The only reliable way to determine if you have ADHD is to see a healthcare provider, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or another qualified mental health professional. Symptoms in adults may include difficulty completing tasks, disorganization, mood swings, and problems maintaining relationships.

ADHD can look different from person to person. Just because someone has certain symptoms doesn’t mean they have ADHD—and not everyone with ADHD shows symptoms in the same way. Some symptoms may overlap with other conditions. If you're concerned, trust yourself and consult with a professional for a proper evaluation.

Below are 12 potential signs of ADHD in adults. These may suggest ADHD or another condition, so a formal diagnosis is essential. If diagnosed, various treatments such as medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage the condition.

1. Restlessness

While children with ADHD may appear overly active, adults often experience restlessness instead. This can look like fidgeting with your hands or feet, having difficulty staying seated, or talking excessively.

2. Relationship Challenges

Maintaining relationships may be difficult for people with ADHD. They may struggle once the initial excitement of a new connection fades, leading to miscommunications or conflicts. Emotional regulation challenges can also strain personal and romantic relationships.

3. Impulsivity

Blurting out answers, interrupting conversations, or talking too much are common signs of impulsivity in adults with ADHD. Impulsive spending or making major decisions on a whim may also occur.

4. Increased Alcohol Use

Some adults with ADHD may be more prone to using substances like alcohol. While not unique to ADHD, increased consumption on drinking days has been observed in individuals with the condition.

5. History of Academic Difficulties

ADHD symptoms often begin in childhood. A history of struggles in school, such as trouble focusing, sitting still, or following instructions, is commonly seen in adults who are later diagnosed.

6. Procrastination

Avoiding tasks, even when they’re important, is a well-known behavior linked to ADHD. Procrastination can lead to missed deadlines and distress in daily life.

7. Thrill-Seeking Behavior

People with ADHD are often drawn to exciting or stimulating activities. While not always harmful, this trait can sometimes result in risky behavior, such as reckless driving or gambling. Finding safe outlets like adventure sports can help.

8. Disorganization

Difficulty staying organized is common. You may frequently misplace important items, forget appointments, or spend excessive time looking for things like legal documents or passwords.

9. Job Performance Issues

ADHD can affect your work life. You may experience issues like frequent absences, poor performance reviews, or even job loss. Trouble with focus and meeting deadlines can hinder career growth.

10. Mood Swings

Emotional symptoms like irritability, quick mood changes, and daydreaming are also associated with ADHD. These can sometimes be misdiagnosed as mood disorders.

11. Incomplete Tasks

You may find it hard to complete tasks, even when you’ve already started them. Distractions—both internal and external—can interfere with your ability to stay on track and follow through.

12. Time Management Difficulties

Struggling with time estimation, lateness, or forgetting appointments are all signs of time management problems often linked to ADHD in adults.

How To Confirm If You Have ADHD

If you identify with some or many of these signs, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider. ADHD shares symptoms with other conditions, so proper assessment is essential.

Diagnosis may involve reviewing:

  • Your behavior during childhood and school years

  • Your current medical history

  • Psychological evaluations focused on working memory, attention, executive functioning, and reasoning

  • Your existing symptoms and how they impact daily life

Official Diagnostic Criteria

There is no single test for ADHD. Diagnosis involves a combination of interviews, symptom reviews, and medical exams to rule out other causes.

According to the diagnostic criteria:

  • Symptoms must appear before age 12.

  • Children need to display six or more symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity.

  • Individuals aged 17 and older need at least five symptoms.

  • Symptoms must persist for at least six months.

  • Symptoms should occur in at least two settings (e.g., school, home, work).

  • They must significantly interfere with everyday functioning and not be explained by another condition.

Inattention Symptoms May Include:

  • Frequently losing items like keys or phones

  • Avoiding tasks that require mental effort

  • Trouble focusing or following through on instructions

  • Disorganization

  • Forgetting appointments or deadlines

  • Making careless mistakes at school or work

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity Symptoms May Include:

  • Restlessness or inability to sit still

  • Talking excessively or interrupting others

  • Difficulty staying quiet

  • Impatience when waiting your turn

  • Speaking out of turn

Living With ADHD

A global review found that about 2.6% of adults live with persistent ADHD from childhood, while nearly 7% develop noticeable symptoms in adulthood. Since adult ADHD is underdiagnosed, many people may not realize they have it.

Getting a proper diagnosis can lead to a better understanding of your brain, improved self-esteem, and more effective ways to manage relationships, work, and everyday life.

Quick Summary

ADHD is a mental health condition characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. While often diagnosed in childhood, many adults continue to live with undiagnosed symptoms. If you recognize several signs in yourself, consult with a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and support.