When you think of ADHD, you might imagine a hyperactive child who’s unable to calm down.
However, ADHD isn’t just a childhood condition — it often continues into adulthood, bringing its own set of symptoms and challenges. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), roughly 3-4% of UK adults have ADHD, though the majority of those cases are undiagnosed. Whether you officially have the condition or you’ve always suspected you might, you may relate to some of these experiences.
1. You struggle to stay focused on tasks.
One minute you’re working on a report, the next you’re organising your sock drawer. Adult ADHD often involves difficulty maintaining focus, especially on tasks that aren’t particularly exciting. This can make work and daily responsibilities feel like an uphill battle.
2. Your mind is always racing.
It’s like your brain is a television with 100 channels playing at once. Such a constant stream of thoughts can be exhausting and make it hard to relax or fall asleep at night. You might find yourself lying in bed, unable to switch off your mind.
3. You’re chronically disorganised.
From a messy desk to missed appointments, disorganisation is a hallmark of adult ADHD. You might struggle to keep track of important items or consistently arrive late despite your best efforts. This can lead to frustration, both for you and those around you.
4. You tend to procrastinate… a lot.
Putting things off until the last minute is common with ADHD. You might find yourself waiting until the night before a deadline to start a project, leading to unnecessary stress and potentially subpar results. Breaking this habit can feel nearly impossible.
5. You’re easily distracted by external stimuli.
A notification ping, a conversation in the next room, or even a bird flying past the window can derail your concentration. This hypersensitivity to your environment can make it challenging to work in busy or noisy settings.
6. You often act on impulse.
Impulsivity in adults with ADHD can manifest in various ways — from blurting out thoughts without considering the consequences to making big purchases without proper planning. This can lead to social awkwardness or financial troubles.
7. You struggle with emotional regulation.
Adults with ADHD often experience intense emotions and may have difficulty managing them. You might find yourself quick to anger or experiencing mood swings that seem out of proportion to the situation. This can strain relationships, both personal and professional.
8. You have trouble with time management.
Estimating how long tasks will take and allocating time appropriately can be a significant challenge. You might consistently underestimate the time needed for activities, leading to chronic lateness or rushed, incomplete work.
9. You often hyperfocus on certain tasks.
While staying focused is usually difficult, you might find yourself becoming intensely absorbed in certain activities to the exclusion of everything else. This can be beneficial for creative projects, but problematic when it causes you to neglect other important tasks or responsibilities.
10. You frequently misplace important items.
Keys, wallet, phone — these essential items seem to have a habit of disappearing. The constant search for misplaced belongings can be incredibly frustrating and time-consuming, adding stress to your daily routine.
