ADHD Symptoms and Treatment

December 2, 2025

I have often seen many people diagnose themselves with ADHD usually because “I took a test online.” It is important to not put too much stock in online tests as many mental health disorders can have the same or similar symptoms of ADHD. In fact, many adults were erroneously diagnosed with ADHD as children when in actuality they had posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, or another type of anxiety disorder. Often in children, symptoms of ADHD and posttraumatic stress disorder look the same. If a child has been exposed to domestic violence, or physical or sexual abuse it would make sense if that child had difficulty focusing at school or was fidgety or exhibited restless behavior. Trauma often does that to people. This is why it is so important to have a qualified mental health professional evaluate a person’s symptoms with a comprehensive clinical interview as well as administering a battery of tests to determine if the person has ADHD or another mental health condition.

So, what is ADHD exactly? ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, which is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person’s ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate their activity levels. It is commonly diagnosed in children, but its symptoms can persist into adolescence and adulthood.

There are three main types of ADHD, based on which symptoms are most prominent:

  1. ADHD, Inattentive Type: This type is characterized by difficulty staying focused, following through on tasks, and organizing activities. People may appear forgetful or easily distracted.
  2. ADHD, Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: People with this type may have difficulty sitting still, are often fidgety, talk excessively, and may struggle to wait their turn or control impulses.
  3. ADHD, Combined Type: This type involves a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

  • Trouble staying focused on tasks
  • Easily distracted by external stimuli
  • Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
  • Forgetfulness
  • Restlessness or fidgeting
  • Interrupting others during conversations or activities
  • Difficulty following instructions or completing assignments.

The exact cause of ADHD isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Some research points to differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas that help regulate attention and behavior.

ADHD can impact many areas of daily life, including school, work, relationships, and personal well-being. ADHD can affect:

  1. School/Work
  • Challenges: People with ADHD often struggle with tasks that require sustained attention, organization, and time management. In school, this might look like difficulty completing assignments, forgetfulness about deadlines, and a tendency to get distracted during lessons. In the workplace, it can manifest as difficulty prioritizing tasks, following through with projects, or staying focused during meetings.
  • Strategies/Support:
    • Accommodations: In both school and work settings, people with ADHD might benefit from accommodations, like extra time on tests, frequent breaks, or a quieter workspace.
    • Time management tools: Using planners, reminders, or digital tools can help individuals with ADHD stay organized.
    • Task breakdown: Breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable steps can make them seem less overwhelming.
  1. Relationships
  • Challenges: ADHD can sometimes make communication and relationship-building difficult. People with ADHD might interrupt conversations, forget important dates (like anniversaries or meetings), or seem inattentive when someone is talking. This can lead to frustration or misunderstandings in both personal and professional relationships.
  • Strategies/Support:
    • Open communication: Discussing ADHD openly with loved ones can foster understanding and patience.
    • Setting reminders: Using a phone calendar or setting alarms can help remember important events or commitments.
    • Therapy: Couples therapy or individual therapy can help people with ADHD develop better coping strategies and communication skills.
  1. Personal Well-Being
  • Challenges: ADHD can lead to feelings of frustration, low self-esteem, and stress, especially when someone feels they aren’t living up to their potential or are constantly struggling with tasks that seem easy for others. It’s also common for individuals to have difficulty with sleep, maintaining routines, or handling emotional regulation.
  • Strategies/Support:
    • Exercise and healthy habits: Regular physical activity can help regulate mood, improve focus, and reduce impulsivity. A balanced diet and enough sleep are also important.
    • Mindfulness and relaxation: Techniques like mindfulness meditation can help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and manage stress.
    • Support networks: Joining ADHD support groups, either in person or online, can provide a sense of community and validation.
  1. Treatment Options

Treatment typically includes a combination of behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication (like stimulants, which help increase dopamine and norepinephrine activity in the brain).

Behavioral Therapy:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals change negative thought patterns and develop better coping strategies for managing the symptoms of ADHD.
  • Parent Training: Parents of children with ADHD often benefit from training to learn how to manage behavior, set routines, and use positive reinforcement effectively.
  • Coaching: ADHD coaching focuses on practical skills, like goal-setting, time management, and organizing tasks.

Medications:

Medications, particularly stimulants, are one of the most common and effective treatments for ADHD.

  • Stimulants: Medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines (Adderall, Vyvanse) are the most commonly prescribed and work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These medications help improve focus and reduce impulsivity.
  • Non-stimulant medications: Options like atomoxetine (Strattera) or guanfacine (Intuniv) are sometimes used when stimulants aren’t effective or cause side effects.

Lifestyle Changes:

  • Regular routine: Consistency in daily routines can help reduce anxiety and improve focus.
  • Healthy eating and exercise: Regular exercise (especially aerobic) has been shown to help with ADHD symptoms by improving brain function and reducing stress. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins can also support cognitive function.
  • Sleep: ADHD often comes with sleep disturbances, so maintaining a regular sleep schedule is crucial for managing symptoms.
  1. ADHD in Adults
  • Many adults with ADHD have learned strategies to cope, but they may still experience challenges in certain areas of life, such as holding down a job or maintaining relationships. Adult ADHD can often go undiagnosed, as symptoms are sometimes overlooked or misattributed to other factors like anxiety or depression.
  • Workplace challenges: Adults with ADHD may struggle with organization, time management, and meeting deadlines at work. They may also be more prone to stress or feeling overwhelmed.
  • Management: Adults with ADHD often benefit from therapy, medication, and organizational tools, like task management apps, reminders, and planners.

If you noticed yourself in some of these symptoms and want an appointment with a mental health professional request an appointment today.