Many adults spend years feeling like something doesn't quite add up. You may feel capable, intelligent, and motivated, yet still struggle with focus, organisation, emotional regulation, or daily tasks. Over time, this can affect your confidence, self-esteem, and mental health.

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain develops and processes information. While it is often associated with childhood, many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD, only beginning to recognise the signs later in life.

• ADHD symptoms in adults often show up as challenges with concentration, restlessness, time management, organisation, and regulating emotions.
• ADHD is usually less obvious in adults, leading to years without a diagnosis or a misdiagnosis.
• Understanding the signs and symptoms of ADHD can be a powerful step towards self-awareness.

If any of this feels familiar, you are not alone. Understanding these patterns is the first step towards clarity. And if you'd like support along the way, contact AG & Co Health today. We're here to listen.

Yes, many adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life after not being recognised at an early age.

In the past, ADHD was poorly understood. It was often linked to disruptive behaviour in young people, meaning those who were quieter, academically able, or able to mask their difficulties were frequently overlooked. Environmental factors, family circumstances, cultural expectations, and lack of awareness among health care professionals also played a role.

As a result, many people reach adulthood without realising that ADHD may have been present their entire life. Instead, they may have been described as "daydreamers" or "disorganised".

For many adults, ADHD symptoms become more noticeable when life becomes more demanding. Work, relationships, parenting, and daily responsibilities can place pressure on attention, time management, and emotional regulation. This is often when people begin asking questions and looking for answers.

For some, these questions arise while supporting a child whose neurodiversity is being recognised. As they learn more about neurodiversity to support their child, they begin to recognise familiar patterns in themselves, too.



The core symptoms of ADHD remain the same across the lifespan. However, how those symptoms present can change.

Child ADHD symptoms vs. adult ADHD symptoms

Children

In childhood, ADHD symptoms may be more visible. This can include:

• Running about
• Fidgeting
• Difficulty waiting
• Interrupting others
• Difficulty sitting still in school
  

Adults

In adults, hyperactivity often becomes internal. Instead of outward restlessness, you might experience:

• A racing mind
• Constant mental noise
• A feeling of being "on edge"

While inattention symptoms may show up as:

• Poor time management
• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble focusing on tasks
• Feeling easily distracted during conversations or meetings
  

Adult ADHD symptoms are often misunderstood as anxiety, stress, or mental illness, rather than a neurodevelopmental difference. This misunderstanding affects how symptoms are recognised and supported, often leading to years of "masking" (suppressing emotions and behaviours to fit into social situations) and other challenges.

Do I have ADHD? Common symptoms

Clinically, ADHD is grouped into three main types:

1. Inattentive type ADHD (difficulty concentrating)
2. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD (restlessness and impulsive behaviours)
3. Combined ADHD (a mix of both)

These types are simply based on which symptoms are most prominent. They help mental health professionals understand patterns, but they don't define you as a person.

Symptoms can change over time. They may feel worse during periods of stress, burnout, or significant life changes. In fact, even people without ADHD will experience some of the symptoms at some point in their lives. But it's when we understand these symptoms and their triggers that we start to understand ADHD and ourselves better.

Let's explore these types in more detail.

Inattentive symptoms

Inattentive ADHD is often overlooked, especially in adults. It doesn't always involve visible hyperactivity, which means many adults live with it for years without recognition.

Common inattentive symptoms include:

• Difficulty concentrating or holding attention
• Being easily distracted by thoughts or surroundings
• Struggling to focus on repetitive or boring tasks
• Difficulty with time management
• Struggling to meet deadlines
• Putting off important responsibilities
• Forgetting appointments or responsibilities
• Difficulty organising tasks or prioritising work
• Overlooking details and making mistakes
• Misplacing things

This might look like...

You sit down to start a task with the best intentions, but your mind drifts within minutes. You jump between tasks without finishing them, or spend hours feeling busy without feeling productive. You may feel frustrated with yourself, wondering why tasks that seem easy for others feel so difficult for you.

Gurmat Khangura says:

Remember, this isn't a lack of effort. Many adults with ADHD can focus deeply on things that interest them, while finding everyday tasks far more difficult to start or sustain. This can lead to feeling confused or frustrated, especially when you don't fully understand why it's happening.

These experiences don't say anything negative about you. They reflect how your brain processes attention and energy. With a bit of understanding and support, many people find ways to work with their ADHD and build routines that work for their minds and habits.

Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is not always about being physically active, especially in adults. It often shows up internally or behaviourally in ways that can be exhausting and often misunderstood.

Common hyperactive-impulsive symptoms include:

• A constant sense of restlessness
• Feeling driven by an internal motor
• Difficulty waiting in line or waiting for your turn
• Making quick decisions without thinking them through
• Speaking before thinking
• Impulsive behaviours
• Interrupting others or struggling with social skills
• Difficulty regulating emotions

This might look like...

You feel uncomfortable when things are quiet. Your mind feels busy, even when your body is still. You may act on impulse, send messages without thinking, or agree to things before realising you're overwhelmed. Later, you may feel regret or frustration about these moments.

Gurmat Khangura says:

This restlessness or impulsivity isn't you failing, and it doesn't mean you lack self-control or consideration. Many adults with ADHD experience their thoughts and emotions more intensely and more quickly than others, which can make it harder to pause or slow things down in the moment.

It's all just part of how your brain works, not a reflection of your character. With understanding, awareness, and support, people can learn how to channel their energy, recognise their triggers, and build strategies that support emotional regulation, without changing who they are.

Combined symptoms

Combined ADHD includes a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. This is the most commonly diagnosed type in adults with ADHD, but it can also be hugely complex for people dealing with conflicting symptoms.

Combined ADHD might look like...

Your mind feels busy, your to-do list feels endless, and you struggle to slow down or switch off. You may experience bursts of focus followed by periods of exhaustion. Over time, this can affect your self-esteem, mental health, and sense of balance in day-to-day life.

Gurmat Khangura says:

Living with a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms can feel exhausting, especially when you're trying to manage everything at once. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed when your mind feels busy and your energy dips.

This doesn't mean you're falling behind. It means your brain processes information and stimulation differently. With the right support, many adults with combined ADHD find ways to feel less overwhelmed and move through life at their own pace.

When should you consider getting an ADHD assessment?

There's no "right" or "wrong" time to explore ADHD. Often, people spend years quietly questioning themselves before taking the next steps when life feels harder to manage.

For some, it's work pressures. For others, it's relationships, parenting, or the mental load of daily life.

You might consider exploring an ADHD diagnosis if:

• You recognise persistent patterns in your behaviour and experiences
• You're finding it harder to manage symptoms
• You feel misunderstood or dismissed when seeking support
• You want to understand the "why" behind your symptoms

Diagnosing ADHD involves talking, understanding your history, and exploring how symptoms affect your day-to-day life. Mental health professionals use a mix of psychological tests, clinical interviews, and ADHD reports to build a clear picture. This process is about understanding, not labelling.

Can ADHD symptoms be managed?

Yes, while ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, many people learn how to manage their symptoms and reduce their impact on everyday life.

But remember, you are unique. Everyone is. And support can look different for every individual.

Support can be:

• Understanding how ADHD affects you personally
• Developing coping strategies that work for your lifestyle
• Making lifestyle changes, like routine and a balanced diet
• Seeking psychoeducation and occupational therapy
• Joining ADHD support groups to connect with like-minded people
• Taking medication alongside therapy and lifestyle changes

Seeking clarity around ADHD symptoms? We're here to help

At AG & Co Health, we provide holistic mental health, autism, and ADHD services to help you understand yourself and the world around you. Our ADHD assessments for adults focus on understanding your experiences and how your brain works throughout your life. Together, we'll find the best ways to support you.

Call AG & Co Health on 07849582010 or book a free consultation with Gurmat Khangura to begin your journey to self-awareness.