Think You Might Have ADHD as an Adult? Here's What to Do Next
That moment when everything suddenly clicks into place
You're scrolling through social media when you see a post about ADHD that stops you in your tracks. The description feels like someone reached into your brain and wrote down your exact experience. Maybe a friend mentioned their recent diagnosis, and you thought, "Wait, that sounds exactly like me." Or as your child is being diagnosed, you realize the doctor is actually describing you. Perhaps you've been struggling with the same challenges for years, wondering why you can't seem to get it together like everyone else.
If you're reading this, chances are you've had one of those lightbulb moments that left you questioning everything you thought you knew about yourself.
Here's the truth: You're not imagining your struggles, and you're definitely not alone.
The Adult ADHD Awakening: Why So Many Are Discovering It Now
Adult ADHD diagnosis rates have surged in recent years, but it's not because ADHD suddenly became more common. We're simply getting better at recognizing it, especially in adults who were completely missed as children.
This is particularly true for:
Women, who often present differently than the stereotypical hyperactive boy
High achievers, who developed coping mechanisms that masked their symptoms
Adults whose children were diagnosed, leading to their own recognition
You haven't been making up your difficulties. Those years of feeling like you're working twice as hard to get half the results? That's real, and there's a neurological reason for it.
What Adult ADHD Actually Looks Like
Forget everything you think you know about ADHD from movies or childhood stereotypes. Adult ADHD is often subtle, internalized, and easily mistaken for personal shortcomings.
The Internal Experience You Might Recognize
Time blindness: Consistently underestimating how long tasks will take
Rejection sensitivity: Feeling devastated by criticism or perceived rejection
Executive dysfunction: Knowing exactly what you need to do but struggling to start or follow through
Emotional intensity: Having emotions that feel bigger and more overwhelming than they should
Hyperfocus paradox: Getting completely absorbed in interesting tasks while neglecting important but boring ones
What This Looks Like in Daily Life
Starting multiple projects with enthusiasm but struggling to finish them
Procrastinating on crucial deadlines while perfecting less important tasks
Losing keys, forgetting appointments, or missing deadlines despite your best efforts
Feeling overwhelmed by tasks that seem effortless for others
Having brilliant ideas but struggling with follow-through
Staying up late to complete work you couldn't focus on during the day
The Exhausting Art of Masking
Many adults, especially women have developed sophisticated ways to hide their ADHD symptoms, often without even realizing it. You might recognize yourself in these patterns:
Using color-coded planners and elaborate organization systems to compensate
Saying yes to everything to avoid disappointing others
Working longer hours than necessary because tasks take you longer
Feeling constantly exhausted from trying to appear "normal"
Being known as the "reliable" one while secretly struggling to keep up
If this sounds familiar, you're not broken, you're just working incredibly hard to function in a world that wasn't designed for your brain.
Taking the First Step
Suspecting you have ADHD is just the beginning. Taking the next step is key to keeping the momentum going. This first step can be seeking a doctor, psychologist, or ADHD coaching. Often people utilize multiple resources in their journey, so at this initial point, choose one and take action.
The most important step is the first one and that first step doesn't have to be medical. Sometimes the best way to begin is by working with someone who understands your struggles and can help you develop practical strategies immediately. Whether that's ADHD coaching, starting your evaluation process, or both, you're already taking action by being here and seeking answers.
Getting Properly Evaluated
Why Professional Diagnosis is Valuable
Accurate treatment: Different presentations of ADHD respond better to different approaches
Rule out other conditions: Anxiety, depression, thyroid issues, and trauma can all mimic ADHD symptoms
Access to accommodations: A formal diagnosis can qualify you for workplace protections and academic supports
Peace of mind: Finally having an explanation for lifelong struggles can be incredibly validating
What to Expect During Your Evaluation
The Comprehensive Assessment Process A thorough ADHD evaluation typically includes:
Detailed clinical interview about your current symptoms and life history
Standardized questionnaires and rating scales that measure ADHD symptoms
Cognitive testing to assess attention, memory, and executive function
Review of historical records like school reports, work evaluations, and medical history
Collateral information from family members or close friends when possible
Timeline and Format Most comprehensive evaluations take 2-4 hours and may be split across multiple appointments. While some providers offer shorter screenings, a thorough evaluation provides the most accurate and useful results.
What You Should Bring Ask when booking specifically what you should bring to help reduce the need for extra appointments. This typically includes old school records, medical history, and examples of current challenges.
Finding the Right Professional
Who Can Diagnose ADHD in Adults:
Psychiatrists
Psychologists
Licensed clinical social workers (in some states)
Psychiatric nurse practitioners
Primary care physicians
Red Flags to Avoid:
Anyone who dismisses your concerns because you were successful in school
Professionals who don't have specific experience with adult ADHD
Those who rely solely on brief questionnaires without comprehensive assessment
Questions to Ask Potential Providers:
How much experience do you have diagnosing adult ADHD?
What does your evaluation process include?
Do you have experience with adults who weren't diagnosed as children?
Understanding Your Diagnosis: Types and Presentations
ADHD isn't a one-size-fits-all condition. Understanding the different presentations can help you better understand your own experience and communicate with healthcare providers.
The Three Official Presentations
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (Previously Called ADD)
Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks or activities
Frequently makes careless mistakes in work or other activities
Often seems not to listen when spoken to directly
Struggles with organization and loses things necessary for tasks
Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort
Easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Fidgets with hands or feet, or squirms in seat
Leaves seat in situations where remaining seated is expected
Feels restless or acts as if "driven by a motor"
Has difficulty engaging in activities quietly
Talks excessively or blurts out answers
Has difficulty waiting their turn
Combined Presentation
Meets criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms
Most common presentation diagnosed in adults
Symptoms may shift over time, with hyperactivity often becoming internalized as restlessness
Important Notes:
Your presentation may change throughout your life
Many adults primarily struggle with inattentive symptoms, even if they were hyperactive as children
Women are more likely to have inattentive presentations that were missed in childhood
Hyperactivity in adults often looks like internal restlessness rather than physical movement
What Happens Next: Your ADHD Journey Continues
Getting evaluated is just the first step in what will be an ongoing journey of understanding and managing your ADHD. While we'll dive deeper into these topics in future posts, here's what you can expect to explore:
Treatment and Management (Coming Soon)
Your treatment plan will likely include multiple approaches tailored to your specific needs:
Medication options and what to expect when working with prescribers
Therapy approaches that specifically help with ADHD challenges
Lifestyle modifications that can significantly impact your symptoms
ADHD coaching to help bridge the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it
Relationship Dynamics (Future Post)
ADHD affects more than just you, it impacts your relationships too. We'll explore:
How to communicate about your diagnosis with family and friends
Managing workplace dynamics and considering accommodations
Navigating romantic relationships with ADHD
Building a support network that truly understands
Reframing Your Story (Future Post)
One of the most powerful aspects of ADHD diagnosis is the opportunity to rewrite your personal narrative:
Moving from "I'm lazy and disorganized" to "I have a brain that works differently"
Recognizing ADHD strengths like creativity, hyperfocus, and resilience
Developing self-compassion after years of self-criticism
Building confidence in your abilities and worth
Your Next Steps: Taking Action This Week
Feeling overwhelmed by all this information? That's completely normal and very ADHD. Here's how to break it down into manageable pieces:
This Week
Consider ADHD coaching as your first step: You can start getting practical support right now, even without a diagnosis, it's often the fastest way to begin seeing improvements
Start symptom tracking: Use a simple notebook or phone app to jot down when you notice potential ADHD symptoms
Research providers: Look up ADHD specialists in your area and check what your insurance covers
Gather any old records: Dig up school reports, old performance reviews, or medical records if you have them
Tell someone you trust: Share your suspicions with a close friend or family member who can provide support
This Month
Schedule your evaluation: Book an appointment with a qualified professional
Do some reading: Check out reputable resources about adult ADHD (ADDitude Magazine, CHADD, or evidence-based books)
Join a support community: Find online groups or local support meetings
Explore coaching options: If you're ready for immediate practical support, consider working with an ADHD coach who can help you develop strategies while you navigate the diagnosis process
Remember: You're Not Alone in This
Thousands of adults discover ADHD later in life, and many describe the diagnosis as life-changing, not because ADHD is easy to manage, but because finally understanding your brain gives you the tools to work with it instead of against it.
Your struggles have been real, your efforts have been heroic, and your brain isn't broken, it's just different. With the right support and strategies, those differences can become strengths.
The most important step is the first one and that first step doesn't have to be medical. Sometimes the best way to begin is by working with someone who understands your struggles and can help you develop practical strategies immediately. Whether that's ADHD coaching, starting your evaluation process, or both, you're already taking action by being here and seeking answers.
Important Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. ADHD is a medical condition that requires proper evaluation and diagnosis by licensed healthcare professionals. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.
The author and ADHDcoaching.life make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information contained in this post. Individual results may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. ADHD coaching is not a substitute for medical treatment or therapy.
Ready to take the next step in understanding your ADHD? Whether you're still exploring the possibility of ADHD or ready to start developing practical strategies, our specialized ADHD coaching services are here to support you. You don't need a diagnosis to begin, we help adults at every stage of their ADHD journey develop practical skills, build confidence, and create sustainable systems that work with their unique brain. Learn more about how we can support you at ADHDcoaching.life.
If you have any further question or would like to discuss further, reach out to Ian via:
Book a call: https://bit.ly/Discoveryadhd
Call: 619-340-1990
Email: info@adhdcoaching.life
Website: www.adhdcoaching.life
Coming up in our Adult ADHD series:
Understanding Your Treatment Options: Medication, Therapy, and Lifestyle Changes
Managing Relationships When You Have ADHD: Family, Friends, and Work
Rewriting Your Story: From ADHD Challenges to ADHD Strengths
