Highlights
- The ADHD iceberg analogy refers to the fact that people with ADHD have both visible symptoms and the ones hidden from others.
- Poor executive functioning caused by ADHD is thought to be the reason for some hidden symptoms of ADHD, particularly in adults.
- In individuals with ADHD, the obvious or external symptoms are usually a result of classic hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Internal or hidden symptoms often include memory problems, sleep issues, and decreased self-esteem.
ADHD is so much more than the image you have of a child bouncing around or an adult unable to focus on a single activity or complete tasks on time. In both cases, it is a very general view and also, it’s just the tip of the ADHD iceberg. In addition to commonly known and noticeable symptoms, adults with ADHD particularly face many hidden challenges.
Read on to explore the visible and invisible symptoms of ADHD, learn if it’s possible to use some of them to your advantage, and how a consultation with an ADHD specialist can make a difference.
External (Visible) ADHD Symptoms
Going back to the iceberg analogy, ADHD has many symptoms that are not sticking out for the world to see.
Usually, when people think of ADHD, it’s of the classic three core signs:
- hyperactivity
- impulsivity
- poor attention
The most noticeable symptoms are related to hyperactivity and impulsivity because these
- Excessive talking
- Habitually interrupting conversations
- Being restless or ‘on the go’ continuously
- The feeling of being ‘driven by a motor’
- Fidgeting with or tapping of hands or feet
- Leaving a seat when staying seated is appropriate
- Being loud when taking part in leisure activities
- Difficulty waiting in line or waiting their turn
- Taking over what other people are doing
And other external and visible symptoms
- Making careless mistakes because of a lack of attention to detail
- Presenting inaccurate work projects
- Difficulty remaining focused on routine or repetitive tasks
- Difficulty completing tasks or duties at home or in the workplace
- Being easily distracted by unrelated thoughts during conversations, meetings, or lectures
- Trouble meeting deadlines
- Difficulty keeping home or workspace neat and in order
- Avoiding tasks that require mental effort
- Commonly losing important things like spectacles, mobile phones, or house keys
- Difficulty achieving work or academic success
- Appearing to be forgetful
Internal (Hidden) ADHD Symptoms
An estimated
Emotional Dysregulation
Emotional dysregulation is a
Poor Working Memory: ADHD and Executive Dysfunction
Research confirms that brains affected by ADHD have poor working memory, and this is thought to be due to executive functioning deficits. This sounds very complicated, but the bottom line is that it results in a worsened ability to process information efficiently. As a result, problem-solving and anticipating consequences become a problem.
If managing ADHD symptoms due to executive dysfunction is not possible with therapy and self-help techniques, a doctor might feel that medication is appropriate to improve coping mechanisms and the brain’s ability for decision-making.
Poor Time Management and Planning
Another almost constant ADHD struggle is poor time management skills, which makes planning nearly impossible, depending on the severity of the condition. Patients with ADHD refer to this group of symptoms related to
- They are less able to estimate the time needed for specific tasks.
- They lose track of time because of hyperfocus.
- They may have trouble identifying when it is time to start or finish a task.
The hidden iceberg is enormous, with the individual symptoms influencing each other; difficulty planning leads to poor organization.
Poor Organizational Skills
Often, difficulty organizing thoughts and tasks leads to sensory overload, overwhelming the person and triggering the “freeze” stress response. ADHD-related decision paralysis, also known as analysis paralysis, is the result; they feel mentally stuck and unable to make decisions.
Sleep Issues
People with ADHD commonly have sleep problems. These could present as difficulty falling asleep or restless sleep. It may also happen due to everyday stress brought on by the effects of ADHD on daily life or as a side effect of stimulant medication.
Motivation Problems
The lack of motivation experienced by people with ADHD is thought to be due to
Low Self-esteem
Unmanaged ADHD may negatively affect personal and professional realms. These difficulties, the need to constantly put in more effort, and a feeling of not being able to perform to the full potential can decrease self-esteem.
Tiredness
Not Being Flexible
When in hyperfocus, ADHD patients can become fixed on what they are doing and how they think. This happens because of their inattention; their mind goes where it wants to go, not where it needs to. They will not waiver, and it’s their way or the highway!
Relationship Problems
Unfortunately, difficulties at home and work can negatively affect personal and professional relationships. That is why an essential part of the social management of ADHD is family education about the condition.
When It's More Than ADHD: Hidden Comorbidities
In addition to unseen symptoms, co-existing conditions might exist in the hidden part of the iceberg. For example,
There are other mental health disorders that can accompany ADHD:
- Depression
Bipolar disorder (BD) [10*] Borderline personality disorder [11*] (BPD)
The Unseen Strengths Associated With ADHD
Up to now, most symptoms of ADHD may seem problematic. To avoid the associated stigma, some people with ADHD try to hide their symptoms, which is called masking.
However, in
Some people in the study believed that impulsivity and risk-taking were their superpowers because being spontaneous and enthusiastic can result in creativity, memorable experiences, and adventure.
Another trait, hyperfocus, allows patients to give all their attention to a project or task and is also viewed as a positive ADHD symptom.
All these people could practice self-compassion and see the hidden strengths of their ADHD diagnosis.
Summing It Up
Now, you understand the seen and unseen symptoms of ADHD and how they can influence almost any area of life. If you have the signs of this mental health condition, consulting a healthcare provider specializing in ADHD is essential to learn how to manage it. Book your appointment today to get appropriate support and discuss the available ADHD treatment options.
