Uncovering the Common Symptoms of ADHD in Children and Adults

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurological condition that impacts both behavior and brain function. This mental health disorder affects millions of people worldwide and often begins during childhood. For many people, symptoms appear as early as age 3, and become more apparent once children start school and face academic and social demands. It’s important to note that, while ADHD is often associated with children, the condition itself doesn’t simply go away with age. For some, symptoms like impulsivity, distractibility, or restlessness persist or even intensify in adulthood. Recognizing the symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults is essential because the symptoms often look different at each stage of life. That’s where we come in!

How Serenity Can Help

At Serenity Mental Health Centers, we understand how difficult it can be to live with untreated ADHD. Whether you're a parent trying to help your child or an adult trying to make sense of lifelong challenges, you can rest assured that we can help alleviate the stress of your disorder. Our board-certified psychiatrists are experienced in diagnosing and treating ADHD with both compassion and expertise. We use advanced ADHD testing tools, including the QbTest—a cutting-edge, FDA-cleared test that tracks attention, movement, and impulse control using objective data.

Once we have a clear diagnosis, our team can recommend a personalized treatment plan tailored just for you. Our plans often involve ADHD medication or TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). TMS is a medication-free, FDA-approved treatment option that shows great promise for our patients who haven’t found relief through traditional methods. Our patients who undergo TMS often report better focus, reduced impulsivity, and a newfound sense of control over their lives.

Do I Have ADHD?

This is a question many people ask themselves, especially those who’ve always felt a little different but never knew why. ADHD can be tricky to recognize, particularly in adults who may have learned to mask or manage their symptoms. For example: You might be highly creative but struggle to finish tasks, or maybe your mind races so quickly you forget conversations or appointments. You might constantly feel overwhelmed, even by small responsibilities. For children, the signs often show up as disruptive behavior, difficulty paying attention in school, or frequent emotional outbursts.

The truth is, ADHD isn’t about a lack of intelligence or motivation. It’s a neurological condition that affects how your mind processes information and responds to the world. Understanding the ADHD symptoms you or your loved one are experiencing is the first step toward clarity and healing. If any of these behaviors feel or sound familiar, it may be time to consider ADHD testing and speak with one of our local psychiatrists.

Symptoms of ADHD in Children

ADHD in children is often spotted early in school-aged kids. Teachers may be the first to notice if a child is falling behind academically, fidgeting constantly, or talking excessively in class. These behaviors aren’t intentional, and it could help to discuss any signs or symptoms with your child’s teacher(s). Children with ADHD often have a harder time regulating their thoughts, emotions, and actions. Here are some of the most common ADHD symptoms seen in children:

• Inattention: Easily distracted, makes careless mistakes with schoolwork, forgets tasks, and avoids activities that require sustained mental effort.
• Hyperactivity: Constantly moving, unable to sit still, fidgeting, tapping, or getting up when it’s inappropriate to do so.
• Impulsivity: Interrupts conversations, blurts out answers, struggles to wait their turn, and may act without thinking about consequences.

The emotional impact of ADHD can be just as difficult as the behavioral challenges. Children with ADHD often experience low self-esteem and frustration because they’re frequently reprimanded for behaviors they can’t control. With early ADHD testing and supportive treatment, many kids go on to thrive both academically and socially.

Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

While some ADHD symptoms fade over time, others can linger into adulthood and even manifest in new ways. Adults with ADHD might not be visibly hyperactive, but they often describe feeling “restless” or unable to relax. Many struggle with organization, time management, or forgetfulness, which can affect everything from relationships to career growth. Here are some signs of ADHD in adults:

• Chronic disorganization: Difficulty managing schedules, finances, or household responsibilities.
• Emotional dysregulation: Mood swings, irritability, and feeling easily overwhelmed.
• Poor focus: Trouble staying on task, especially in meetings or conversations.
• Restlessness or impulsivity: Interrupting others, difficulty waiting, or taking unnecessary risks.

Due to the fact that ADHD often coexists with anxiety, depression, or substance abuse, it is frequently misdiagnosed. This is why working with experienced psychiatrists is so important. A correct diagnosis leads to real solutions and meaningful improvements, and that’s what we stand for at Serenity.

How Does ADHD Testing Work?

Our board-certified psychiatrists implement a mix of clinical evaluation and scientific testing to ensure the most accurate ADHD diagnosis. The gold standard of our approach is the QbTest, which is a computerized tool that measures attention, motion, and impulsivity through both visual tasks and infrared motion tracking. The result is a report that compares the patient’s performance to the norms of their respective demographic, giving our psychiatrists objective data to support their clinical observations.

In addition to the QbTest, we conduct detailed interviews and may occasionally use rating scales from parents, teachers, or patients themselves. This comprehensive approach helps us rule out other possible conditions and make sure we’re addressing the root of the issue. Whether you're exploring ADHD testing for yourself or your child, our process is thorough, respectful, and designed to give you real answers.

How to Treat ADHD

Once we’ve confirmed a diagnosis, we can tailor an ADHD treatment specifically for you. For many, ADHD medication (such as stimulants or non-stimulant options) can improve focus, reduce hyperactivity, and increase emotional regulation. Our psychiatrists take time to find the right medication and dosage for each patient, monitoring progress and adjusting as needed.

For patients who haven’t had success with traditional medication, we offer an innovative, non-drug option in TMS therapy. This FDA-approved treatment uses magnetic pulses to stimulate parts of the brain associated with attention and behavior. It’s safe, effective, and doesn’t involve daily pills. Many of our patients with ADHD, especially those who also have anxiety or depression, have experienced significant improvement after a course of TMS. It’s a hopeful solution for those who’ve felt stuck or overwhelmed by their symptoms.

Behavioral therapy, coaching, and lifestyle changes can also play a big role, which we encourage regardless of the treatment plan you choose. Organizational tools, structure, and mindfulness exercises help many of our patients take back control of their routines and emotions. We work closely with each individual to ensure their ADHD treatment plan fits their goals and lifestyle, and we find great success in doing so.

Take Back Your Life with Serenity

Living with ADHD doesn’t mean you’re broken; it means your brain works differently, and you deserve support that’s tailored to you. At Serenity, we help both children and adults navigate their symptoms, find lasting relief, and thrive. From expert ADHD testing to compassionate care from our psychiatrists, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

We know how isolating and exhausting it can feel to struggle with attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity day after day. But you’re not alone, and change is possible. Whether you’re seeking local ADHD support for your child or trying to understand your own behavior as an adult, we’re ready to help you move forward.

If you’re ready for answers, schedule your ADHD test online now or give one of our on-site patient care coordinators a call today. Together, we’ll find the path that works for you!