In short: ADHD symptoms fall into two groups — inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. In adults hyperactivity often becomes inner restlessness, and symptoms show up as missed deadlines, lost items and emotional overwhelm.
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ADHD symptoms are grouped by the DSM-5 into inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. To be diagnosed, symptoms must have started before age 12, appear in more than one setting (home, work, school) and interfere with daily life.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms
- Careless mistakes; missing details
- Trouble sustaining attention in tasks or conversations
- Seeming not to listen when spoken to
- Not finishing tasks; losing track midway
- Difficulty organising tasks, time and belongings
- Avoiding tasks that need sustained mental effort
- Losing keys, phone, wallet
- Easily distracted
- Forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactive and impulsive ADHD symptoms
- Fidgeting, tapping, squirming
- Leaving your seat when expected to stay
- Restlessness (in adults often an inner feeling)
- Difficulty doing things quietly
- Feeling “driven by a motor”
- Talking a lot; finishing others’ sentences
- Difficulty waiting your turn; interrupting
Adult ADHD symptoms: how they show up in real life
Adults rarely run around a room. Instead, signs of ADHD in adults include chronic lateness, unpaid bills despite having the money, starting many projects, hyperfocus on interests, emotional intensity and rejection sensitivity, and feeling exhausted from compensating.
ADHD symptoms in women
Women and girls more often have the inattentive presentation and mask well, so they are frequently diagnosed late — sometimes after anxiety or depression is treated first.
ADHD symptoms in children
Parents: see our Kids & Parents hub for a guide to signs in children by age.
What to do next
Take the free ASRS ADHD self-screen, then read how to get assessed in South Africa.
Where to next?
Adults: late diagnosis, burnout, treatment, “do I have it?”I’m here for my child →
Parents: signs by age, assessment, school, support
Sources & further reading
- CDC — Symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD (DSM-5 criteria)
- NHS — ADHD in adults: symptoms
- CHADD — ADHD in adults
Last checked: 31 October 2026. If you spot something out of date, tell us.