What Does ADHD Feel Like?

Published on July 1, 2024

In recent years, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has certainly become more familiar to the general public. This can be a positive development, but more work needs to be done. You see, for too many folks, “ADHD” has become shorthand for any behavior they decide fits the bill. It doesn’t mean you have a diagnosis if you lose your keys or train of thought. ADHD is more nuanced — and serious — than that.

Therefore, in the name of broadening awareness, it’s essential that we gain a better understanding of what ADHD is and isn’t — and what it feels like for those living with the disorder. 

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a developmental/neurological condition. This means it affects how the brain develops, functions, and performs. It appears that ADHD is something that individuals are born with, but its emergence typically does not happen until early childhood. According to current estimates, over 11 percent of children have ADHD, and for adults, that number is believed to be about 5 percent.

The most common symptoms include hyperactivity, difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, fidgeting, poor concentration, forgetfulness, and having a high motor (e.g., talking and moving around — a lot). 

But, What Does ADHD Feel Like?

This is the ideal time to introduce the most important caveat. ADHD is never one-size-fits-all. Sure, it has some commonalities (see the list above), but myriad factors impact how the disorder manifests. One of the most important factors is age. While ADHD is most often associated with children, adults may live with it, too. Hence, perhaps the most enlightening method for answering this post’s primary question is to break it down by age group.

Children

• Inattention: Paying attention feels difficult, which can lead to distractibility and interrupting others. On top of that, their non-stop talking can add to the likelihood that they’ll miss what others are saying.

• Hyperactivity: This is where ADHD usually looks quite different between children and adults. Kids will be on the go — constant movement — in a way few adults are socially allowed to be. If children with ADHD are compelled to be more still, the end result is an uptick in fidgeting.

• Impulsiveness: ADHD fosters impatience. Children are made uncomfortable if they have to wait. They may skip a line or talk out of turn even if they don’t want to be rude. 

Teenagers

As children with ADHD grow into their teen years, they will almost certainly cultivate some coping mechanisms to disguise behaviors that are deemed socially unacceptable. Their inattention can be brushed off as a “quirk,” while hyperactivity is rebranded as “type A.” However, these issues can persist and still require support.

Perhaps the biggest concern in this age range is impulsiveness. For teenagers, this can manifest in a wide range of risky and unsafe behaviors in areas like sex, driving, criminality, and more.

What Does ADHD Feel Like For Adults?

For the purposes of this post, we can break adults into two categories:

• Those who dealt with ADHD during childhood have probably become adept at suppressing symptoms (even though those symptoms are still causing anxiety). It’s a stressful balancing act that very much requires outside help.

• Someone who is diagnosed with ADHD as an adult feels compelled to mask symptoms for social reasons. But without years of becoming familiar with ADHD, such an adult can become overwhelmed by the impact of the disorder. They’ll adjust quicker than a child would — but not without some major bumps in the road. 

As you can see, ADHD is a complex condition. If you’d like to learn more, you should speak with an experienced mental health professional. Contact our office today to learn more about ADHD therapy and see how we can help you on your journey.