At 34, Rohan always assumed his constant forgetfulness, unfinished projects, and restless energy were signs of stress or a busy lifestyle. It was only when a colleague suggested an ADHD evaluation that he realised these quirks had been with him since childhood, simply never recognised for what they truly were. Many adults share a similar journey. Childhood ADHD is well known, but when symptoms evolve with age, they often go unnoticed. This is why so many people receive their diagnosis only in adulthood.
In this blog, we explore how ADHD presents differently in children and adults, why adult ADHD is often overlooked, and what you can do if you relate to these challenges.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels. Though commonly associated with children, ADHD continues into adulthood for nearly two-thirds of individuals who experience it early in life.
ADHD generally appears in three forms:
The core traits remain the same, but their expression changes as the brain develops, responsibilities increase, and coping patterns form. This evolution is what makes adult ADHD harder to recognise.
Children often show visible outward symptoms. They may run around, interrupt conversations, lose school materials, or struggle to sit still. These signs are easy for parents and teachers to spot. Adults, however, experience ADHD internally. They are expected to manage jobs, deadlines, finances, relationships, and household responsibilities. Difficulties in these areas may appear subtle but are far more impactful.
Physical hyperactivity often becomes an inner feeling of restlessness. Impulsive actions become impulsive decisions. Getting distracted in class makes it difficult to complete workplace tasks or manage time effectively. Adults also develop coping strategies such as reminders, structure, or strict routines. These create the impression that everything is fine until stress increases or demands become overwhelming.
Children typically display behaviours that caregivers, teachers, or parents notice quickly. These may include:
Inattention in Children
Hyperactivity in Children
Impulsivity in Children
These behaviours often appear early in life, making childhood ADHD easier to identify. When unrecognised, the same traits continue into adulthood but in different forms.
In adults, symptoms tend to be internal. They are often misunderstood as stress, burnout, or personality traits.
Inattention in Adults
Hyperactivity in Adults
Impulsivity in Adults
These patterns often create challenges in work, relationships, and daily routines. Many adults blame themselves, unaware that these are symptoms of ADHD and not character flaws.
Despite lifelong symptoms, many adults never realise they have ADHD. Common reasons include:
Often, adults seek help only when responsibilities such as parenting or career pressures become overwhelming.
The following comparison highlights how ADHD evolves with age:
ADHD does not disappear. It simply changes in the way it presents.
An adult ADHD assessment is detailed and holistic. It usually includes:
A trained mental health professional determines whether symptoms align with ADHD or if they are related to other concerns.
ADHD is highly manageable with the right support. Treatment plans are personalised and may include:
Therapy Approaches
Medication
Stimulant and non-stimulant medications may help regulate attention, impulse control, and energy levels. A psychiatrist determines suitability.
Lifestyle Support
With consistent support, adults with ADHD can significantly improve their daily functioning and overall well-being.
You may consider an ADHD evaluation if you:
Understanding yourself is the first step toward positive change.
ADHD may begin in childhood, but the way it affects daily life changes significantly as people grow older. While children often display outward symptoms that others can observe, adults experience more internal struggles that impact work, relationships, confidence, and emotional well-being. Recognising these patterns is the first step toward understanding yourself better.
With the right assessment and support, adults with ADHD can learn effective strategies to improve focus, manage responsibilities, and build a more balanced and fulfilling life. No matter when the diagnosis happens, it is never too late to seek clarity and take control of your mental health.
If these experiences feel familiar, an ADHD assessment can offer clarity and direction. At Beautiful Mind Healthcare, Dr Sushruth provides comprehensive evaluation, therapy, and personalised treatment plans designed to help adults manage ADHD with confidence and balance. Reaching out is the first step toward gaining clarity and creating meaningful change in your everyday life.
