ADHD in Adults

Symptoms of ADHD in adults may be more subtle than in children, as adults often develop strategies to cope with their ADHD. However with new responsibilities and duties appearing regularly, these coping strategies can become overwhelmed.

Identifying the disorder and finding the best treatment option is therefore crucial to minimise these challenges and help an individual thrive in their career, studies or personal life.

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ADHD symptoms impact adults differently than kids

Adults and children often share the same core symptoms of ADHD — inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity — which represent deficits in neurobehavioral development. However, the impact of ADHD is different at different ages. The impairments in functioning related to ADHD depend on the life context of the individual and how symptoms are perceived by others.

 

In children

In adults

Inattention
  • Easily distracted
  • Does not finish things
  • Poor time management
  • Difficulty following instructions

Hyperactivity
  • Squirms or fidgets
  • In constant motion
  • Restlessness
  • Impatience

Impulsivity
  • Blurts out answers
  • Cannot take turns
  • Irritability
  • Interrupting others

Recognising adult ADHD

ADHD is divided into three different presentations. In people 17 and older, the DSM-5 states they should have at least five symptoms from the lists below.

Inattentive presentation

  • Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
  • Has difficulty sustaining attention
  • Does not appear to listen
  • Struggles to follow through on instructions
  • Has difficulty with organisation
  • Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring a lot of thinking
  • Loses things
  • Is easily distracted
  • Is forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactive-impulsive presentation

  • Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair
  • Has difficulty remaining seated
  • Extreme restlessness in adults
  • Difficulty engaging in activities quietly
  • Adults will often feel inside like they were driven by a motor
  • Talks excessively
  • Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
  • Difficulty waiting or taking turns
  • Interrupts or intrudes upon others

Combined inattentive & hyperactive-impulsive presentation

  • Has symptoms from both presentations

Assessments for ADHD in Adults

While there is no set-in-stone process for the assessing and treating ADHD symptoms, there is a research-based path that is typically followed. Take some time to explore the products that are most often used for ADHD in adults 

Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales: For Use In Correctional Settings (CAARS)

Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales: For Use In Correctional Settings (CAARS) helps to detect ADHD promptly so you can develop the best rehabilitation and release plan

 

Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS)

Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) is a multidimensional assessment of adult ADHD

 

Brown Executive Function/Attention Scales (Brown EF/A Scales)

Brown Executive Function/Attention Scales (Brown EF/A Scales™) helps screen and assess a wider range of impairments of executive functioning. Brown EF/A Scales™ measures DSM-5 symptoms of ADHD along with less apparent impairments of executive functioning

 

Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scales (BrownADDScales)

Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scales® (BrownADDScales) are a consistent measure of ADD across the life span. Based on Thomas Brown's cutting-edge model of cognitive impairment in ADD, BrownADDScales reliably screen for and explore the executive cognitive functioning associated with ADHD

 

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