How ADHD Can Unexpectedly Show Up in Adults
There’s a larger discussion happening around adults and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. As we learn more about the disorder, we see that the symptoms aren’t as clear cut as previously thought. Everyone with ADHD has a difficult time managing their executive functioning skills, or the mental skills that are needed to plan, organize, initiate, and complete tasks. These skills include things such as working memory, time management, and self-control. But it can show up in different ways in adults versus children.
The stereotype we all have in our minds is of a little boy squirming in his classroom chair, unable to focus or pay attention to his teacher. He’s impulsive, talks a lot and interrupts frequently. While this is a true account for many people, as an adult who may not have been previously diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms can be quite different.
Here are four ways ADHD can show up in adults that you may not be aware of.
1. Hyperfocus
Instead of being unable to focus, adults tend to hyperfocus on a task. Once they have started something, it can be difficult for them to stop and come back to it. They may sacrifice rest, eating and engaging with others until the task is completed. They also lose track of time. Hyperfocus can be the result of low dopamine levels, making it hard to shift gears from one task to the other. Ironically, low dopamine levels can also be the cause of distractedness.
2. Severe Procrastination
On the other side of the coin is severe procrastination. Some adults with ADHD will put things off they don’t particularly want to do, and either never return to them or do so at the very last minute. Procrastination is often influenced by other symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsivity and forgetfulness. Some research indicates that it may also be a coping mechanism when faced with a challenge they fear are unable to take on.
3. Time Blindness
Time blindness is severely losing track of time on a regular basis, and is a natural consequence of hyperfocus. When someone is hyperfocused, time seems to slip away. Because those with ADHD have a difficult time managing their executive functioning skills, time management can be a challenging task. Time blindness makes it hard to effectively plan your day and keep track of the time you spend on activities, so those with ADHD may often be late when they are expected to be somewhere.
4. Restlessness
Even when they are supposed to be relaxing, a person with ADHD may find it challenging to actually rest. They may feel like their brain is unable to calm down, and this can lead to a feeling of restlessness. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and frustration, as they know they need to relax, but can’t. This differs from hyperactivity, or when a person seems to be driven by a motor, but someone who’s feeling restless and has ADHD may be more active as a way of coping with their brain activity. This can also cause disruption in sleep, which can lead to depression.
While these may not be official symptoms of ADHD in adults, these tendencies can certainly be attributed to the disorder when coupled with symptoms such as impulsivity and hyperactivity which negatively impacts daily life. If you believe you may have ADHD, we can help! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
