If you often forget appointments, lose focus during conversations, or start multiple tasks but rarely finish them, you might think it’s just stress or distraction. But sometimes, the cause could be deeper — Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ADHD is not only a childhood condition. Many adults live with it for years without knowing. They assume their problems with attention, restlessness, or disorganisation are just part of their personality. However, psychiatrists say it’s often the brain’s attention and impulse control system that works differently.
“Most adults with ADHD don’t even realise they have it,” explains Dr Fabian Almeida, Consultant Psychiatrist at Fortis Hospital, Kalyan. “They are often called lazy, careless, or disorganised, but these are symptoms of how their brain functions.”
In adults, ADHD symptoms are usually more subtle than in children. Instead of being loud or hyperactive, adults may feel constantly restless, forgetful, or mentally scattered. They may appear successful but often feel like they are struggling internally.
Some common signs of ADHD in adults include:
Restlessness or a racing mind that rarely calms down.
Misplacing things or missing deadlines often.
Acting impulsively — like interrupting conversations or making quick purchases.
Feeling moody, irritated, or frustrated easily.
Trouble focusing or remembering small details (“brain fog”).
Many adults with ADHD also experience anxiety or depression, but those are often treated separately while the real cause — ADHD — remains hidden.
According to Dr Kersi Chavda, Consultant Psychiatrist at P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Khar, “Many adults with ADHD appear fine on the outside but feel chaotic inside. They may perform well under pressure but find it hard to stay consistent.”
He explains that some people overcompensate — they push themselves to work extra hard to meet deadlines or maintain control. While they might seem organised, it often comes with guilt, self-doubt, and mental exhaustion. “It’s like living with constant chaos that no one else can see,” says Dr Chavda.
Everyday examples show how ADHD affects life:
Starting many projects but finishing very few.
Forgetting simple things like keys or documents.
Struggling to sit through long meetings.
Constantly checking the phone or fidgeting.
Feeling tense even while relaxing.
Talking without thinking or reacting emotionally too fast.
These behaviours aren’t caused by laziness or lack of intelligence. ADHD affects how the brain’s reward and motivation systems work. This means tasks that don’t give immediate results feel harder to start or complete. Many people with ADHD only begin working when the pressure of a deadline hits.
If these patterns sound familiar, experts recommend seeking a professional opinion rather than self-diagnosing. “ADHD diagnosis isn’t based on guesses,” says Dr Almeida. “We collect detailed information about a person’s history, childhood behaviour, school performance, and current symptoms.”
Psychiatrists often use psychometric tests to assess attention, concentration, and impulse control. These tests also help rule out other conditions like anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues that can look similar to ADHD.
Once confirmed, treatment is personalised. It usually includes a mix of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Medication helps balance brain chemicals, while therapy teaches strategies to manage focus and control impulsive behaviour.
“Medication helps stabilise the brain, but structure and awareness make the biggest difference,” says Dr Almeida. “Once you know how your brain works, you can plan your life accordingly.”
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Living with ADHD can be challenging, but with the right tools, it is manageable. Experts suggest:
Use planners or reminders to stay organised.
Break large tasks into smaller, doable steps.
Exercise regularly, as it helps improve focus.
Sleep well to reduce irritability and forgetfulness.
Practice mindfulness to calm a restless mind.
Support from family, friends, and professionals makes a big difference. With awareness and understanding, many people with ADHD lead productive and successful lives.
Dr Chavda believes that recognising ADHD is the first step toward peace of mind. “Once you understand it’s not your fault, you stop fighting yourself,” he says. “You learn to work with your brain, not against it.”
Untreated ADHD can affect work performance, relationships, and self-esteem. But once diagnosed and managed properly, people often find relief and confidence. The condition doesn’t define who you are — it simply explains how your brain works differently.
As experts say, adult ADHD isn’t a weakness or a failure. It’s a neurological difference that deserves attention, not judgment. Awareness helps people stop blaming themselves and start improving their quality of life.
Because understanding your mind is the first step to taking control of it — and to finally finding focus where it once felt impossible.
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