Adult ADHD: Recognising the Signs of ADHD and Co-Occurring Conditions – A Q&A with Dr Ajay Bhatnagar
At The ADHD Clinic, we know that ADHD doesn’t just affect children; many adults continue to experience challenges throughout life. To shed light on how ADHD presents in adulthood, we spoke with Dr Ajay Bhatnagar, Consultant Psychiatrist, about recognising the signs, symptoms, and common co-occurring conditions in adult ADHD.
Q: Is ADHD only a childhood condition?
Dr Bhatnagar:
No, ADHD is often thought of as a childhood disorder, but its effects frequently continue into adulthood. Adults with ADHD can find daily life, work, and relationships particularly challenging. It’s a misconception that ADHD is just about being hyperactive or easily distracted – it presents in many ways, and co-existing conditions can make diagnosis complex.
Q: How is ADHD categorised in adults?
Dr Bhatnagar:
ADHD is categorised into three primary types:
- Inattentive Type – Struggling with focus, organisation, and forgetfulness.
- Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – Experiencing restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty staying still.
- Combined Type – A mix of inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Interestingly, while ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in boys during childhood, many girls and women remain undiagnosed because their symptoms often manifest as inattentiveness rather than hyperactivity, leading to it being overlooked or masked by coping strategies.
Q: People often refer to the “ADHD iceberg”. What does this mean?
Dr Bhatnagar:
The “iceberg analogy” describes how the visible symptoms of ADHD – such as distractibility or restlessness – are just the tip. Underneath are deeper impacts on emotional regulation, self-esteem, and daily functioning. Many adults only seek a diagnosis when these hidden challenges become overwhelming.
Q: What are common signs of ADHD in adults?
Dr Bhatnagar shared these key signs to look out for:
- ✅ Difficulty with organisation and time management
- ✅ Frequently starting new tasks without finishing others
- ✅ Forgetfulness and misplacing items
- ✅ Struggling to focus or prioritise tasks
- ✅ Restlessness, impatience, and difficulty relaxing
- ✅ Mood swings, irritability, and difficulty managing emotions
- ✅ Speaking impulsively or interrupting others
- ✅ Difficulty handling stress and feeling easily overwhelmed
- ✅ Engaging in risky behaviours, such as reckless driving
Q: Can ADHD exist alongside other conditions?
Dr Bhatnagar:
Absolutely. ADHD rarely exists in isolation. Many adults with ADHD also have co-occurring conditions (comorbidities) which can complicate diagnosis and treatment:
- Depression and Anxiety – Often resulting from the challenges ADHD creates in daily life, affecting self-esteem and confidence. This can lead to Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). Depression and anxiety can also exist as primary diagnoses.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Involves repetitive, sometimes irrational thoughts and behaviours. It’s important to differentiate OCD from orderliness seen in Autism, as both can present similarly.
- Eating Disorders – Binge eating is common due to dopamine-seeking behaviours in ADHD. ADHD medication often reduces these urges, highlighting the need to differentiate between eating disorders and ADHD-related binge eating.
- Autism and Sensory Processing Issues – Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) co-occurs with ADHD in 50–70% of cases. Overlaps include inattention vs indifference and distraction vs sensory overload. Sensory sensitivities can include overwhelming sounds, lights, textures, smells, or temperatures.
- Intellectual Disabilities and Learning Difficulties – ADHD is three times more common in those with intellectual disabilities, often alongside reading, writing, or mathematics difficulties.
- Sleeping Difficulties – Many with ADHD have an “always on” mind, making it hard to unwind, fall asleep, or wake easily. Other sleep disorders can also co-occur.
About Dr Ajay Bhatnagar
Dr Bhatnagar is a highly respected Consultant Psychiatrist with over 16 years of experience. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and has been on the GMC Specialist Register since 2008. Alongside his extensive clinical work within the NHS, including as Clinical Director for Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, he has a special interest in adult ADHD and is trained by the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) in assessment and treatment. Dr Bhatnagar is also an Honorary Senior Lecturer at King’s College London and has received numerous awards for excellence in teaching and psychiatry.
Q: When should someone seek a professional assessment?
Dr Bhatnagar:
If you recognise these signs in yourself or a loved one, seeking a professional ADHD assessment can bring clarity and open the door to effective treatment strategies. ADHD can significantly impact quality of life, but with the right support, people can thrive.
📅 Book Your ADHD Assessment Today
At The ADHD Clinic, we provide holistic assessments and treatment plans for adults and children aged six and over. Our experienced team, including specialists like Dr Ajay Bhatnagar, are here to help you understand your unique challenges and support you every step of the way. We are able to offer online appointments as well as those which take place face to face. In person assessments for ADHD in children are available in Bexhill, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells and London. Face to face appointments for adult ADHD and Autism assessments are available in Bexhill, London, Norwich and Exeter.
➡️ Contact us today using our enquiry form or call 01424 533259 to book your ADHD assessment.
