Woman diagnosed with ADHD later in life explains the three ‘defining traits’ people may miss

An increasing number of people are being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood

A woman who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult has shared three of the ‘most overlooked’ symptoms to look out for.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that affects people’s behaviour, with it primarily being split into two categories, inattentiveness and hyperactivity, according to the NHS.

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While most cases of ADHD are diagnosed during childhood, there are an increasing number of adults diagnosed with the condition later on in life – with signs displayed in childhood often being overlooked or misdiagnosed.

In fact, according to a study published in JAMA, prevalence of adult ADHD diagnosis had doubled between the years 2007 and 2016.

For this reason, an increasing number of people have been taking to social media to raise awareness of ADHD in adulthood, including the signs and symptoms that might vary from the ‘typical’ ones associated with childhood.

According to Coach Jennifer Salzman – who goes by @rebelwithoutadrink – there are three ‘defining traits’ to look out for.

ADHD can present differently in children and adults (Getty Stock Images)

An interest-based nervous system

“ADHD doesn’t actually cause a deficit of attention, it causes inconsistent attention that is only activated by certain circumstances,” says Jennifer, quoting research from ADHD specialist, Dr William Dodson.

“Interest, passion, novelty, challenge, or urgency.”

Medcircle further explains this system is largely based on interest, meaning that those with ADHD tend to prioritise interesting topics over important ones, even if they ‘come with a consequence or add pressure to completing another task’.

And while everyone loves that feeling of accomplishment from a difficult task, those with ADHD take greater pride in it – especially, as Medcircle puts it, because society often emphasises importance rather than interest.

Those with ADHD tend to prioritise interesting tasks over important ones (Getty stock images)

Emotional hyper-arousal

Jennifer explains that exhibiting emotional hyper-arousal is when a person has an intense response to something.

Prior to her ADHD diagnosis, Jennifer experienced this trait for years.

“An emotional hyper-arousal is intense, rapid and overwhelming response to things,” she says.

Speaking to ADDitude, Dodson further elaborates on this, stating that ADHD caused an ‘internal feeling of hyperarousal’ in some, leading them unable to relax while attempting to watch TV, for instance.

He adds: “People with ADHD have passionate thoughts and emotions that are more intense than those of the average person. “Their highs are higher and their lows are lower. This means you may experience both happiness and criticism more powerfully than your peers and loved ones do.”

Rejection sensitivity is also a common trait in those with ADHD (Getty stock images)

Rejection sensitivity

Thirdly, an intense sensitivity toward rejection can also be seen in those with ADHD.

“That feeling of intense emotional pain whenever we feel like we’re being criticised or rejected,” adds Jennifer.

According to Cleveland Clinic, rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) is character by ‘severe emotional pain because of a failure or being rejected’ – or even the perception of rejection.

Dodson says that while fear of rejection is common for everyone, those with ADHD experience it more intensely.

He continues to say that it is can look like ‘an impressive, instantaneous rage at the person or situation responsible for causing the pain’ or is internalised as ‘a full, major mood disorder complete with suicidal ideation’, which can often led to it being misdiagnosed as a ‘rapid cycling mood disorder’.

And Jennifer’s followers were quick to comment on the video, sharing their own experiences.

One person wrote: “You just defined me. Diagnosed late in life,” while another said: “I have all 3, and I’ve seen more ADHD therapists talk about them recently, but only very recently.”

And a third added: “Um you just described my entire personality.”