Predominantly hyperactive and impulsive
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can present differently as one ages. For adults, this may include finding it hard to stay seated, or fidgeting in meetings. They may talk excessively or interrupt others in conversations.
Inattentiveness and executive dysfunction are often also present, though generally to a lesser extent.
Predominantly inattentive presentation
The main characteristics of inattentive ADHD are a lack of control over attention, focus and concentration. It may be hard for people to retain focus on activities that don't interest them, which can lead to procrastination and difficulty finishing tasks or paying close attention to details.
Combined presentation
Combined ADHD includes the characteristics of hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive ADHD in fairly equal measures. This can look like lack of control over attention, behavior, activity and impulses.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD include:
Inattentive behaviour
| Hyperactive behaviour
| Impulsive behaviour
| Emotional impulsivity | Executive functioning |
|---|
Easily distracted
| Constant activity
| Acting without thinking
| Big, raw and sudden emotions | Losing things |
Difficulties maintaining attention/focus (especially when bored)
| Restlessness
| Interrupting people
| Easily upset, angry or afraid | Not knowing what they're doing and when |
Daydreams or off-task
| Fidgeting
| Accident-prone
| Easily frustrated or annoyed | Trouble organising thoughts onto paper |
Makes 'silly' mistakes
| Trouble switching off/sleeping
| Blurts out answers/secrets
| Hard to calm down | Poor sense of time |
Trouble switching between tasks – getting lost.
| Talks excessively
| Doesn't mean to do or say everything they do
| Self-soothing is difficult | Often late |
Difficulty keeping track and remembering instructions
|
| Rushes into things
|
| Doesn't mentally rehearse before entering new situations |
Important facts about ADHD
Each person vary in the type, number, frequency and severity of their ADHD behaviour/symptoms. To determine if you, or someone you know, has ADHD and to get the best treatment, a formal assessment is needed.
Our ADHD diagnosis page has information on assessment for adults and children as well as links to our self-assessment tool and healthcare directory: ADHD NZ - ADHD diagnosis
ADHD is real
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, which can lead to a delay in the development of part of the brain that's responsible for filtering and control. Nobody chooses to experiene this and it does not relate to willfull naughtiness or laziness.
How the public, whānau, and professionals understand ADHD has changed over the generations. There is much less stigma around getting an assessment for ADHD, although people can still encounter this. In such cases it can be even more important to have timely support that meets a person’s needs.
ADHD in adulthood
More and more people are getting assessed and diagnosed with ADHD than ever before, and the highest proportion are adults. Often, these are parents who have had their child assessed and realise they too experience the behaviours/symptoms.
Adulthood can provide the opportunity to understand yourself in new and non-judgmental ways. This can allow for support structures to help adapt to different situations, relationships, workplace requirements, and life stages.
- Our adults with ADHD page has information on what ADHD can look like in adulthood, resources on ADHD and mahi (work), and links to support groups, organisationa and events - ADHD NZ - Adults with ADHD
- New Zealand Doctor has released a free article adult ADHD presents across the lifespan – from young adulthood to midlife and later life, and what each phase means - Adult ADHD across the lifespan (nzdoctor.co.nz)
Having ADHD can also mean you have immense strengths
These include being energetic, enthusiastic, creative, highly intuitive, sensitive and fun. You're also more likely to become experts in your field.
Parents, teachers, employers, colleagues, partners and friends who understand, can support and help you to manage ADHD by recognising and enhancing these strengths. They know that ADHD is different but not less.
ADHD NZ - Managing ADHD
Learn about ADHD from ADHDers
The best way to learn about ADHD is from the horse's mouth. Check out our Vlogs, blogs and podcasts page for information from content creators with ADHD, our This is ADHD awareness campaign, which shares the stories of amazing New Zealanders with ADHD and the ADHD support groups page for ways to connect with other ADHDers in your community:
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