Adult ADHD
Understanding Adult ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that primarily affects executive functioning, our brain’s ability to plan, prioritise, organise, and follow through on tasks over time. Rather than being a deficit of attention, ADHD is better understood as a dysregulation of attention. This means individuals with ADHD may struggle to maintain focus on repetitive, uninteresting, or personally irrelevant tasks, while often becoming deeply absorbed, or “hyperfocused” on novel, urgent, or highly engaging tasks.
Many adults with ADHD have learned to mask outward signs of hyperactivity, such as fidgeting or restlessness, and instead experience internal hyperactivity, like racing thoughts or a constantly “busy brain.” This presentation was previously referred to as ADD or the primarily inattentive type of ADHD.
Because ADHD symptoms can overlap with or be mistaken for other conditions like anxiety or depression, it is often under-recognised or misdiagnosed, especially in adults who have developed coping strategies over time.
Common Signs of ADHD in Adults
Restlessness or internal anxiety
Heightened sensitivity to rejection
Emotional intensity or difficulty regulating emotions
Impulsivity or acting without thinking
Challenges with focus and sustained attention
Time blindness and disorganisation
Frequent forgetfulness
Misplacing or losing items regularly
Difficulties in personal or professional relationships
Risk of substance use as a coping mechanism
Despite these challenges, many individuals with ADHD demonstrate creativity, passion, and the ability to thrive in areas that align with their strengths and interests.
Quick Links
What is ADHD anyway?
How to Recognise ADHD in Girls
ADHD sucks, but not really | Salif Mahamane
Our Director, Dr Ozgur (Oz) Yalcin, discusses adult ADHD from a clinical and lived experience perspective
ADHD Podcasts featuring our Director
Dr Ozgur (Oz) Yalcin
Psych Spiels and Silver Linings:
Demystifying Adult ADHD
Demystifying Adult ADHD with Dr. Ozgur (Oz) Yalcin, our director, who brings a unique perspective as both a clinical psychologist and someone with lived experience of ADHD.
In this podcast, Dr. Yalcin delves into the significance of proper assessment, explores how ADHD manifests in adults beyond the standard diagnostic criteria, and discusses the impact of stigma on seeking help within the helping profession.
🎙️ You can catch the episode (and other Psych Spiels and Silver Linings episodes) via:
Knowing Me Knowing You (KMKY): Knowing… Adult ADHD
Together, Dr Oz. and Trent spoke about how ADHD can impact us and what we can do to better manage it, some of which included:
📋 What ADHD is from a clinical perspective,
🤔 What ADHD might look like for us in adulthood,
💊 The role of stimulant medication in treating ADHD,
👥 The supportive role of “body doubling”,
🤯 Understanding our “boom-bust” cycles, and much more.
🎙️ You can catch the episode (and other KMKY podcast episodes) via:
Additional Resources
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Your Brain’s Not Broken by Tamara Rosier
Explores how ADHD is a neurological difference, not a flaw, and offers compassionate strategies for emotional regulation and executive functioning.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
A practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones through small, consistent changes—especially helpful for ADHD brains seeking structure.
The Year I Met My Brain by Matilda Boseley
A personal and humorous journey through late ADHD diagnosis, blending lived experience with science and practical advice.
How to ADHD by Jessica McCabe
A forthcoming guide rooted in the popular YouTube channel, offering ADHD-friendly tools, validation, and community support.
You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy?! by Kate Kelly & Peggy Ramundo
A classic ADHD survival guide that validates adult experiences and provides practical strategies for managing symptoms.
ADHD Money by Katie C. Lewis
A neurodivergent-friendly guide to managing money, designed to work with ADHD brains rather than against them.
ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell & John J. Ratey
An updated look at ADHD science and strategies, emphasising strengths-based approaches and brain-friendly tools.
The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa Orlov
Explores how ADHD affects romantic relationships and provides tools for enhancing communication, empathy, and connection.
What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew by Dr. Sharon Saline
Gives parents insight into their child’s perspective and offers collaborative strategies for support and understanding.
Smart but Scattered Teens by Richard Guare, Peg Dawson, & Colin Guare
Focuses on building executive function skills in teens through practical, step-by-step strategies.
Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids by Kelli Miller
An engaging workbook filled with exercises and activities to help children understand and manage their ADHD.
Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD by Susan C. Pinsky
Offers clutter-free, ADHD-friendly organising systems that prioritise simplicity and sustainability.
Order from Chaos by Jaclyn Paul
A realistic and compassionate guide to creating order in daily life, tailored specifically for adults with ADHD.
A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD by Sari Solden & Michelle Frank
Empowers women with ADHD to embrace their identity, challenge internalised shame, and build a fulfilling life.
Disclaimer: These book recommendations are based on the experiences and suggestions of our team and community members. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the authors or publishers mentioned.
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Articles, videos, lectures, and other resources for children, adolescents and adults with ADHD and their loved ones
How to ADHD Channel (YouTube):
How to ADHD is a vibrant and supportive YouTube channel that offers practical tips, science-based strategies, and heartfelt encouragement for living well with ADHD.
Disclaimer: These recommendations are based on the experiences and suggestions of our team and community members. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the authors or publishers mentioned. -
A qualitative and quantitative study of self-reported positive characteristics of individuals with ADHD
Schippers, L. M., Horstman, L. I., Velde, H. V., Pereira, R. R., Zinkstok, J., Mostert, J. C., Greven, C. U., & Hoogman, M. (2022).
ADHD Assessments at ANIMA Health Network
At ANIMA Health Network, our Psychologists provide comprehensive assessments and treatment for adults with ADHD. Our approach is strengths-based, respectful, and tailored to each individual’s unique experience.
Tell me more about ADHD Assessments.
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