ADHD in Adults: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Get Tested

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s executive functioning. Executive functioning skills include many important daily functions, including “attention, concentration, memory, motivation and effort, learning from mistakes, impulsivity, hyperactivity, organization, and social skills.” ADHD is most commonly known to affect children, but millions of adults live with it as well [1].

TL;DR

• ADHD affects approximately 11 million adults in the U.S. and can impact work, school, relationships, and daily life.

• ADHD has three presentations: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined.

• Symptoms look different for everyone, which is why ADHD is often misunderstood or missed, especially in adults.

• A proper ADHD diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional, not just an online quiz.

• Online screening tools can be a helpful starting point, but cannot diagnose ADHD.

• Many adults aren’t diagnosed until later in life, and understanding ADHD can be life-changing.

• If you think ADHD may be affecting you, consider scheduling a consultation to discuss your concerns and next steps.

ADD, ADHD, ADD-OS (that’s a joke) or whatever the official or even passing trend name, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder itself is no joke. Affecting about 5% of adults which doesn’t sound like much, but that equates to 11 million people, ADHD can affect many aspects of a person’s daily life.. [1]

Prior to 1987, ADHD was actually called ADD with or without hyperactivity, which is where many still get the term from. After 1987 it was changed to ADHD and broken down even further in 1994. [2] Many still refer to ADHD as ADD due to this. 

ADHD has 3 types: hyperactive/impulsive, inattentive and combined. If you think back to school, you may remember some peers that could never sit still, they may have constantly interrupted your peers or even the teacher and probably had a hard time focusing on in class assignments. Those peers may have been struggling with ADHD-hyperactivity. On the flip side, you may also be able to remember some peers who struggled to concentrate on their work as well but would be staring off into space or daydreaming a lot, they were probably easily distracted by the hyperactive peers but also by their own internal thoughts. Those peers may have been struggling with ADHD-inattentive. There may have been peers who struggled with aspects of both and that is where the ADHD-combined comes into play. 

A diagnosis of ADHD requires tests by a professional, interviews, an in-depth medical history and evaluations for other conditions or disorders as many have overlap (which only makes it more difficult!). This is why it is SO important to get thorough testing and interviews completed. 

As a clinical social worker, I can diagnose ADHD and I am committed to taking trainings throughout the year expanding my knowledge of ADHD as well as the tools to help clients who struggle with it, no matter their age. It is something I am passionate about as I have witnessed the struggles of those who are diagnosed late in life and how much that diagnosis and knowledge could have helped them throughout their life.  [3]

If you suspect you have been struggling with ADHD as an adult and have never been diagnosed, there are some quick online tools that you can complete to see if it is a possibility. However, these tools are exactly that; they are not a guarantee of a diagnosis and are to be used as an introduction with a professional who can make that formal diagnosis. The following tool from ADDitude is a test that was adapted from a much lengthier screening assessment and can be used as a talking point with a professional who can make a formal diagnosis [4]

For adults, symptoms can include struggling with starting and completing tasks, difficulty with concentration, forgetting things, disorganization, poor time management, interrupting others frequently, excessive talking, restlessness, and being easily frustrated. [5] Many of these symptoms can have a huge impact on school and job performance. 

If you feel you are struggling with ADHD symptoms, whether you are or are not diagnosed, please reach out to schedule a free consultation. During the consult, we can discuss if ITC is a good fit for you, and if not, ITC has a list of practices that we commonly refer to. 

References

[1] ADHD: The facts. ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association. (2026, June 23). https://add.org/adhd-facts/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1543923767&gbraid=0AAAAADGgM_D8_tXCrUKuNPWiCiI1oAT_U&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrs7RBhDuARIsAIVfBD10AxSV9wuzUVZMXAASttewawSg8xlHPyhtyb8N4Os27XJhOre3WvsaAhnPEALw_wcB

[2] More fire than water: A short history of ADHD. CHADD. (2018, October 23). https://chadd.org/adhd-weekly/more-fire-than-water-a-short-history-of-adhd/

[3] Professionals who diagnose and treat ADHD. CHADD. (2024, February 1). https://chadd.org/about-adhd/professionals-who-diagnose-and-treat-adhd/

[4] ADHD test for adults: Do I have add? (2025, August 11). https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-symptoms-test-adults/

[5] Adult ADHD: A guide to symptoms, signs, and treatments. (2025a, May 9). https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-in-adults/