Adult ADHD can be the cause behind all kinds of symptoms that can impact our relationships, work life, and more.

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Many people joke about having ADHD when they get easily distracted or act impulsively. However, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is no laughing matter. It can be a lifelong—and sometimes debilitating—condition. And it may be more common than you think: Estimates show that up to 10 million of us in the United States have adult ADHD.

Unlike the classically hyperactive child running away from his parents in the grocery store, blurting out comments in class, or climbing on top of a table, adults with ADHD experience a different set of problems. Those with adult ADHD can experience poor work performance and relationship difficulties; they also may have chronic low self esteem, depression, conduct disorders, and addiction.

Some who struggle with adult ADHD are able to harness their symptoms and turn them into a strength. Examples among celebrities with adult ADHD: Michael Phelps, who turned his restlessness into a gift for swimming, and Jim Carey, who turned his racing thoughts and excessive energy into comedy. But for millions of others, adult ADHD has a serious impact on their lives.

What Is ADHD—and What Causes It?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. For an adolescent or adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms need to have been present prior to age 12.”

This last part is important. A problem that has developed in adulthood it is not ADHD.

The pathology of ADHD is not fully understood. It is a group of symptoms, not a clearly defined disease with a specific cause (such as tuberculosis or cystic fibrosis).

You may have heard people say that ADHD is a “made-up disease.” However, brain studies show real, functional differences in the brains of people with ADHD notably in the frontal, prefrontal, cingulate gyrus, parietal lobe, cerebellum, and basal ganglia nuclei. Low levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine have also been implicated with ADHD.

Symptoms of Adult ADHD

Symptoms that may seem cute in a 5-year-old, such as racing around or saying inappropriate things, are less adorable when you become an adult. Furthermore, they can hinder us in countless ways.

Three core types of ADHD symptoms turn up:

1. Inattention symptoms, including poor focus, procrastination, lack of persistence, poor organizational skills, and a tendency to become easily bored.
2. Impulsivity symptoms, including poor emotional regulation (anger, aggression, overwhelm), acting or speaking without thinking or filtering, blurting out, inability to delay gratification, and poor decision-making.
3. Hyperactivity symptoms, including restlessness, fidgeting, or excessive talking.

It should be noted that these symptoms occur against the volition of the sufferer: Those with ADHD don’t want or choose to be distracted, impulsive, or restless.

ADHD is a lifelong condition, so if you were diagnosed as a child or teen you will likely have symptoms as an adult, although the presentation and impact will be different. Physical hyperactivity tends to be less marked in adults.

How Does Adult ADHD Affect Us?

The core symptoms of ADHD can lead to a cascade of problems:

• Executive function is a common challenge. It may involve memory, motivation, attention, time management, planning, prioritizing, starting or completing complex tasks, and/or analyzing ideas. Problems in these areas can have an impact on all aspects of life, from home responsibilities and relationships to education and work. Many people with ADHD are able to hyperfocus on things that interest them but are unable to focus on things that are boring, yet necessary.
• Academic or career underachievement are common in ADHD and can be exacerbated by the coexistence of a learning disability such as dyslexia.
• Employment difficulties often occur. Examples: making errors at work, poor organization, chronic lateness, poor decision-making, or difficulty getting on with colleagues.
• Legal problems: People with ADHD are more likely to break the rules and to get caught. One study estimated ADHD “to be present among 40 percent of adult male longer-term prison inmates.”
• Mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, self-injury, frustration, blame, guilt, aggression, anger and low self-esteem.
• Relationship difficulties, as sufferers can be hard to live with. They may be disorganized, chronically late and unreliable, impulsive, and easily bored. Many people with ADHD are good at making friends but may have trouble keeping them.
• Family dynamics. In families where one or more parent has ADHD, dynamics between them can become complicated and dysfunctional. And because ADHD often runs in families, children with ADHD can be difficult to parent.
• Self-medication with prescription drugs, alcohol, and illicit drugs: Because people with ADHD are impulsive, they’re more likely to try drugs and alcohol. If these make them feel better, they’re more likely to continue taking them.
• Addictions. People with ADHD are more prone to addictions to food, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, video games, sex, pornography… you name it.
• Injury. Recklessness can extend into adulthood and may lead to injury or accidents.

Want to learn more about ADHD? See our post on diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD.