Adult ADHD & Psychology | Psychology and Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist
Living with a Racing Mind: Understanding Adult ADHD
Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is more common than many people realise. Once thought to be a childhood condition that people “grew out of,” we now understand that ADHD often continues into adulthood, though it can present differently than in children. Many adults reach their 30s, 40s, or even later before finally receiving a diagnosis that helps explain a lifelong pattern of forgetfulness, restlessness, impulsivity, or difficulties with focus.
This post explores how ADHD shows up in adults, the impact it can have on psychological wellbeing, and the hope that comes from understanding and working with—not against—your neurodiversity.
What Does ADHD Look Like in Adults?
Adult ADHD isn’t always about hyperactivity. Instead, it may show up as:
- Persistent distractibility: Difficulty completing tasks, staying on topic, or following through on plans.
- Restlessness: A sense of internal agitation or being unable to relax.
- Disorganisation: Trouble managing time, remembering appointments, or keeping spaces tidy.
- Emotional intensity: Feelings may come on quickly and strongly, often with difficulty regulating reactions.
- Impulsivity: Making snap decisions without considering consequences.
- Chronic procrastination: Avoiding tasks, even important ones, and often feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
Importantly, many adults with ADHD are intelligent, creative, empathetic, and intuitive. These strengths are often overlooked because of the difficulties navigating a world designed for more linear, consistent attention styles.
The Psychological Toll of Undiagnosed ADHD
Adults with undiagnosed or unsupported ADHD often carry a lifetime of being misunderstood. They may have been labelled as lazy, unreliable, or “too much.” This can lead to:
- Low self-esteem
- Shame or guilt
- Anxiety and depression
- Chronic stress or burnout
- Relationship difficulties
- Career struggles despite high potential
These outcomes aren’t due to a lack of intelligence or effort—they reflect a mismatch between a person’s needs and the demands placed upon them without the right support.
Getting Help: Assessment and Treatment
A comprehensive ADHD assessment for adults usually involves a clinical interview, symptom questionnaires, and a developmental history. It’s not about ticking boxes—it’s about understanding your experiences in context.
Once identified, ADHD can be supported through:
- Psychological therapy: Especially CBT, mindfulness-based approaches, or coaching techniques tailored for ADHD.
- Medication: For many, stimulant or non-stimulant medications can improve concentration, reduce impulsivity, and regulate mood.
- Lifestyle strategies: Structuring time, using reminders or apps, creating routines, and learning to break down complex tasks can help manage symptoms.
Therapy can also help you process the emotional impact of ADHD, reframing years of frustration or failure through a more compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming lens.
Moving Forward: A New Way of Seeing Yourself
Living with ADHD as an adult means finding new ways to relate to your brain, your identity, and your goals. It’s about recognising that many of the challenges you’ve faced were never personal failings, but the result of an invisible condition.
With support, adults with ADHD can thrive and rediscover their confidence, find satisfying work, and build fulfilling relationships. The first step is acknowledging the struggle and knowing you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Resources and Support
- ADHD Australia – Information, advocacy, and support services
- ADDitude Magazine – A leading online resource for ADHD in adults
- Contact me at Hennessy Clinical Psychology to explore assessment or therapy options.
