9 Signs of Adult ADHD

ADHD is commonly considered a childhood disorder. But a number of kids with ADHD still have it when they grow up. Making matters worse, it can be harder to diagnose ADHD in adults, and many adults don’t even know they have it. These nine symptoms can be a sign of ADHD in adults.

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  Struggles with Normal Conversation

  Do you know an adult who talks too much? And maybe when you try to talk, he or she either doesn’t listen or constantly finishes your sentences? These traits are definitely annoying—and can be symptoms of ADHD.
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  Poor Driving Record

  Adults with ADHD likely have had more traffic accidents and tickets than those without ADHD. In fact, teens with ADHD have nearly four times as many traffic accidents as their peers. They also get three times as many speeding tickets.
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  Problems at Work

  Being unproductive on the job, not getting along with coworkers, and even regularly losing jobs could all be signs of ADHD.
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  Fidgeting

  People with ADHD might have trouble remaining seated during meetings, fidgeting or squirming. Even when the expectation is to remain seated, such as during a business meeting, an adult with ADHD might get up from his or her seat more often than others.
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  Trouble Remembering Appointments

  Someone who often misses appointments or doesn’t follow through with his or her obligations could have ADHD.
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  Lose or Misplace Things Often

  Most people misplace their keys at some point. But if someone seems to make a habit of misplacing or losing items at home and at work, it could be a symptom of ADHD.
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  Difficulty Concentrating

  Adults with ADHD might be more easily distracted by another activity or noise. They could also be more prone to careless mistakes. Rather than focusing on one thing at a time, adults with ADHD might try to do many things at once—most of which are unsuccessful.
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  Trouble Relaxing

  People with ADHD might feel as if they are driven by a motor to do things. When they have time to themselves, it could be a struggle to unwind and relax.
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  Bad Moods

  ADHD can cause a person to often lose his or her temper or struggle to stay in a good mood. These bad moods, as well as other ADHD symptoms, can hurt relationships with friends, family, and colleagues. An adult with ADHD might even have a long history of failed relationships.
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  Talk with Your Doctor

  In order for ADHD to be diagnosed in an adult, symptoms have to date back to childhood. Sometimes ADHD-like symptoms are caused by something other than ADHD, such as depression, mania, thyroid problems, or drug abuse. So if you think you might have ADHD, be sure to see a licensed mental health professional.