Adult ADHD: Recognizing the Signs, Getting a Diagnosis, and Finding the Right Treatment
- Elaine Schlorff, LCSW
- Aug 17
- 2 min read
Many people recognize ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) as a childhood condition. We picture children who can’t sit still, have endless energy, interrupt in class, or struggle with organization at school and at home.
But here’s a surprising fact: about 8.7 million adults in the United States live with ADHD. In adults, ADHD often goes undetected and undiagnosed, leaving people wondering why they feel constantly distracted, overwhelmed, or restless.
What ADHD Looks Like in Adults
Adult ADHD symptoms can be subtle and easy to overlook. If you’ve found yourself asking, “What’s wrong with me?” or “Why can’t I focus like other people?”, you’re not alone.
You may notice:
Chronic procrastination – waiting until the last minute to start important tasks
Task pile-up – feeling overwhelmed by days or weeks of incomplete work
Interrupting others – talking over friends, coworkers, or family
Restlessness – feeling on edge without knowing why
While these traits can sometimes be part of personality, when they cause disruption—such as relationship problems, job difficulties, anxiety, increased accident risk, or substance use issues—they may point to adult ADHD.
How to Know If It’s ADHD
The first step toward answers is to rule out other causes for your symptoms. A thorough medical exam can help determine if you’re dealing with:
Low blood sugar
Thyroid disorders
Seizure disorders
Brain injuries
Other developmental or medical conditions
Once medical issues are ruled out, the next step is a comprehensive ADHD assessment with a qualified mental health professional. Your clinician will explore:
Medical and mental health history (past and present)
Childhood behaviors related to attention and impulse control
Current challenges affecting work, relationships, and daily life
Adult ADHD Treatment Options
While there’s no “cure” for ADHD, effective ADHD treatment plans can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Common treatment approaches include:
Medication – to help manage ADHD symptoms and any co-occurring anxiety or depression
Psychotherapy – to develop coping strategies, improve focus, and strengthen relationships
ADHD education – to understand how ADHD affects your brain and life
Skill-building – for organization, time management, and emotional regulation
Taking the First Step
As a clinical therapist specializing in ADHD assessments and therapy, I encourage you to seek an evaluation if you recognize these signs in yourself. The sooner you know what’s behind your struggles, the sooner you can start building tools to thrive.
You can be closer today than you were yesterday to becoming your best self. Your ADHD doesn’t define you—it’s just one part of your story.
It's truly striking how your article highlights the 8.7 million adults living with ADHD in the US, many of whom remain undiagnosed. This often leads to that frustrating 'What’s wrong with me?' feeling, as subtle adult symptoms like chronic procrastination or restlessness are so easily dismissed as personality traits rather than indicators of a treatable condition. While ruling out other causes is crucial, understanding the specific diagnostic criteria and tools used for ADHD itself is the next vital step for those seeking clarity. For anyone looking to delve deeper into how ADHD is formally evaluated, exploring resources like the Vanderbilt assessment process for ADHD diagnosis can provide invaluable insights.
Your article powerfully highlights how adult ADHD often goes undetected, moving beyond the common childhood perception. I particularly resonate with the point about adults feeling 'what's wrong with me?' due to subtle, overlooked symptoms like chronic procrastination and task pile-up. This feeling of constant struggle, often mistaken for character flaws, underscores the critical need for proper understanding. For anyone recognizing these signs and questioning if they might have it, exploring a professional adult ADHD assessment can be a crucial first step towards clarity and support.