptoms.

Key symptoms of adult ADHD

ADHD is often thought of as a childhood condition, but it can extend into adulthood. Common symptoms of ADHD in adults include:

• Persistent issues with attention and concentration.
• Impulsivity and difficulty waiting or taking turns.
• Hyperactivity/restlessness
• Forgetfulness and disorganization.
• Challenges in time management.

While hyperactivity is a hallmark of childhood ADHD, it often manifests differently in adults, who may experience inner restlessness rather than overt hyperactivity.

ADHD vs. depression and anxiety: How to tell the difference

ADHD, depression, and anxiety share some overlapping symptoms. So, it’s not uncommon for someone experiencing depression or anxiety disorder to call it ADHD. But there are key differences:

1. While both ADHD and anxiety can lead to problems focusing, the root causes differ. ADHD-related focus issues are often due to distractibility and impulsivity, whereas anxiety-related focus issues stem from excessive worry.
2. Depression can lead to low energy and a lack of motivation, which can mimic the inattentive aspect of ADHD. However, ADHD usually involves energy fluctuations and impulsive behaviors, which are less common in depression.
3. Adults with ADHD may feel restless or have difficulty sitting still for long periods. Anxiety can also cause restlessness, but it's typically due to a sense of impending doom or worry about specific events.

So to discern between ADHD and depression/anxiety, you just need to know what’s causing your restlessness and lack of focus.

Why you should get a proper evaluation

If you're seeing yourself in some of these descriptions and wondering whether you have ADHD, it's best to seek a proper evaluation from a mental health specialist. Don’t trust every TikTok video you watch. Self-diagnosing based on online information alone can lead to incorrect treatments that might not address your actual needs and could even exacerbate symptoms.

At Hope Mental Health, we can give you the help you need. We’ll evaluate you to know if you really have ADHD and determine the next steps to take.

Talk to us today.

Author

Satu H. Woodland, PMHCNS-BC, APRN Satu Woodland is owner and clinician of Hope Mental Health, an integrative mental health practice located at Bown Crossing in Boise, Idaho. She sees children, adolescents, and adults.  Ms. Woodland with her background in nursing, prefers a holistic and integrative approach to mental health care that addresses the mind and body together. While Ms. Woodland provides medication management services in all her patients, she believes in long-lasting solutions that include a number of psychotherapies, namely cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, attention to lifestyle, evidenced based alternative psychiatric care and spirituality. If you’d like to gain control over your mental health issues, call Hope Mental Health at 208-918-0958, or use the online scheduling tool to set up an initial consultation.