2 Overlooked Signs of ADHD

Two Atypical Presentations of Core ADHD Symptoms

1. Hyperfocus. While the stereotypical ADHD presentation likely conjures images of constantly shifting attention, the attention deficit in those with a proclivity for hyper-focus is that they have trouble shifting attention. It should be noted that this is not the same as a child with ADHD who becomes consumed with video gaming, which holds their attention due to fast-paced, new stimulation.

2. A sense of urgency to complete activities. A sense of urgency to complete a task in order to get on to the next may also belie ADHD.

It should be noted that this trait can also be present in people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or hypomania. In GAD, however, the constant activity is a distraction from worry. Further, worried thought processes will be obvious upon getting to know the patient. There will be muscle tension, edginess, insomnia, irritability, and a lack of focus due to a mill of worried thoughts. In hypomania, it will only surface periodically when the person is in the throes of a hypomanic episode.

For someone with ADHD, it's a baseline trait and may seem as if keeping productively in motion is an end unto itself and, upon evaluation, be discovered to be accompanied by other ADHD symptoms. This doesn't mean ADHD and other disorders with similar symptoms can't co-occur.

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