Do I Have Adult ADHD? Symptoms and Next Steps

Think about ADHD and what comes to mind? Images of distracted children bouncing from one

activity to another or struggling to sit still.

Looking at yourself, you could manage school, keep up with deadlines, and hold everything together. Still, there might be a constant mental fog, chronic disorganization, and an overwhelming sense that everything takes more effort than it should. It may be time to ask: Could I have ADHD in adulthood?

Understanding ADHD Symptoms in Adults

Adult ADHD often hides in plain sight. It does not always look like hyperactivity or impulsiveness. It can manifest as forgetfulness, poor time management, difficulty prioritizing tasks, or the tendency to start multiple projects but finish none. Do you find yourself overcommitting, missing appointments, and mentally checking out during conversations? These are not just quirks or signs of laziness. They can be real symptoms of adult ADHD.

One of the most frustrating aspects is how internal the struggle can be. Many adults become skilled at masking symptoms, especially if they were never diagnosed in childhood. What may appear to be high achievement can actually be the result of working twice as hard to meet basic expectations. That constant self-monitoring takes a toll. Over time, untreated ADHD symptoms in adults can impact relationships, lower self-esteem, and make daily life feel exhausting.

How ADHD Is Different in Adults

Unlike children, adults are expected to juggle complex responsibilities. Parenting, work, and managing a household all require strong executive function skills. Executive function challenges are one of the core difficulties in adult ADHD. You may struggle to plan ahead, stay organized, or regulate emotions during stressful moments. These little things add up and might look like late bills, overlooked emails, or feeling overwhelmed by seemingly simple tasks.

Adult ADHD often overlaps with anxiety, depression, or chronic burnout. It is common to internalize the belief that you are simply not trying hard enough. That cycle of blame and self-criticism can deepen the emotional impact.

Getting an ADHD Diagnosis

Getting a professional ADHD diagnosis is the first step toward understanding what is going on beneath the surface. A licensed psychologist typically conducts a comprehensive evaluation, which may include questionnaires, interviews, and a discussion of your history and current concerns.

This process can be unexpectedly validating. Naming the issue will not solve everything overnight, but it can help you to understand that what you are experiencing is real—and treatable.

Therapy for ADHD: What to Expect

Therapy for ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It involves learning practical strategies and developing a more supportive relationship with yourself. At our practice, we use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based tools. These strategies help with emotional regulation, task initiation, and learning how to relate to your symptoms without shame.

We also use Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) when working with social anxiety or OCD symptoms, which sometimes overlap with ADHD. Our approach is hands-on. We will not sit in silence while you struggle to make sense of your experience. Instead, we offer guidance, ask thoughtful questions, and help you create a plan to support real, measurable change.

The Next Step

If you have been wondering whether adult ADHD is part of your story, reaching out for support could be a turning point. Therapy can help with managing symptoms, while also helping you live a life that is less overwhelming.

We offer a free 15- to 30-minute consultation by phone or Zoom to help you determine if our practice is the right fit. Whether you are ready to begin therapy or simply want to ask questions, we are here to help. Call, email, or visit our contact page to get started.

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