Do you have ADHD?

Do I Have ADHD? Here’s How to Tell (+ Validated Screener)

Feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or like your brain has 100 tabs open at all times? You might be wondering: Do I have ADHD?

You’re not alone. ADHD isn’t just about hyperactivity or childhood behavior—it’s a lifelong, often misunderstood condition that can affect everything from your relationships to your career. At Open Road Psych, we specialize in ADHD evaluation and treatment for children, teens, and adults across Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Florida, and Delaware —offering both in-person and virtual care.

In this post, we’ll walk you through:

• What ADHD really looks like in adults

• Why so many people go undiagnosed

• What the latest research says

• A link to a validated ADHD self-assessment you can try today

What ADHD Actually Looks Like in Adults

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain regulates focus, planning, motivation, memory, and self-control (Barkley, 2023). And in adults, it can be more subtle and more disruptive than most people expect.

Common Signs of Adult ADHD Include:

• Trouble focusing, especially on boring or repetitive tasks

• Chronic procrastination—even for things you care about

• Forgetting appointments or deadlines

• Impulsive decisions or difficulty managing money

• Struggles with time management, motivation, or emotional regulation

• Feeling overwhelmed by “simple” tasks that require multiple steps

• A lifelong pattern of underachievement despite intelligence or effort

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many adults don’t realize they have ADHD because they’ve spent years blaming themselves—or being misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or a personality flaw.

Why ADHD Is Often Missed—Especially in Women

Research shows that ADHD is significantly underdiagnosed in women, who are more likely to internalize their symptoms. Rather than being seen as “hyper,” they may be described as “spacey,” “emotional,” “disorganized,” or “anxious.” Because they’re often trying to mask or overcompensate for symptoms, their ADHD may go undetected for years—sometimes until they become parents or take on overwhelming workloads (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014).

Even among men, ADHD often flies under the radar if they were bright enough to coast through school or labeled as “lazy” rather than “struggling.”

The Science Behind Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD isn’t a personality flaw—it’s a highly heritable neurological condition. Studies show it affects about 4.4% of U.S. adults, yet only 20% ever receive a diagnosis or treatment (Fayyad et al., 2017).

When untreated, ADHD can increase the risk for:

• Anxiety and depression (Katzman et al., 2017)

• Substance use disorders (Wilens et al., 2011)

• Employment and financial instability (Barkley & Murphy, 2010)

• Relationship difficulties and low self-esteem

The good news? Effective treatments exist, and early recognition can significantly improve outcomes.

Take the First Step: Try a Validated ADHD Screener

If you’re wondering whether you may have ADHD, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) is a quick, evidence-based screening tool developed by the World Health Organization.

Take the screener here:

https://psychology-tools.com/test/adult-adhd-self-report-scale

This isn’t a diagnosis—but it can help you start the conversation.

How We Can Help at Open Road Psych

If you resonate with these symptoms or score high on the screener, you don’t have to keep guessing. At Open Road Psych, we offer expert psychiatric evaluations and ADHD treatment options tailored to your life—not just your symptoms. Whether you’re newly exploring ADHD, seeking a second opinion, or looking for support for your child or teen, we’re here to guide the process with clarity and compassion.

Ready to find answers? Text 484-739-0615, email amd@openroadpsych.com, or send a message: https://www.openroadpsych.com/contact

Your brain isn’t broken—it just works differently. Let’s help you work with it, not against it.

Sources:

• Barkley, R. A. (2023). Taking Charge of Adult ADHD

• Fayyad, J., et al. (2017). “The burden of adult ADHD in the USA: Results from the WHO World Mental Health Survey Initiative.” Psychological Medicine.

• Quinn, P. O., & Madhoo, M. (2014). “A Review of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Women and Girls.” The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders

• Katzman, M. A., et al. (2017). “Adult ADHD and comorbid disorders: Clinical implications of a changing landscape.” Current Psychiatry Reports

• Wilens, T. E., et al. (2011). “ADHD and substance use disorders: The role of stimulant treatment.” The American Journal of Psychiatry

• Barkley, R. A., & Murphy, K. R. (2010). ADHD in Adults: What the Science SayS