Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Understanding Adult ADHD

Adult 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 tasks that are repetitive, uninteresting, or lack personal relevance, while often becoming deeply absorbed—or “hyperfocused”—on tasks that are novel, urgent, or highly engaging.

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.

ADHD Podcasts featuring our Director
Dr Ozgur (Oz) Yalcin

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"
Spotify Apple YouTube

Psych Spiels and Silver Linings:
Demystifying Adult ADHD

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:

Spotify Apple JOY Media

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

Additional Resources

  • 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.

    • Link

    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.

    • Official Site

    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.

    • Link:

    How to ADHD by Jessica McCabe

    • A forthcoming guide rooted in the popular YouTube channel, offering ADHD-friendly tools, validation, and community support.

    • Official Book Site

    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.

    • Link

    ADHD Money by Katie C. Lewis

    • A neurodivergent-friendly guide to managing money, designed to work with ADHD brains rather than against them.

    • Wiley

    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.

    • Link

    The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa Orlov

    • Explores how ADHD affects romantic relationships and provides tools for enhancing communication, empathy, and connection.

    • Link

    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.

    • Amazon Official Site

    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.

    • Link

    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.

    • Link

    Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD by Susan C. Pinsky

    • Offers clutter-free, ADHD-friendly organising systems that prioritise simplicity and sustainability.

    • Link

    Order from Chaos by Jaclyn Paul

    • A realistic and compassionate guide to creating order in daily life, tailored specifically for adults with ADHD.

    • Link

    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.

    • Link

    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.

  • ADDitude:

    • Articles, videos, lectures, and other resources for children, adolescents and adults with ADHD and their loved ones

    • Link

    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.

    • Link


    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).

    • Link

ADHD Assessments and Treatment at ANIMA Health Network

At ANIMA Health Network, our Clinical Psychologists and Clinical Neuropsychologists provide comprehensive assessments and treatment for adults with ADHD. Our approach is strengths-based, respectful, and tailored to each individual’s unique experience.

If you have questions about the assessment process or would like to learn more about how we can support you, please don’t hesitate to contact our Patient Care Team for further information and fee details.

Ready to Book with Anima Health Network?

Please call us on 08 9381 8868 to book an appointment.

Alternatively, click below to fill out our new patient enquiry form and one of our friendly patient care team will be in touch.