Undiagnosed ADHD in Adults: 10 Symptoms and How to Get Help

clytenjeri
2 days ago
4 min read

Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is more common than many people realize, and for countless adults, it goes undiagnosed for years. You may have grown up believing you were simply “disorganized,” “lazy,” or “bad with time,” when in reality you were dealing with an unmanaged neurological condition.

If you have ever struggled with focus, impulsive decisions, or constant mental overload, this article will help you understand what ADHD is, the different types, and how to recognize the signs in adults.

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain regulates attention, impulses, and activity levels. While it is often diagnosed in childhood, many people carry it into adulthood without ever receiving support or a formal diagnosis.

Adult ADHD can impact work performance, relationships, finances, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life. However, with the right care and coping strategies, people with ADHD can lead highly successful and fulfilling lives. Learn more

Types of ADHD

There are three main types of ADHD, and adults may fall into any one of these categories:

1. Predominantly Inattentive ADHD

This type is often missed because it does not present with obvious hyperactivity. Symptoms may include:

Difficulty staying focused
Trouble following instructions
Forgetfulness
Frequent daydreaming
Poor organization

This is sometimes informally called ADD, although that term is no longer used clinically.

2. Predominantly Hyperactive or Impulsive ADHD

People with this type tend to feel restless and act before thinking. Common traits include:

Constant fidgeting
Talking excessively
Interrupting others
Difficulty sitting still
Impulsive decisions

3. Combined Type ADHD

This is the most common form of ADHD and includes both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

10 Signs of Adult ADHD

While symptoms vary from person to person, the following are common signs of ADHD in adults:

Chronic procrastination
Trouble focusing on tasks or conversations
Frequently losing keys, phones, or important items
Poor time management and always running late
Difficulty completing tasks
Forgetting appointments or deadlines
Emotional sensitivity or mood swings
Impulsive decisions (shopping, conversations, relationships)
Difficulty maintaining routines
Feeling mentally “overwhelmed” most of the time

If several of these describe your daily experience, ADHD may be worth exploring with a professional.

How to Know if You Have Adult ADHD

ADHD cannot be diagnosed through a simple online test alone, but these questions can help you reflect:

Do I struggle with the same focus and organization problems at work and at home?
Did I experience similar challenges as a child or teenager?
Do these difficulties affect my performance, relationships, or self-esteem?

A formal diagnosis is usually made by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or qualified healthcare professional using:

Clinical interviews
Behavioral assessments
Personal and family history
Symptom questionnaires

Remember: Self-awareness is the first step toward support, not a label of weakness.

Taking the Next Step: How to Get Started

If you think you may have ADHD, here are practical steps you can take:

Speak to a mental health professional for an evaluation
Track your symptoms daily or weekly
Create structure using planners and reminders
Prioritize healthy habits (sleep, exercise, nutrition)
Seek therapy or coaching to develop coping skills

Treatment options may include:

Behavioral therapy
ADHD coaching
Medication (when prescribed)
Lifestyle modifications
Support groups

Getting help can not only improve your productivity — it can transform your self-confidence and relationships.

How Jabali Health Supports Adults with ADHD

Jabali Health provides compassionate, professional, and culturally responsive mental health care for adults living with attention challenges. Whether you are newly exploring an ADHD diagnosis or already managing symptoms, Jabali offers support at every stage of your journey.

Here’s how Jabali helps:

1. Professional ADHD assessment & screening: Licensed mental health professionals conduct structured evaluations to help identify ADHD symptoms and rule out related conditions such as anxiety, depression, or burnout.

2. Personalized treatment plans. Every client receives a customized care plan based on their symptoms, lifestyle, work demands, and personal goals.

3. Therapy and coping skills training: Jabali provides evidence-based therapies, including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Executive functioning skill-building
Time management and organization strategies
Emotional regulation techniques

4. Support for daily functioning: Clients learn practical tools to improve:

Focus and concentration
Work performance
Goal-setting and consistency
Relationship communication
Stress and overwhelm management

5. Flexible and accessible care: Jabali Health offers both in-person and online therapy options to fit busy adult schedules, making support easier to access anywhere.

6. Ongoing monitoring and support: ADHD management is a long-term process. Jabali provides continuous check-ins, support, and adjustments as your needs evolve.

Conclusion

Adult ADHD is not a failure or a flaw. It is simply a different way the brain is wired, and with proper guidance, it can become your strength rather than your struggle.

If this article resonated with you, consider reaching out to Jabali Behavioral Health today. Early support can lead to lasting change.

You are not alone, and help is available.

Book your ADHD consultation today and take your first step toward clarity and control.

References

Mayo Clinic. (2023, January 25). Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878

NIMH. (2025). ADHD in adults: 4 things to know. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know

Roth, E. (n.d.). Types of ADHD: Inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/three-types-adhd