Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)is a pop in of neurodivergence usually diagnosed during childhood.
It is characterized byinattention, hyperactivity, andimpulsivity.
It can alsohelp adults recognizewhether they may have undiagnosed ADHD.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
This article discusses the common traits of ADHD and some less common ones people might experience.
It also explores potential complications and when you should seek help from a professional.
It identifies nine symptoms of inattention and nine symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Some common examples of these include cleaning bedrooms, doing homework, or sitting at the dinner table.
Because of this, they mayprocrastinatedoing work that requires a great deal of mental energy.
How these traits present determines which bang out of ADHD a person might have.
Other ADHD Symptoms
In addition to the diagnostic criteria, there are additional common ADHD experiences.
A diagnosis helps explain why they are the way they are and why they feel different from others.
Adults with ADHD show an even higher incidence of comorbid disorders.
These adults may also experience depression,bipolar disorder,substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, oreating disorders.
ADHD can also affect different populations in different ways.
For example, traits may present differently in adulthood than during childhood.
It is also notable that the presentation of traits often differ somewhat in girls and women.
This is often because marginalized groups are encouraged tomaskin different and more camouflaging ways.
Because of this, misdiagnosis and under-diagnosis are common in these groups.
ADHD Traits in Adults
ADHD traits typically change in adulthood.
Hyperactivity becomes less visible to the observer.
An adult can sit relatively still, even while feeling an internal restlessness.
Inattentive traits of ADHD usually remain consistent.
However, adults typically have more control over their environment than children do.
Adults can design a life that works with their ADHD subtype.
She might also be very talkative and impulsively interrupt others who are speaking.
Because of this, it can be challenging for her to make friends.
ADHD traits in girls are often attributed to a girl’s character.
It also frees them from the labels they have been given.
ADHD can also look different throughout the lifespan.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you see a doctor about traits of ADHD?
If you or your child are experiencing traits of ADHD, it is important to seek help.
If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, they may need accommodations at school to help them succeed.
Contact your child’s teacher to start this process.
Is there a test for ADHD?
It’s crucial to get anaccurate diagnosisto understand the specific bang out of ADHD you have.
What are the positive aspects of having ADHD?
For example, having lots of energy can help you get a lot done and achieve your goals.
You may also experience a great deal of creativity and curiosity about the world.
Yuce M, Ucar F, Say GN.Comorbid conditions in child and adolescent patients diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
In: Norvilitis JM, ed.ADHD - New Directions in Diagnosis and Treatment.
doi:10.5772/61112
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Diagnosis of ADHD in adults.
Rucklidge JJ.Gender differences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Psychiatr Clin North Am.
2014;16(3).
doi:10.4088/PCC.13r01596
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,5th ed.
Results from a controlled, five-year prospective study.
J Dev Behav Pediatr.
2007;28(4):302-307. doi:10.1097/dbp.0b013e3180327917