How ADHD Affects Adults
ADHD in adults may look different than in children. Primarily adults will see difficulties in three major domains: attention, impulsivity/emotion regulation, and organization/executive functioning.
Attention Difficulties:
Adults with ADHD often struggle with sustaining attention on tasks, leading to frequent distractions and difficulty completing projects.
They may find it challenging to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively, resulting in procrastination and missed deadlines.
Hyperfocus, a common trait in ADHD, can lead to spending excessive time and energy on activities of interest while neglecting other responsibilities.
Impulsivity and Emotional Regulation:
Adults with ADHD may experience impulsivity in decision-making, such as making impulsive purchases or interrupting others during conversations.
Difficulty regulating emotions can manifest as mood swings, irritability, and trouble coping with stress.
Impulsive behavior can also lead to risky activities, such as substance abuse or reckless driving, further impacting daily functioning and relationships.
Organizational and Executive Functioning Challenges:
Adults with ADHD often struggle with organization, leading to cluttered workspaces, forgetfulness, and difficulty maintaining routines.
Executive functions such as planning, problem-solving, and self-monitoring are impaired, making it challenging to set and achieve goals.
Poor working memory can result in forgetfulness of important details, appointments, and obligations, causing frustration and impairing overall productivity.
Learn more about what is included in an ADHD evaluation here.
