How Does Hyperactivity Present Differently in Adults with ADHD?

PostedAugust 22, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 5, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

When it comes to ADHD symptoms, adult experiences often look quite different from childhood. While children with ADHD tend to express hyperactivity through constant movement, impulsivity, and physical restlessness, adult ADHD signs are usually more acute and internalised. Many adults with ADHD may no longer appear physically restless, but it can feel as though their minds are constantly racing.

Understanding Hyperactivity Expression in Adulthood

In adults, hyperactive expression often shifts from physical to psychological. Instead of visible restlessness, it may show up as mental agitation, difficulty relaxing, or an urgent need to stay busy. These individuals might not outwardly fidget or pace, but internally, they feel unable to slow down or focus calmly for extended periods. This can affect work, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

Key ADHD Symptoms in Adults Related to Hyperactivity

This is how ADHD symptoms tied to hyperactivity commonly appear in adult life:

Inner Restlessness

Rather than engaging in behaviours like climbing on furniture or constanty running arround, adults often report experiencing persistent mental restlessness. This can lead to anxiety, difficulty falling asleep, and an ongoing feeling of being overwhelmed.

Over-scheduling and Difficulty

Adults with ADHD may feel the need to fill every moment, overcommit, or jump rapidly between tasks. This results in burnout, missed deadlines, and reduced productivity.

Low-Level Physical Hyperactivity

Movements like tapping fingers, shifting in chairs, or walking around during calls can persist into adulthood. These behaviours may go unnoticed by others but reflect internal discomfort and difficulty maintaining stillness.

Recognising these changes in hyperactivity expression helps adults understand their unique ADHD profile and seek appropriate support and coping strategies. For personal consultations on ADHD symptoms and how they evolve, visit providers like ADHD Certify. For a deeper dive into adult ADHD signs and understanding the shift in hyperactivity expression, read our complete guide Hyperactivity.

Victoria Rowe, MSc

Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.