How To Know If You Have ADHD

The only way to know if you have ADHD is to see a healthcare provider, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, for a diagnosis. Some adult ADHD symptoms include difficulty completing tasks, disorganization, mood changes, or trouble maintaining relationships.

Keep in mind that ADHD symptoms can look different in different people. Just because some people have these symptoms, it doesn't mean that they are the same in all people with ADHD. It's also important to know that not all of these are symptoms of ADHD but can signal another diagnosis. Trust yourself and talk to a healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Read on to recognize the following 12 possible signs of ADHD in yourself or a loved one. Keep in mind that these signs can indicate ADHD or another condition, so a healthcare provider must confirm a diagnosis. Know that there are several lifestyle changes, therapies, and medications that can help you manage it.

1. Restlessness

Children and adults can both experience hyperactivity symptoms of ADHD, but the way they experience it differs. Hyperactivity presents more subtly as restlessness in adults.

Feeling restless may look like you fidgeting your hands and feet or having trouble sitting still in a seat. You may also be told or realize that you talk excessively.

2. Relationship Troubles

Relationships may be hard for adults with ADHD. Research has shown that adult ADHD can present difficulties with maintaining interpersonal relationships.

A person with ADHD might have a hard time with the transition when the initial excitement of a new friendship or partnership wears off. "When the relationship becomes more stable and predictable, conflicts tend to emerge," Colette de Marneffe, PhD, a clinical psychologist based in Philadelphia, told Health.

3. Impulsivity

Talking excessively, blurting out answers before questions are finished, and interrupting others' conversations are symptoms of adult ADHD. These symptoms fall under impulsivity.

Making purchases on a whim with no plan in place—known as compulsive or impulsive buying—is another sign of adult ADHD. Research has found that people showing signs of ADHD in adulthood have a stronger tendency to engage in buying things on impulse or related actions.

4. Increased Drinking

A sign of ADHD in adulthood may be a tendency to use substances like alcohol more often. A study published in 2017 analyzed data from adolescents and adults with ADHD regarding substance use. The researchers found that individuals with ADHD drank more alcohol on the days they chose to drink.

5. History of Academic Problems

An early history of ADHD symptoms—like difficulty sitting still, paying attention to the teacher, and focusing on your work—can confirm an adulthood diagnosis. One criterion for ADHD is having symptoms in multiple settings, which can include educational settings. It's not uncommon for academic problems to persist in adulthood while a person is in college.

6. Procrastination

Procrastination is the delay in starting activities, and it can be a classic sign that you have ADHD. In a study published in 2023 about attention-based functioning in adults with ADHD, some participants reported scenarios of procrastination that they experienced. Their reports indicated that their procrastination distressed them or resulted in functional impairment.

7. Thrill Seeking

People with ADHD are often drawn to stimulating activities, which can be sensation- or thrill-seeking behaviors. Not all stimulating activities aren't negative, but some can be. People with ADHD may end up engaging in risky behaviors like fast driving or gambling.

"The key is to channel that desire for excitement and novelty into activities that don't jeopardize your work and family life," said de Marneffe. Parasailing, riding rollercoasters, or other high-adventure activities may be good alternative outlets.

8. Disorganization

Getting and staying organized can perhaps be a challenge if you have ADHD. Disorganization entails being unable to do tasks because you don't have the materials you need. It can look like:

• Failing to make appointments to receive immunization reports
• Having a pile of paper on your desk after spending over half an hour looking for an important legal document
• Losing track of a PIN required to pay a bill that's due the day of
  

9. Job Troubles

Work-based problems and ADHD go hand in hand. Some evidence suggests that having an ADHD diagnosis—or simply having signs of ADHD in general—can lead to job troubles for adults.

Some adults with ADHD in one study reported having:

• Been fired from work
• Poor evaluations concerning workplace performance
• Problems with attendance
• Work potential or efficiency issues

10. Mood Symptoms

There are many behavior-based traits of adult ADHD, but there are also emotional ones. A person may experience quick changes in mood, daydreaming, and irritability. These types of symptoms can sometimes result in the diagnosis of a mood disorder rather than ADHD.

11. Task Completion Issues

You may be having trouble finishing what you started, even if you don't find yourself procrastinating. Failing to finish tasks can be a symptom of ADHD in adults.

You might find that you're having trouble completing those tasks because sustaining focus is a real problem. Unimportant things—from external noises and movement to daydreams—grab your attention. This isn't your fault, and it does not reflect how much you care about something or someone.

12. Time Management Problems

You might also find that your ability to complete tasks is connected to time management problems. Time management is especially difficult for adults with ADHD. Struggling to be on time or judging how long it will take you to do something can be signs of the condition in adulthood.

How To Confirm If You Have ADHD

You might have some, many, or all the symptoms above if you have ADHD. Keep in mind that these symptoms can present with many other conditions, so it's important to see a healthcare provider for evaluation.

There's a more formal process to determine if you have ADHD. A healthcare provider may use information related to the following for evaluation:

• Childhood behavior and experiences, including those in school
• Medical history
• Psychological skills test of working memory, executive functioning, vision and space, or reasoning
• Your existing symptoms

Official Diagnosis Criteria

There's no test that can diagnose and confirm ADHD. A healthcare provider will instead ask questions about your symptoms and health history and perform a physical exam to rule out other conditions.

An ADHD diagnosis requires meeting certain criteria. A history of ADHD symptoms prior to 12 years of age would be required. Children must have six or more symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity to be diagnosed with ADHD. People aged 17 and older must have at least five symptoms. These symptoms must also persist for at least six months.

Inattention symptoms can include:

• A tendency to misplace important objects, such as your keys or wallet
• An inability to focus 
• Avoid tasks that take a long time to complete 
• Disorganization
• Forgetfulness
• Trouble following directions or finishing tasks
• Trouble remembering details and making mistakes in school or work

Hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms can include:

• Excessive talking
• Fidgeting or squirming
• Getting up frequently when you're supposed to be seated
• Restlessness
• Speaking out of turn or interrupting others
• Trouble staying quiet
• Trouble waiting your turn

These symptoms must occur in at least two settings, such as school or work. They must also get in the way of your ability to function in these settings and not be caused by another mental health condition.

Living With ADHD

A review published in 2021 found that 2.58% of adults have "persistent adult ADHD" globally, meaning they had (or self-reported having) a childhood ADHD diagnosis. An estimated 6.76% of adults have "symptomatic adult ADHD," meaning they didn't have symptoms until adulthood.

The signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are not widely known, so many adults go without a diagnosis. You can still have ADHD as an adult and receive treatment to manage symptoms.

Getting the correct diagnosis could help you better understand yourself and how your brain works. This may relieve feelings of failure, anger, or low self-esteem. You may also be able to navigate your job better, your day-to-day activities, and your relationships with friends, family, and yourself.

A Quick Review

ADHD is a mental health condition that can cause inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Signs and symptoms of adult ADHD include problems at work or in relationships, mood changes, or disorganization.

These symptoms typically begin during childhood, but you may not notice or be impacted by them later in life. Symptoms can also change or worsen during adulthood. The only way to confirm an adult ADHD diagnosis is to visit a healthcare provider for testing.