Understanding ADHD
ADHD in adults
In adults, ADHD often looks different than in children. Less visible, but no less present. Many people only discover as adults that their symptoms fit ADHD.
What you may notice
Inner restlessness
Hyperactive behaviour often gives way to an inner restlessness: a mind that is always switched on and difficulty relaxing.Planning and organising
Keeping an overview, separating main issues from side issues, starting on time and keeping appointments take a lot of effort.Emotions
Many adults with ADHD struggle with changeable or intense emotions. This is not part of the official criteria, but it is often mentioned.Discovered later
The symptoms have been there since childhood. Yet many people only discover as adults that it is ADHD.
Through the years
Childhood
Often noticeable at primary school
Being overactive, not listening, being unable to sit still, reacting impulsively or making careless mistakes. It often becomes noticeable when a child starts primary school. Many young children are very active; that does not necessarily mean ADHD.
Source: JGZ-richtlijn ADHD (Dutch youth healthcare guideline); ThuisartsADHD rarely comes alone
3 in 4
adults with ADHD also have another condition, such as sleep problems, anxiety, low mood or an addiction.
And other symptoms can sometimes resemble ADHD. That is why we always look at the full picture in the assessment.
ADHD and something else
Often occurs together with ADHD
Resembles ADHD
Can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD
- Long-term stress
- Burnout or overload
- Low mood
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Sleep problems
One difference
ADHD has been present since childhood and persists. Anxiety and depression more often come in episodes.
Questions about ADHD in adults
- ADHD starts in childhood. However, many people only discover as adults that their symptoms fit ADHD. That is why we also look at your childhood for the diagnosis.
- In some children the symptoms disappear, but in at least two thirds, limitations remain in adulthood. The symptoms can change, though, and with treatment you can learn to deal with them better.
- Take the self-test for a first impression and discuss the result with your GP. Your GP can refer you to us.
Sources
- Trimbos / VZinfo – ADHD in the population (NEMESIS-3) (in Dutch) (opens in a new window)
- Kooij et al. (2019) – European consensus statement on ADHD in adults (opens in a new window)
- Thuisarts – ADHD in adults (in Dutch) (opens in a new window)
- Guideline on ADHD in adults (NVvP, Dutch Psychiatric Association) (in Dutch) (opens in a new window)
- Kenniscentrum Kinder- en Jeugdpsychiatrie – Young adults (in Dutch) (opens in a new window)
- JGZ guideline ADHD (youth health care) – diagnosis according to the DSM-5 (in Dutch) (opens in a new window)
Checked in October 2026.
Understanding ADHD
Read more
- What is ADHD?ADHD explained: the three core features, the three types according to the DSM-5, what happens in the brain, what causes ADHD and which misconceptions exist.
- ADHD in childrenFor parents: how ADHD shows itself in children, where you can go (youth health doctor, neighbourhood team, GP), what you can do at home and what changes at 18.
- ADHD in womenWhy ADHD in girls and women is often recognised later: the inattentive type, adapting and compensating, and the role of hormones.
Do you recognise yourself in this?
The self-test gives you a first impression in about five minutes. It is not a diagnosis; discuss the result with your GP.