You mention hyperactivity, and this is one of the areas of ADHD that does seem to present a bit differently in adulthood. For example, the overt hyperactivity may not be as prevalent. Instead, a person may experience feelings of uncomfortable restlessness. Below is a listing of a few of the ways hyperactive or impulsive symptoms may present differently in children versus adults.
Childhood
Squirming, fidgetingCan’t stay seated in class, mealsCan’t wait a turnBlurts out answers before questions have been completely askedRuns and climbs excessivelyCan’t play or work quietlyOn the go, driven by a motorTalks excessivelyIntrudes on personal space; interrupts others
Adulthood
Needs to move; feels restless inside, fidgetyCan’t sit through meetings, meals, moviesExtremely impatientFinishes people’s sentences; draws rapid conclusionsDrives too fast, recklessPrefers very active jobOn the go; low tolerance for frustrationTalks excessively; makes inappropriate commentsInterrupts others; monopolizes conversations
Common symptoms of adult ADHD may also include poor attention; excessive distractibility; spacing out; problems with memory and forgetfulness; frequently losing things; trouble organizing steps in a project; chronic lateness; procrastination; trouble starting and finishing tasks; careless mistakes; and disorganization. For many people with ADHD, the symptoms related to inattentiveness often become more prominent in adulthood, while the hyperactivity symptoms become ones that are felt much more internally than observed outwardly.
