What does ‘ADHD’ make you think of? Probably a restless child, who can't sit still. Though hyperactivity is a familiar symptom, it's hardly the sole one, particularly for adults. Many of the more insidious, frequently overlooked indicators can be indicative of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, so many people go on undiagnosed for years.
For the unversed, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts executive functions which is the brain's operating system. It can take forms much more subtle than restlessness and can be confused with being bossy, lazy, or even with other medical illnesses. In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Bhumesh Tyagi, Consultant, General Medicine and Physician at Shardacare, Health City, Noida, explained that paying attention to these more subtle signs can be the key to awareness, accurate diagnosis, and successful treatment.
Top 6 Overlooked Signs Of ADHD
The following are some of the more subtle signs that may be ADHD, especially useful for adults:
1. The ‘Always On’ Brain and Racing Thoughts
Some individuals with ADHD have difficulty concentrating, but others have an overactive brain that constantly flips from one thought to another. This is not simply a matter of being creative; it may be an endless internal dialogue that tires you out, making it hard to relax, go to sleep, or even keep track of a single conversation. Your brain may feel like it has too many windows open at the same time.
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2. Emotional Dysregulation and Intense Reactions
Emotional regulation may be deeply affected by ADHD. This may present as:
- Irritability or quick temper: Small frustrations can beget disproportionate ire.
- Stress intolerance: Even small stressors can feel insurmountable.
- Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): Intense emotional pain elicited by the experience (not always real) of criticism or rejection.
- Mood swings: Sudden mood changes that appear to arise out of thin air.
These emotional struggles are commonly misinterpreted as personality deficits instead of a neurological variation.
3. Hyperfocus or The Paradox of Inattention
Though ADHD is defined by inattention, those with ADHD are often capable of hyperfocusing’ like being intensely, bordering-on-obsessively focused on tasks or activities that interest them. It's a strength for creative or interesting work but results in forgetting time, neglecting other tasks, and being unable to release, even when they should. It's evidence of dysregulated, not deficient, attention.
4. Time Blindness and Chronic Lateness
Do you always overestimate the time that tasks will take? Do deadlines catch you off guard? This ‘time blindness’ is a typical ADHD characteristic. It's not disrespect, it's a real difficulty with seeing and navigating the passage of time. This can result in chronic lateness, failed appointments, and poor planning ability.
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5. Executive Dysfunction Beyond Focus
ADHD's effect on executive functions goes far beyond attention.
- Chronic disorganisation: Your home or workspace might be perpetually cluttered, not due to laziness, but because organizing is an immense mental hurdle.
- Difficulty initiating tasks: Even simple tasks can feel insurmountable, leading to procrastination and a sense of being stuck. This isn't a lack of motivation, but a struggle with the activation energy needed to start.
- Lack of planning and follow-up: You may have great ideas but are not able to divide them into steps you can actually take or follow them through to completion.
6. Restlessness and Fidgeting (Even Without Hyperactivity)
Although obvious hyperactivity may subside with age, inner restlessness tends to endure. This may become manifest in the form of fidgeting (tapping, bouncing of a leg), trouble sitting still in meetings, or a constant need to shift positions. In adults, it may appear in the form of the selection of standing desks, pacing when on the telephone, or getting irritable when contained.
Why These Signs Are Overlooked
Dr Tyagi highlighted that these subtle symptoms may not be observed because they are internalised, camouflaged with coping strategies, or confused with other etiologies such as anxiety, depression, or even personality defects. “Women specifically are underdiagnosed with ADHD since their symptoms are less overtly hyperactive and more related to inattention and inner restlessness, which are usually ignored or misdiagnosed,” he said.
What to Do If You See These Signs
If some of these under-recognised signs sound familiar to your experiences, it's important that you entertain the possibility of ADHD. Here is what you can do:
- Educate Yourself: Read about adult ADHD and the varied presentations.
- Keep a Journal: Log concrete instances of your difficulties pertaining to these signs. This can prove to be useful information for a professional.
- Get Professional Help: Consult a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health expert with experience in adult ADHD diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis is needed to ensure effective treatment.
- Try Strategies: Before an official diagnosis is made, numerous strategies for coping with ADHD symptoms can be helpful, including establishing routines, utilizing organizing aids, being mindful, and enhancing sleep habits.
Bottomline
Identifying these neglected clues is life-altering. It changes the story from ‘What's wrong with me?’ to ‘How can I learn more about and take control of my brain?’ Early diagnosis and proper care can unlock impressive quality-of-life, relationship, and overall wellness gains. Don't ignore these slight cues as they may unlock deeper self-awareness for you. Listen to your body, and pay attention to what your body is telling you. If something feels off or you don't understand what's happening, please consult with a doctor.