ADHD Symptoms and Types
Understand How ADHD Can Affect You
What Are the Main Symptoms of ADHD?
Inattention
- Difficulty concentrating or sustaining attention.
- Being easily distracted.
- Forgetting appointments or everyday responsibilities.
- Losing items needed for daily activities.
- Struggling with organisation and time management.
- Frequently leaving tasks unfinished.
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
- Fidgeting or feeling restless.
- Difficulty remaining seated when expected.
- Talking excessively or interrupting others.
- Finding it difficult to wait.
- Acting without fully considering the consequences.
- Struggling to pause before responding.
What Are the Three Types of ADHD?
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
Everyone can experience these behaviours occasionally. ADHD involves a persistent pattern of symptoms that begins during childhood and affects everyday functioning.
How Do ADHD Symptoms Differ in Children and Adults?
In children: Symptoms may include difficulty following instructions, remaining seated, waiting for turns or completing schoolwork. These behaviours must be considered in context and should not automatically be interpreted as ADHD.
In adults: Difficulties may become more noticeable in time management, organisation, meeting deadlines, managing responsibilities or controlling impulsive responses. Physical hyperactivity may be experienced more as internal restlessness.
How Can ADHD Symptoms Affect Everyday Life?
- Education and work: Concentration, planning and meeting deadlines.
- Relationships: Listening, communication and impulsive reactions.
- Daily routines: Remembering appointments and completing responsibilities.
- Emotional wellbeing: Managing frustration and coping with ongoing challenges.
What Can Cause ADHD-Like Symptoms?
When Should You Consider an ADHD Assessment?
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Symptoms and Types
The main symptom groups are inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Individuals may experience symptoms from one or both groups.
The three presentations are predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive and combined presentation.
Yes. The way symptoms appear can change over time. For example, visible hyperactivity may become less prominent, while difficulties with organisation, attention or internal restlessness may continue.
No. Similar symptoms can occur for several reasons. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment by an appropriately qualified professional.
Yes. Adults can be assessed for ADHD, including those whose symptoms were not recognised during childhood. The assessment considers current difficulties and developmental history.
