How ADHD Affects Adults Differently Than Children

Typically, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with childhood, but, in reality, it’s a lifelong condition that lasts well into adulthood. Though core symptoms such as difficulties focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsivity stick around, ADHD affects adults very differently than it does children.

At Moving Forward Washington in Everett, Washington, our team led by Nehemiah Zarate-Rourke, DNP, PMHNP-BC, ARNP, is passionate about helping you learn how to effectively manage your ADHD and all the symptoms that come with it through a customized treatment plan that can include behavioral therapy, medication, and other support strategies.

ADHD in adults

In this month’s blog, we explore the ways ADHD can look different in adults than it does in kids:

Struggling to manage adult responsibilities

When you’re a child, you’re provided with structured environments at home and school thanks to adult supervision and guidance. However, once you become an adult, you’re responsible for independently managing all of your own responsibilities.  

Unfortunately, when you’re an adult with ADHD, the stress of everyday tasks can quickly become overwhelming. Trying to learn how to manage money, relationships, and a job can cause a perfect storm of anxiety. 

Shifting from physical hyperactivity to mental restlessness

A very noticeable and common trait in children with ADHD is physical hyperactivity and can look like fidgeting, running around, and an inability to sit still. In adults, however, hyperactivity can manifest as mental restlessness that can make you feel constantly on edge and unable to relax or quiet your thoughts. 

As an adult with ADHD, you may experience constant stress and internal battles that can grip you with fear, rob you of sleep, and make it difficult to accomplish daily tasks.

Navigating social relationships and emotional regulation

ADHD can impact adult social interactions differently. While kids with ADHD might struggle with following rules or taking turns, adults tend to have more issues with managing their emotions. That can manifest as impatience, frustration, or even anger in situations where others may remain calm. 

Constantly dealing with dysregulated emotions can make you more impatient, irritable, and sensitive, and this can put undue strain on many of your relationships. 

Coping with low self-esteem

It’s very common for ADHD to severely impact self-esteem, especially in adults. While children might feel different from their peers, adults often deal with the pressure of unmet expectations. 

When you constantly feel scatterbrained, forgetful, and emotionally unbalanced, you can feel behind at work and distant from people closest to you. In turn, you can feel like you’re falling short and failing people who depend on you. 

And in a world that prizes efficiency and productivity, all of these feelings can begin to make you doubt your self-worth. 

Getting help for your ADHD

When you have ADHD, how it looks in your life is going to change as you get older and as seasons of your life shift. Understanding how these changes are going to affect you is key to effectively managing your symptoms. 

If you’re diagnosed with ADHD or suspect your life challenges are a result of ADHD symptoms, call our office or use our online booking feature today for an evaluation and treatment plan.