ADHD and Hyperactivity in Adults and Children

ADHD and Hyperactivity in Adults and Children For both children and adults, the primary symptoms that define ADHD include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.  Not all individuals with ADHD will display these symptoms in the same way or to the same degree, and you may certainly see changes in the way the symptoms manifest as individual ages and moves through different stages of life. You mention hyperactivity, and this is one of the areas of ADHD that does seem to present a bit differently in adulthood. For example, the overt hyperactivity may not be as prevalent. Instead, a person may experience feelings of uncomfortable restlessness. Below is a listing of a few of the ways hyperactive or impulsive symptoms may present differently in children versus adults. Childhood Squirming, fidgetingCant stay seated in class, mealsCant wait ?a turnBlurts out answers before questions have been completely askedRuns and climbs excessivelyCant play or work quietlyOn the go, driven by a motorTalks excessivelyIntrudes on personal space; interrupts others Adulthood Needs to move; feels restless inside, fidgetyCant sit through meetings, meals, moviesExtremely impatientFinishes peoples sentences; draws rapid conclusionsDrives too fast, recklessPrefers very active jobOn the go; low tolerance for frustrationTalks excessively; makes inappropriate commentsInterrupts others; monopolizes conversations Common symptoms of adult ADHD may also include poor attention; excessive distractibility; spacing out; problems with memory and forgetfulness; frequently losing things; trouble organizing steps in a project; chronic lateness; procrastination; trouble starting and finishing tasks; careless mistakes; and disorganization. For many people with ADHD, the symptoms related to inattentiveness often become more prominent in adulthood, while the hyperactivity symptoms become ones that are felt much more internally than observed outwardly. ADHD Symptoms You Should Be on the Lookout For