- ADHD is more than just inattention or hyperactivity. Subtle signs like emotional outbursts, chronic procrastination, and fidgeting behaviors such as leg shaking or foot rubbing can point to undiagnosed ADHD, especially in adults.
- Emotional dysregulation is a key symptom. Around 25 to 45% of children and 30 to 70% of adults with ADHD struggle with regulating emotions.
- Executive dysfunction and sensory issues are common in ADHD, affecting planning, memory, time management, and how individuals respond to sensory input.
- Visionary Psychiatry offers accessible, personalized ADHD care with the use of Creyos technology for neurocognitive testing.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a term that gets tossed around a lot. Sometimes, anyone who seems distracted or full of energy is quickly labeled as having it. But there’s a lot more to ADHD than just being inattentive or hyper.
In fact, there are subtle signs that might give you clues as to whether someone really has ADHD.
One common symptom is emotional dysregulation, which can show up as sudden bursts of anger. While outbursts might be considered “normal” in kids, studies show that nearly half of children with ADHD also have behavioral issues. For adults, that number is even higher—around 70%.
Then there are habits like shaking a leg or rubbing feet together. These might just seem like typical fidgeting, especially in kids. However, this is also a common manifestation of ADHD, such as what is observed in 40% of children.
Currently, 4.4% of people between the ages of 18 and 44 have ADHD, with many only discovering it later in life. Paying attention to these subtle signs can help raise awareness of ADHD and support those who may need a diagnosis and the right kind of help.
The Link Between Emotional Dysregulation and ADHD
As the body of knowledge continues to grow, more people are learning that emotional dysregulation is becoming a significant symptom of ADHD.
Children are typically observed to have more frequent emotional outbursts. However, adolescents and adults with ADHD also tend to struggle with regulating their emotions.
According to statistics, emotional dysregulation is present in approximately 25% to 45% of children and 30% to 70% of adults with ADHD.
Typical Emotional Dysregulation Characteristics
Emotional dysregulation in those with ADHD can present as being easily irritable, quick to anger, or easy excitability. It may also appear as increased sensitivity, particularly to criticism or feedback.
Whatever the manifestation, this can be attributed to a problem in the parts of the brain that regulate attention, behavior, and impulse control. If left unaddressed, emotional dysregulation can persist over time. This is why many adolescents and adults with ADHD may continue to struggle with emotional control even later in life.
Executive Dysfunction and Chronic Procrastination
Executive functions are defined as mental processes that guide goal-directed behavior. These processes include the parts of the brain that help in planning, short-term memory, and focus.
While this is not a symptom exclusive to ADHD, studies show that almost half of adults with ADHD have executive function problems. As such, it’s also important to take note of these signs to help one consider the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis.
Difficulties with Planning, Organization, and Time Management
Executive dysfunctions can manifest in the inability to plan ahead, difficulty focusing on tasks, and forgetting things like details related to a task being carried out.
While the underlying cause of this is rather complex, it boils down to the inability of the brain to regulate and “arouse” the parts of the brain needed for the functions of attention, planning, and short term memory. As such, a person with ADHD and experiencing executive dysfunction may have difficulty trying to accomplish a task.
Sensory Behaviors and What They Mean
In line with the dysregulation present in the brain of someone with ADHD, how one processes sensory input can also be affected. For example, studies have reported that up to 65% of children with ADHD exhibit atypical sensory processing. What’s more, this can be divided into sensory hyperresponsiveness and also sensory under responsiveness.
Restlessness and Other Manifestations
Those with ADHD can have sensory behaviors that are sensory avoiding or sensory seeking. Commonly, those who are avoidant are easily overwhelmed by things such as loud sounds. As a result, they become uncomfortable with the overwhelming stimuli and avoid it to help their brain calm down.
On the other hand, individuals who are sensory seeking often rub their feet, have a restless leg, move around frequently, or are generally very fidgety. These movements help regulate the stimulation in their brain, allowing them to release pent-up energy or restlessness. As a result, they can focus better and go about their tasks with less difficulty.
What Neurocognitive Testing Can Unveil
While the signs and symptoms are good places to start, they aren’t definitive. This is where neurocognitive testing comes in. With the help of neuropsychological assessment, you have a better basis to diagnose conditions such as that of ADHD. These assessments also offer a more objective view of a patient’s concerns, helping support a more accurate and specific diagnosis.
Neurocognitive testing, specifically, objectively measures cognitive marker domains of ADHD challenges. What this means is, this testing can specifically highlight relative examples in your life where ADHD symptoms are wreaking havoc.
Tools like Creyos are especially useful for evaluating ADHD. With Creyos, an assessment can be completed in 35-45 minutes and administered in a variety of settings. This convenience makes ADHD testing more accessible, particularly for individuals who are actively seeking answers about their condition.
Visionary Psychiatry’s Comprehensive Approach
Visionary Psychiatry offers assessments such as using Creyos technology, which can help determine whether an individual may have ADHD. More importantly, the results can guide the next steps in seeking appropriate care or treatment.
In this case, seeking treatment is the next best step, and Visionary Psychiatry makes it easier for people to start. “The younger generation is very open to it and they are absolutely begging and waiting for providers to offer them short-term, fast-acting solutions to where it’s not a medication every day,” says Carmen Kosicek, NM, PMHNP-BC, CEO, Founder, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Visionary Psychiatry.
Treatment can also be very flexible and can adjust based on your needs. As Carmen puts it, “There’s different ways to manage. For me, in Psychiatry, I write the brain medications. So, I’m a prescribing provider. You can also work with therapists, counselors, and social workers.”
With Visionary Psychiatry, you can receive a comprehensive ADHD assessment and, if diagnosed, begin treatment—all in one place.
Recognize the Signs of ADHD and Take the First Step Toward Clarity
ADHD is often misunderstood and casually mentioned, which can cause its real meaning to be overlooked. But with a deeper understanding of what this condition is and how it presents, it’s possible to recognize the true signs and support someone in getting the proper diagnosis.
With a proper diagnosis and treatment, a person can move and act better knowing what was bothering them and what they can do now to help manage things.
If you or someone you care about is showing these signs, schedule a comprehensive ADHD evaluation with Visionary Psychiatry to get the clarity and support you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some lesser-known signs of ADHD?
Aside from inattention and hyperactivity, ADHD can involve emotional outbursts, chronic procrastination, difficulty with planning, and even fidgeting behaviors like foot rubbing or leg shaking.
How is emotional dysregulation related to ADHD?
Emotional dysregulation—such as irritability or sudden anger—is a common but often overlooked symptom of ADHD, affecting up to 70% of adults and nearly half of children with the condition.
What is executive dysfunction and how does it appear in people with ADHD?
Executive dysfunction refers to challenges in planning, organizing, time management, and short-term memory. It’s present in nearly 50% of adults with ADHD and often leads to chronic procrastination and forgetfulness.
How does ADHD affect sensory processing?
People with ADHD may experience either hypersensitivity or low responsiveness to sensory input. This can show up as avoiding loud noises or needing constant movement to stay focused.
How can I get tested for ADHD?
Visionary Psychiatry offers accessible ADHD assessments using tech tools like Creyos. These tests provide valuable insight and help determine the best treatment options.