Signs of High-Functioning ADHD

What are the signs of high-functioning ADHD, and what can happen if a person doesn’t get help to address their symptoms?

Contact us today to learn more about Mental health programming in Tennessee. 

Understanding ADHD

To recognize the signs of high-functioning ADHD, it can be helpful to understand some basic facts about ADHD itself.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means that symptoms typically begin to appear during early childhood. However, while some people mistakenly think of it as a kids’ disorder, ADHD symptoms can persist through adolescence and into adulthood.

As suggested by the disorder’s name, the two fundamental characteristics of ADHD are difficulty paying attention and remaining still. Some people with ADHD experience both symptom types, while others are primarily struggle only with inattention or hyperactivity.

Diagnostic criteria

As established in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), person must meet at least six of the inattention criteria listed below or six of the hyperactivity/impulsivity criteria to be accurately diagnosed with ADHD a.

The inattention criteria are:

1. Often failing to give close attention to details or making careless mistakes 
2. Often having trouble sustained their attention when working or playing
3. Repeatedly appearing to not be listening, even when spoken to directly
4. Often failing to follow through on instructions and/or finish tasks
5. Often having trouble organizing their tasks and activities
6. Frequently avoiding or being reluctant to perform tasks that require sustained mental effort
7. Often losing things important items such as their wallet, phone, tools, keys, or glasses 
8. Being easily distracted
9. Frequent forgetfulness 

The nine criteria for hyperactivity or impulsivity are:

1. Frequently fidgeting, tapping hands or feet, or squirming in their seat
2. Repeatedly leaving their seat in situations where they are expected to remain seated
3. Persistent sense of restlessness
4. Having difficulty staying quiet while playing or taking part in leisure activities 
5. Being perpetually “on the go,” rushing from one location or activity to the next
6. Excessive talkativeness
7. Often blurting out answers before the question has been completed
8. Having trouble waiting their turn
9. Regularly interrupting others, or intruding on conversations or activities that they weren’t invited to participate in 

Prevalence

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) have reported the following about the prevalence of ADHD in the U.S.:

• In 2022, a national survey of parents found that about 7 million children and adolescents (or about 11.4% of young people ages 3-17) have been diagnosed with ADHD. 
• Within the 3-17 age range, boys (15%) are nearly twice as likely as girls (8%) to be diagnosed with ADHD.
• About 40% children and adolescents with ADHD have a co-occurring anxiety disorder and about 19% have co-occurring depression.
• Experts estimate that ADHD affects about 8.1% of adults ages18-44.

Causes

As described in an August 2024 article in the journal Prevention Science, risk of developing ADHD appears to be related to several personal and environmental factors, with no single factor being the sole determinative influence.

Risk factors identified in that article include:

• Prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and/or testosterone
• Certain illnesses shortly after birth 
• Certain viral and bacterial infections during childhood
• Environmental exposure to lead or organophosphates (a category that includes many pesticides and herbicides)
• Having a first-degree biological relative (parent or sibling) with ADHD
• Having a parent with depression, antisocial personality disorder, or a substance use disorder (addiction)
• Abuse, neglect, loss of a parent, and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

Signs of High-Functioning ADHD

The DSM-5 doesn’t contain a list of symptoms of high-functioning ADHD, as it is not an official clinical term. But many people who could be described this way exhibit behaviors and characteristics such as:

• Putting projects, homework, and even personal responsibilities (such as buying gifts or making reservations) off until the last minute, then having to rush to get everything done.
• Often submitting work late or “just under the wire” due to either procrastination or difficulty staying focused.
• Frequently showing up late to appointments or reservations due to a phenomenon called “time blindness,” which can cause them to fail to track the time or to underestimate how long it will take for them to get there. 
• Becoming hyper-focused on an issue or topic, often when they should be working on or paying attention to something else. 
• Having a tendency to interrupt, butt in, or speak over others.
• Frequently making self-deprecating comments or otherwise exhibiting low self-esteem or lack of confidence in their abilities.
• Commenting that they wish they could occasionally “shut off their brain” due to unceasing racing thoughts

Effects of High-Functioning ADHD

To minimize the effects of their symptoms, people with high-functioning ADHD often adopt coping mechanisms, such as taking copious notes, setting multiple reminders, and using timers to help them stay on task. 

However, even if they are able to maintain an outward appearance of progress and success, their disorder may still take a significant toll on their health and degrade their overall quality of life.

Potential effects of trying to manage ADHD without medication or therapy include:

• Insomnia or other sleep problems
• Frequent headaches and stomachaches
• Physical injuries due to inattentiveness or rushing
• Burnout due to overwork caused by procrastination or distractibility
• Conflicts with colleagues and loved ones due to persistent lateness, forgetfulness, or other ADHD symptoms that impact others
• Substance use as a misguided attempt to ease emotional distress
• Onset or worsening of other mental health concerns
• Poor nutrition due to missing meals or failure to stick with a healthy diet plan
• Further erosion of self-esteem, confidence, and/or sense of self

Learn More About ADHD Treatment in Tennessee

If your or someone in your life has been exhibiting signs of high-functioning ADHD, Time Wellness Tennessee is here to help.

Treatment options at our center in Chattanooga, TN, include residential/inpatient care, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and virtual (online) care. 

We also partner with reputable supportive housing providers in the area, which can be a valuable service for clients who can benefit from a more structured living environment while enrolled in our PHP or IOP.

To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.