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What Is ADHD? Symptoms, Types and Diagnosis
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD for short, is usually spoken about as a childhood disorder. But for others, it doesn’t go away as they age. Increasingly, adults are discovering that ADHD has influenced their lives, often unrecognised, for decades.
If you have had a recent diagnosis, are considering an ADHD assessment, or have simply noticed some symptoms, don’t worry, you’re not alone. This article explains what ADHD is, how it manifests in adults, the different types, its causes, and how diagnosis works in the UK. The goal is understanding, not categorisation.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the regulation of attention, activity level and impulses in the brain. Highly capable individuals with ADHD often struggle with routine tasks that others find straightforward.
Although ADHD begins in childhood, some people remain affected well into adulthood. Several receive diagnoses earlier, but many search for answers as adults, frequently after years of sensing something was “off” compared with expectations.
In adults, ADHD might present as an inability to concentrate, disorganisation, forgetfulness, restlessness, or impulsiveness. These symptoms are neither universal nor identical for everyone. ADHD is a spectrum, and its effects often vary depending on environment, stress levels, and the degree of support available. Learning the specific nature of ADHD can be a relief, especially when past difficulties finally receive a clinical explanation.
Common ADHD Symptoms in Adults
Adult ADHD tends to express itself not as visible hyperactivity, but as internal overwhelm. Typical symptoms include a chronic lack of organisation, forgetfulness, and difficulty managing time or completing tasks. Many adults experience “time blindness”, a phenomenon where the internal perception of time differs significantly from reality.
These challenges often stem from problems with executive functioning. ADHD affects the brain’s executive control system, the part of the brain that plans, prioritises, initiates tasks, and stays focused. You may have a good sense of what needs to be done and still feel immobilised. It’s not laziness; it’s a neurological barrier.
These challenges can spill over into every part of life. At work, deadlines are stressful, and keeping routines is difficult. On the relationship front, it’s all too easy to misinterpret missed messages or forgotten plans as a lack of thoughtfulness. Psychologically, repeated failures can result in frustration, embarrassment, or self-esteem issues.
For many adults with ADHD, it’s easy to become a pro at coping on the surface and feeling chronically overwhelmed underneath. Identifying these qualities can be the beginning of learning more about yourself, with a little compassion along the way.
What Are the 3 Main Types of ADHD?
ADHD is divided into three subtypes depending on the kinds of symptoms a person experiences. These categories can also evolve over time, and many adults do not fall neatly into one category.
Predominantly Inattentive Type
The predominantly inattentive type is frequently misunderstood, simply because it doesn’t always present as ADHD stereotypically does. Individuals with this type may be quiet, inattentive, and dreamy rather than hyperactive.
Outward symptoms include trouble staying on task, being easily distracted, forgetfulness regarding appointments or belongings, and difficulty following through with tasks. This may also include daydreaming and zoning out during conversations or meetings.
As these features are less disruptive than others, this subtype often goes under the radar during childhood. Many adults don’t realise until much later that their constant struggle to focus or stay organised is symptomatic of ADHD, rather than a reflection on them as a person.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
The predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type is more outwardly visible. Adults presenting with this type may have a constant feeling of being restless or “on edge,” even if they are not physically hyperactive.
Typical characteristics include fidgeting, constant talking, excessive movement, impatience, interrupting others, and acting before thinking. The impulse to act can be strong, leading to impetuous decisions or a surge of emotions.
In adults, it manifests as internalised hyperactivity or a racing mind that never seems to rest. It can be exhausting and hard to communicate this experience to others.
Combined ADHD Type
Combined ADHD represents a major subset of adult cases. As the name implies, it’s a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
A person with combined ADHD may have difficulty focusing and organising, along with being restless, impulsive, or hyperactive. The ebb and flow of symptoms can change from day to day, making this unpredictability frustrating.
Because combined ADHD impairs functioning in more areas, its effects are generally greater on work, relationships, and emotional well-being. For many adults, the diagnosis is a comforting revelation after many years of confusion.
What Causes ADHD?
Research indicates that ADHD is highly genetic. It can be familial, even if previous generations were never diagnosed. Differences in the brain, both in structure and chemistry, are also involved, particularly in areas related to attention, impulse control, and motivation.
While research is still ongoing, researchers are investigating the interactions among genetics, brain development, and environmental factors. There are a number of contributory factors; no single factor causes ADHD to develop.
Critically, what does not cause ADHD? Bad parenting, poor diet, a lack of discipline, and life choices do not cause ADHD. These myths have brought plenty of unnecessary guilt and confusion. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, not a personal flaw or a reaction to personal failure.
Getting Diagnosed as an Adult
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can be intimidating, but the process is meant to be comprehensive and empowering. In the UK, diagnosis should be made according to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines, which are the national gold standard.
The assessment generally includes an in-depth clinical interview, a history of current symptoms, and an exploration of childhood. Clinicians frequently rely on screening tools and questionnaires, though they never diagnose based on a single test. Context matters.
For many adults, diagnosis follows years of “masking”. Masking involves conscious or subconscious efforts to hide ADHD traits to meet social, academic, or professional expectations. This is particularly prevalent in women, who are often socially conditioned to be organised, calm, and accommodating.
It can be exhausting and emotionally draining to mask over time. It’s a major reason why ADHD is diagnosed later in life, despite having been present for decades. Seeking a diagnosis is not about labels; it is about knowing yourself and accessing the right support.
Taking the Next Step
If these descriptions resonate with your personal experience, it may be beneficial to explore a formal evaluation. ADHD doesn’t spontaneously emerge as an adult, but recognising it in adulthood could change your life.
An official assessment can provide clarity, validation, and a way forward. Whether you’re new to seeking answers or challenging past assumptions, exploring ADHD is a constructive act.
At Botonics, we help adults with supportive, evidence-based ADHD assessments aligned with NICE guidelines. If you’re ready to gain a better understanding of your brain and open up your options, reaching out can be the beginning of something good.
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