Some kids with ADHD are energetic, talkative, impulsive, and have trouble settling down. These are considered hyperactive traits. [4] X Expert Source Hilya Tehrani, PsyDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 27 August 2021. Other kids with ADHD are forgetful, “space out” a lot, have trouble completing things, and lose things a lot. These are considered inattentive traits. Most kids with ADHD experience a mix of these, but some lean more hyperactive or inattentive.

Needing to fidget or get up to focus; being unable to focus when sitting still Getting lost in thought Being frequently distracted by something nearby Often needing to be refocused Getting bored easily when disinterested, and “zoning out” or “acting out” as a result[8] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source Hyperfocus: getting so engaged in an activity that they don’t notice anything else[9] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source

Taking a long time to start things, or never starting them Trouble following through; starting but not completing tasks Being easily drawn away from activities Struggling with directions; not waiting for instructions, missing them, or forgetting them (and repeatedly asking for them) Difficulty with multi-step directions; doing things out of order or forgetting parts Having lots of ideas for something, but then not completing them Not fully completing something (e. g. finishes a worksheet, then loses or forgets it) Needing an adult to sit with them or help them complete something

Obvious restlessness: fidgeting when sitting, getting up when they should be seated (e. g. during movies), climbing on things, being too active to sleep Subtle fidgeting: hair-playing, bouncing feet, chewing things, picking at things with their nails, stimming Inappropriate activity for the setting, like climbing on their desk during class Poor sleep; trouble falling asleep, waking during the night, or trouble waking[14] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source Redirecting their energy (e. g. volunteering to pass out papers)[15] X Research source Many kids with ADHD are not hyperactive. A child with inattentive ADHD may not show any signs of hyperactivity, or only display minimal signs (like needing to tap their foot). [16] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source

Extreme chattiness, especially compared to peers Dominating and/or steamrolling conversations Interrupting and/or talking over others Derailing conversations; saying unrelated things or constantly changing subjects Talking when it’s not appropriate, like during class Trouble listening; interrupting, being easily distracted, or seeming forgetful Appearing shy; not talking much, and not joining groups or conversations

Blurting things out or interrupting, even though they know they shouldn’t Reacting to situations without thinking it through, like yelling or hitting when upset Doing dangerous things, possibly to the point of needing frequent supervision (e. g. climbing shelves) Being impatient, having trouble waiting their turn, or “has to have it now” Correcting or talking back at authority figures (e. g. insisting their teacher is wrong)

Frequently being late for school or extracurricular activities; often isn’t ready on time Taking longer to do things than it would take their peers (and not because they have trouble with the task) Losing track of time frequently Problems transitioning from one activity to the next; getting frustrated when not ready to change activities Trouble determining how long a task will take Procrastination, waiting until the last second to do something

Losing things frequently, even if they’re important Trouble prioritizing or doing things in order of importance Having a messy desk or backpack at school, or a messy room at home Not cleaning up after themselves (may get sidetracked when asked to do so) Leaving things in the wrong places, or forgetting where they put things

Some kids with ADHD, particularly girls and older kids, might be perfectionists and very detail-oriented. However, they may focus too much on the details, and perfectionism can lead to stress and lost sleep. [25] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source

Kids with ADHD might overlook social cues, interrupt, change subjects a lot, or be easily distracted from conversations. Their peers may misinterpret this as rudeness or insensitivity, and find them “annoying” or “weird”. [29] X Research source They may have trouble keeping friendships and relationships. They might forget to reply to texts, upset friends with impulsive behavior or emotional reactions, or seem under- or over-involved in the relationship. [30] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source Middle- and high-schoolers may suddenly lose friends or struggle socially, because the social rules have changed. [31] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source

Some kids with ADHD become aggressive when upset; they might say mean things, yell and scream, throw things, or hit or kick. Once they’ve calmed down, they often feel bad about it. [34] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source Boys with ADHD are more likely to externalize their feelings, like blaming another child for something. Girls are more likely to internalize their feelings, and blame something on themselves. [35] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source [36] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source

Sensory or auditory processing issues aren’t universal or unique to ADHD, but many kids with ADHD have them.

Preteens and teens with ADHD are at a higher risk of substance abuse, mental health problems, eating disorders, risky behaviors (like unprotected sex), or self-harm and/or suicide. [40] X Research source [41] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source Supporting your child and communicating openly can reduce the risk of these. [42] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source It’s very uncommon for children to “outgrow” ADHD; studies have found that between 67% to 75% of children still have traits of ADHD in adulthood. [43] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source [44] X Research source However, many children and teens develop strategies for managing their ADHD, so it may seem less severe with age.

Hyperactive traits include restlessness, frequent boredom, and a constant need to be doing something. Inattentive traits include disorganization, procrastination, and difficulty with time management. Many adults have a mix of hyperactive and inattentive traits, though they can lean more hyperactive or inattentive.

Procrastination; doing things last-second and/or missing deadlines Needing to fidget or move to focus Being easily sidetracked Getting distracted by their own thoughts Often accidentally “zoning out” Abandoning many projects due to loss of interest; having half-completed projects lying around Use of avoidance strategies (e. g. diverting tasks to someone else)

Pace when standing, and fidget or change positions often when sitting down Be uncomfortable being still for too long Get up from their seat, or feel the urge to Feel compelled to always be doing something; having trouble relaxing Be frequently bored Seek constant stimulation (e. g. speeding or being around energetic friends) Avoid sedentary activity or work Have difficulty falling asleep; they may struggle to “turn off their mind”, or be fairly active at night

Trouble starting or finishing activities Difficulty transitioning from one task to the next Drifting between activities, or doing things out of order Problems multitasking, frequently multitasking, and/or inefficient multitasking (e. g. going through papers while cooking) Difficulty budgeting their time Struggling to manage or complete large projects Starting new, unrelated activities (often due to distraction) Doing the bare minimum, because they’re overwhelmed or swamped[52] X Research source

The person is likely to be self-conscious about this. For instance, they may not invite others to their house because of the mess.

Being late often, or compensating by always being early Frequently losing track of time Needing a long time to complete things Inaccurately estimating how long something will take Not seeming to have a schedule; doing things “on the fly” Overscheduling themselves; canceling plans last-second or seeming “stretched thin”

Impulsivity can affect anything, ranging from tasks to careers to relationships. The person makes decisions based on “heat of the moment” thoughts or emotions, without thinking ahead. [59] X Research source Adults with ADHD may dislike small talk or long-winded stories. They may also frequently interrupt, finish people’s sentences, or blurt out their thoughts (even if they’re not relevant or appropriate). [60] X Research source Some adults with ADHD do risky things without thought, like overspending, abusing substances, or having unprotected sex. (This can look like a manic phase of bipolar disorder, but unlike bipolar disorder, adults with ADHD don’t feel immune to consequences. ) Adults with ADHD are more likely to get into legal trouble, whether that’s receiving a speeding ticket or getting arrested. [61] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source [62] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Some people with ADHD are easily frustrated, lose their patience quickly, and snap or yell at people frequently. Some adults with ADHD are sensitive to perceived criticism or rejection, and are easily upset or even physically pained by it. [64] X Research source

Irritating others by talking a lot, changing subjects, interrupting, or seemingly not listening Not filtering what they say, and upsetting or offending people as a result Seeming over- or underinvested in interpersonal relationships Accidentally neglecting relationships due to intense focus on something else Seeming “flaky”: being late to events, regularly canceling last-second, and/or forgetting to text or call others Forgetting anniversaries, birthdays, or other important events Strained relationships with others, and/or a history of failed relationships (whether platonic, romantic, familial, or professional)

Auditory processing issues are also common. The person may need extra time to process words or have trouble “tuning out” other noise to focus on something. Like with children, sensory or auditory processing issues don’t always mean ADHD, and not everyone experiences them.

Be easily bored or distracted Have many ideas for projects Hyperfocus on projects and tasks Have trouble following through or finishing tasks Finish things last-second or miss deadlines Struggle to multitask or switch tasks - or, alternatively, regularly multitask and switch tasks Have trouble with teamwork and/or managing people Get in trouble with coworkers or superiors Lose jobs due to lateness, disorganization, or poor performance Switch jobs, sometimes on impulse Seek high-activity or fast-paced jobs (e. g. restaurant chef or EMT), and avoid under-stimulating ones (e. g. file clerk) Voluntarily work overtime, or work multiple jobs

Adults with ADHD might experience impostor syndrome: where they feel their successes are flukes and any praise is undeserved. [70] X Research source Many adults with ADHD have co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Women may have their ADHD overlooked, and instead be misdiagnosed with depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. [71] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Learning disabilities (e. g. dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia) Nonverbal learning disability Autism Mental health conditions: bipolar disorder, OCD, anxiety, or PTSD Sensory or auditory processing disorder Oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder Sleep disorders Hormonal imbalance or thyroid disorders Stressful or traumatic environment (e. g. enduring bullying or abuse) Giftedness in children Simply being young[73] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Learning disabilities Sensory or auditory processing problems Autism[78] X Research source Emotional disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder Anxiety Oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder Tic disorders or Tourette syndrome Substance abuse, in teens and adults[79] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Don’t be surprised if you or your child don’t relate to everything. ADHD varies based on subtype, age, and sex, and it affects everyone in different ways.

You may also want to screen for common or suspected co-occurring conditions, such as learning disabilities or processing disorders. Some psychologists can perform a comprehensive screening that can identify other conditions. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you suspect misdiagnosis. Many conditions can resemble ADHD, and it’s very common for women and girls with ADHD to be misdiagnosed with depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. [81] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Lifestyle adjustments (e. g. changing diet, exercising, and sleeping better) can help with reducing or managing some aspects of ADHD. Therapy can help build coping mechanisms, redirect disruptive behavior, and help parents understand and support their kids. There are also options for co-occurring conditions, like speech therapy or psychotherapy. ADHD coaches or executive functioning coaches help people with ADHD learn to set and achieve goals, improve organizational strategies, and become more productive. Accommodations can help with school or work. Children, teens, and university students often qualify for official accommodations, like IEPs. Accommodations for work depend on the job. ADHD medication can boost the ability to focus and reduce hyperactivity. However, it can also have negative side effects, and stimulant medications can be abused. [85] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source Talk to your doctor about whether you or your child would benefit from it.

ADHD is real. Someone who has ADHD isn’t undisciplined, lazy, or trying to get unnecessary medication. However, ADHD isn’t a mental illness, either. It’s simply a different way of functioning.

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is characterized by restlessness, chattiness, and impulsivity. Inattentive ADHD (formerly attention deficit disorder, or ADD), is characterized by difficulty paying attention and struggles with organization. ADHD can change over time. For example, someone may show signs of combined ADHD as a child, but only show signs of inattentive ADHD as an adult. [90] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Inattentive ADHD is characterized by at least six of the following traits (five in those 17 or older): Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions). Often has trouble organizing activities. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework). Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e. g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools). Is often easily distracted. Often forgetful in daily activities. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is characterized by at least six of the following traits (five in those 17 or older): Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly. Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”. Often talks excessively. Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished. Often has trouble waiting one’s turn. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e. g. , butts into conversations or games). Combination ADHD is characterized by at least six traits of inattention and six of hyperactivity (five traits in each, in those 17 or older).

Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions). Often has trouble organizing activities. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework). Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e. g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools). Is often easily distracted. Often forgetful in daily activities.

Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly. Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”. Often talks excessively. Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished. Often has trouble waiting one’s turn. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e. g. , butts into conversations or games).

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is more common in boys. Inattentive ADHD is more common in girls. [95] X Expert Source Hilya Tehrani, PsyDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 27 August 2021. [96] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source Hyperactive girls are more likely to be talkative, interrupt, fidget subtly, and need lots of excitement. [97] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source Boys tend to express hyperactivity physically, like by running or climbing. Boys are more likely to “act out”, behave disruptively, and externalize issues. Girls are more likely to internalize rather than act out, and may have poor self-esteem. [98] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source Girls often mask their struggles. They may ask for homework help, borrow forgotten things from friends, or stay up late to complete work. [99] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source [100] X Research source However, they can’t mask everything, and may be overwhelmed and stressed out. [101] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source [102] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source Girls and women with ADHD may have trouble understanding or relating to their peers, and struggle to maintain friendships. [103] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source They often recognize that they’re different from their peers without knowing why. Women are more likely to be screened for emotional conditions, such as depression or anxiety, and not ADHD. [104] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Creativity. Those with ADHD are often more likely to find unusual solutions to things, think outside of the box, and/or have many unique ideas. Empathy and compassion. Many people with ADHD feel emotions very deeply, so they often empathize well with others and want to do what’s right. Spontaneity and risk-taking. Willingness to do new, unusual things and share what’s on their mind can positively impact the life of someone with ADHD. Hyperfocus. When they’re really interested in something, people with ADHD can do whatever they put their minds to - whether that’s researching something they love, churning out wikiHow articles, or working their hardest in sports. If they can channel their focus, they can do incredible things.