Understanding ADHD in Adults: What You Should Know
Understanding ADHD in Adults: What You Should Know
When most people think of ADHD, they picture a hyperactive child bouncing off the walls. But Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) doesn’t just affect kids—it often continues into adulthood, and in many cases, it isn’t even diagnosed until later in life.
As a therapist serving clients across New York and Connecticut, I work with many adults who are navigating the impact of ADHD on their careers, relationships, and emotional well-being. If you’ve ever felt easily distracted, overwhelmed, or like your brain just won’t slow down, you’re not alone.
Let’s break down what adult ADHD really looks like—and what you can do about it.
What Is ADHD in Adults?
ADHD in adults is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, and organization. It’s not about being lazy or unfocused—it’s about how your brain processes and prioritizes information.
Many adults with ADHD were either misdiagnosed or undiagnosed as children, often because their symptoms didn’t match the “classic” presentation.
Common Signs of ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms in adults can be more subtle than in kids, but they’re just as impactful. You might experience:
Difficulty focusing or finishing tasks
Chronic disorganization or forgetfulness
Procrastination and time blindness
Impulsivity (interrupting, overspending, emotional outbursts)
Feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities
Restlessness or trouble relaxing
Emotional sensitivity or frequent frustration
It’s also common to struggle with self-esteem or feel like you’re always “behind,” despite working hard.
ADHD Often Coexists With Other Conditions
Many adults with ADHD also deal with anxiety, depression, or mood instability. Sometimes these issues are treated instead of the underlying ADHD—leaving people feeling stuck or misunderstood.
Proper assessment and treatment of ADHD can bring clarity to years of confusion or self-doubt.
How Therapy Can Help Adults with ADHD
While medication is one part of ADHD treatment, therapy—especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or DBT-informed therapy—can be just as transformative.
As a licensed therapist in Westchester County, NY, I support adults with ADHD by helping them:
Create structure and routines that actually work for their brain
Understand and manage emotional responses
Build time management and organizational skills
Reduce shame and reframe self-critical thoughts
Strengthen communication and relationships
You’re Not “Just Disorganized”—You Deserve Real Support
If you’ve been wondering why certain things feel harder for you than they seem to be for others—managing time, staying focused, keeping up with tasks—it might not be a character flaw. It might be ADHD.
The truth is, ADHD in adults often goes unrecognized for years. But getting the right support can shift how you function and how you feel about yourself. Therapy can give you the structure, tools, and perspective you’ve been missing—not to fix you, but to work with your brain, not against it.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you suspect ADHD is playing a role in your day-to-day challenges, you don’t have to keep figuring it out alone. I work with adults across New York and Connecticut, offering ADHD-informed therapy that’s practical, collaborative, and tailored to your real life.
Katie O’Leary, LCSW
Licensed Therapist | Serving New York & Connecticut | Virtual Sessions Available
👉 Reach out today to learn more about adult ADHD therapy near you and take the next step toward clarity and confidence.