What Does ADHD Feel Like?

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a mental health condition that affects both behavioral and cognitive functions. From a behavioral standpoint, ADHD can result in a variety of symptoms including fidgeting, hyperactivity, irritability and impulsivity. On the more cognitive side, that can mean feeling absent minded or distracted. Signs can also translate into difficulty focusing or paying attention. All of these together can result in moods that are perhaps best described as encompassing anger, anxiety, boredom, excitement, and even depression.

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The Types of ADHD

Symptoms & Treatment

Everyone is different, and thus symptoms may vary. Treatments are specific to the symptoms and type of ADHD that was diagnosed. With ADHD there are a variety of symptoms that are common and consistent - even across different types of ADHD. These include inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Here is a list compiling the top ten most-common symptoms as observed by researchers and experienced by people with ADHD:

1 Unable to sit still, particularly in a calm or quiet environment

2 Largely unable to wait their turn and be patient

3 Excessive talking and physical movement (including fidgeting)

4 Acting without thinking or interrupting conversations

5 Difficulty concentrating on specific tasks and goals

6 Emotional outburst or tendencies

7 Disorganization and finding it hard to prioritize

8 Inability to plan ahead or be proactive

9 Poor time management skills

10 Low tolerance for frustration

ADHD Symptoms

Often, people with ADHD feel that their lives are out of control or in chaos, and daily tasks may seem impossibly huge. Psychological distress, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and chronic stress are other common signs of ADHD.

It’s important to distinguish between symptoms of ADHD and anxiety - though the two may be linked in certain cases. ADHD is largely about focus and concentration. Whereas anxiety is more about nervousness and fear. There are also some similarities with autism symptoms (specifically around an inability to focus) - another reason to ensure a medical practitioner is involved in your process and diagnosis

How to know if it is ADHD

ADHD symptoms are different in every person, and so are the effects of the various ADHD treatment options. In order for a provider to better understand a patient’s symptoms and make proper diagnosis, a one on one appointment is required. It’s important to learn more about your own situation before seeking treatment. That can be a great place to start to then get connected to a medical practitioner to make the official online diagnosis.

Treatment

Current research on adult ADHD treatment suggests that a first-line treatment should be medication. Other studies have indicated that cognitive behavioral therapy and medication have similar long-term efficacy, and that the ideal treatment is probably a combination of the two. Due to the restrictions of telehealth platforms and the difficulties ADHD patients typically experience in accessing psychotherapy – as well as the far quicker onset of the therapeutic effect of medications – the most prudent approach is pharmacologic treatment.  With Done., it’s possible to get both a diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan online. Experiencing some of these symptoms? Learn more about our online ADHD self-assessment.

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Frequently Asked Question

What are the 12 symptoms of ADHD?

The 12 symptoms of ADHD are:

1. Inability to Focus

2. Impatience

3. Self-Focused Behavior

4. Emotional Outbursts

5. Difficulty Remaining Still

6. Problems Playing Quietly

7. Unfinished Tasks

8. Interruptions

9. Mistakes

10. Avoiding Challenging Tasks

11. Daydreaming

12. Forgetfulness

What age does ADHD peak?

In children, ADHD can peak around the age of 7 or 8 and with treatment can be reduced thereafter.