Key takeaways

  • ADHD symptoms in children can include difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which may affect their academic and social relationships.
  • Adults with ADHD may exhibit irritability, low frustration tolerance, and sudden shifts in mood, which could impact their work, relationships, and overall well-being.
  • Cultural beliefs and access to healthcare can significantly influence the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, particularly in marginalized communities.

ADHD is typically diagnosed in children, generally by adolescence. Adults with ADHD may have had symptoms early in life that were overlooked, leading to a diagnosis later in life.

Although ADHD can cause visible challenges in everyday life, the symptoms in children and adults vary and are sometimes difficult to recognize.

ADHD can cause symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a combination of both.

In children and toddlers, this can look like:

  • fidgeting, tapping hands or feet, or squirming while seated
  • moving around when expected to remain seated, such as in the classroom
  • being unable to quietly play or take part in hobbies and activities
  • struggling to wait or be patient, such as when playing a game or waiting in line
  • difficulty focusing on schoolwork or other work
  • trouble finishing tasks, especially schoolwork or chores
  • trouble navigating social and familial relationships

Children up to age 16 years must show at least six symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or both to receive an ADHD diagnosis.

Symptoms of ADHD in teenagers

Compared to children, teens may show less hyperactivity and instead may appear restless or fidgety. Inattention and impulsivity can cause academic, organizational, or relationship challenges.

In teenagers with ADHD, other symptoms that may appear include:

  • trouble with task organization and time management
  • frequently making mistakes while doing work
  • frequently forgetting things or losing personal items
  • frequently avoiding mentally taxing tasks
  • experiencing increased frustration and emotional sensitivity
  • increased conflict with parents due to ADHD symptoms affecting the home life

While these symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity can sometimes cause teenagers with ADHD to appear “immature,” they have nothing to do with a child’s maturity level.

Although most people with ADHD receive a diagnosis during childhood, sometimes the signs and symptoms of ADHD are overlooked or misinterpreted.

Adults with ADHD may be irritable, have a low tolerance for frustration and stress, or experience frequent or intense mood changes.

To receive a diagnosis in adulthood, the criteria that must be met include:

  • having at least five symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, or both
  • symptoms occur for at least 6 months
  • symptoms occur in at least two settings (home, work, school, social gatherings) and impair performance in these settings

In adults, the symptoms of ADHD can appear different than those in adolescence or childhood due to the different responsibilities someone may have in adulthood. According to medical literature, adults tend to experience:

  • difficulties at college or work
  • trouble passing classes or completing work
  • issues with self-esteem and overall mental well-being
  • substance misuse issues, especially with alcohol
  • relationship challenges with partners, family, or co-workers
  • frequent accidents or injuries

While ADHD affects people of all ages and genders, research suggests that boys are more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis than girls.

ADHD can present differently in girls and in women, which can further contribute to the reduced rate of diagnosis in these groups.

A 2020 study found that while women often experience a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, they may present as less severe than men, especially in the hyperactive-impulsive category.

Further, another 2020 study suggests men are more likely to display “externalizing” comorbidities, such as substance or alcohol misuse, while women are more likely to exhibit “internalizing” comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression.

There may be a relationship between ADHD and sex hormone levels. However, this research is limited. More studies are needed to explore any association.

ADHD in the transgender community

Most of the sources used in this article do not delineate between sex and gender and can be assumed to have primarily cisgender participants.

Research on ADHD within the transgender community is new and extremely limited, with only a handful of studies published so far. However, these studies have found that transgender individuals are more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis.

One 2018 study from Australia reports the prevalence of ADHD was 4.3% in transgender people and 1.1% in the larger population.

At the time of publication, no research could be found that discussed the breakdown of symptoms between trans men, trans women, and gender nonconforming people. Intersex people were also not represented.

When we look at the presentation of ADHD symptoms, age seems to be the biggest factor for differences in symptoms between individuals.

However, ethnic and cultural differences can also play a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

According to a 2019 review of research, differences in beliefs, values, and even medical approaches can influence the way that certain behaviors — many of which are the direct result of ADHD — are viewed.

In fact, the review states that studies have shown that children who belong to marginalized ethnic groups are less likely to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment they need for their ADHD.

Other cultural factors that can influence the perception, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD include:

  • lack of knowledge about the condition
  • fear of the stigma surrounding the condition
  • lack of trust in the medical system
  • reduced ability to recognize when symptoms are problematic
  • differences in the way certain behaviors are viewed between genders
  • language barriers for non-native English speakers
  • no access or limited access to insurance or healthcare services
  • lack of healthcare professionals who are culturally competent

All of these factors can play a role in the way that ADHD symptoms are viewed and can lead to barriers in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in marginalized communities.

Getting support

It can feel overwhelming to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, but the most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone. If you’re looking for more support after your diagnosis, here are a few resources to get you started:

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes a person to experience inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a mixture of both.

In children, ADHD symptoms can sometimes be misunderstood by parents and caretakers, while untreated ADHD in adults can cause symptoms that significantly interfere with daily functioning.

With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can learn to manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.