Chantel Brink

Chantel Brink

January 22, 2025

Woman Diagnosed with ADHD Later in Life Reveals Three Key Traits Often Overlooked

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood diagnosed condition for many, but in more recent times, as we learn more about the disorder, a significant number of adults are being diagnose much later on in life. For one woman, this couldn’t resonate more as she was later on diagnosed and decided it was time to take to social media to help others. She specifically pointed out three hugely overlooked traits that may assist others in recognizing the condition more fluently.

A Rising Number of Adult ADHD Diagnoses

A neurological condition, ADHD impacts a person's behavior, notably their attentiveness and how active they are, usually displaying hyperactive behavior.
Image Credit: rebelwithoutadrink TikTok

A neurological condition, ADHD impacts a person’s behavior, notably their attentiveness and how active they are, usually displaying hyperactive behavior. Research has revealed a growing trend where most diagnoses were made in children, but adults are now being recognized for the very same condition.

A JAMA study found that adulthood ADHD diagnoses have doubled between 2007 and 2016. Often, these individuals displayed early on ADHD typical behaviors, but they went unnoticed and ended up being misattributed until much later on.

The Importance of Social Media

Social media has since become a valuable resource with platforms raising awareness about adulthood ADHD.
Image Credit: rebelwithoutadrink TikTok

Social media has since become a valuable resource with platforms raising awareness about adulthood ADHD. These posts have shed light on the most unique signs that seem to deviate from the traditional childhood traits we’re all familiar with.

One such advocate, Coach Jennifer Salzman has highlighted the three most defining adulthood ADHD traits that usually go completely unnoticed, underappreciated and overlooked. You can find her on @rebelwithoutadrink on TikTok where she uses the platform to reach out to those in need.

1. An Interest-Based Nervous System

She went on to emphasize that ADHD is not due to a deficit of attention, its rather an inconsistency in attention which is driven by specific stimulus.
Image Credit: rebelwithoutadrink TikTok

She went on to emphasize that ADHD is not due to a deficit of attention, its rather an inconsistency in attention which is driven by specific stimulus. She cited ADHD expert Dr. William Dodson when she explained that those with ADHD are stimulated by “interest, passion, novelty, challenge, or urgency.”

A phenomenon known as an interest-based nervous system which leads to these individuals to prioritize more engaging or stimulating topics over sometimes essential tasks. This often comes with consequences. For them, completing a challenging or exciting task often brings immense pride, as it aligns with their unique cognitive wiring.

2. Emotional Hyper-Arousal

Another commonly overlooked trait is emotional-hyper arousal.
Image Credit: rebelwithoutadrink TikTok

Another commonly overlooked trait is emotional-hyper arousal. This trait is characterized as intense and rapid emotional responses and Jennifer explains that she herself experienced this for years before she was finally diagnosed, describing the experience as “overwhelming and difficult to control.”

Dr. Dodson elaborated further, explaining that people with ADHD often experience regular emotions such as joy, sadness, or frustration much more intensely when compared with their peers. This often leads to internal restlessness while doing menial tasks such as watching television, holding normal conversations or reading. “These emotional highs and lows can amplify both positive and negative experiences. For many adults with ADHD, this trait often goes unrecognized or is mistaken for unrelated mood disorders, delaying proper diagnosis.” He explained.

3. Rejection Sensitivity

The third most notable trait is rejection sensitivity or rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD).
Image Credit: rebelwithoutadrink TikTok

The third most notable trait is rejection sensitivity or rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD). Jennifer explains that this trait leads to intense emotional reactions being misinterpreted as rejection and criticism. Jennifer calls this “intense emotional pain.” RSD manifests as severe emotional distress and may lead to instant rage or internalized despair. This trait is often overlooked and diagnosed as a mood disorder instead.

Dr. Dodson noted that as much as fear is a universal reaction, those with ADHD experience this on a magnified scale. This of course may lead to difficulty in relationships and self-esteem. This alone is a critical symptom now recognized in those diagnosed with ADHD.

Read More: 8 Autism Symptoms in Women That Are Frequently Missed

Finding Recognition: A Community Effort

Many of Jennifer's followers immediately recognized her easy to understand explanation and resonated with her.
Image Credit: rebelwithoutadrink TikTok

Many of Jennifer’s followers immediately recognized her easy to understand explanation and resonated with her. There were many who commented “You just defined me,” some mentioned “I have all three traits and was diagnosed late in life.” This alone highlights how important the spreading of awareness is for adult ADHD sufferers who have gone years masking their symptoms to make it in a tough, judgmental world.

Challenges Adults with ADHD Face

Beyond the three traits Jennifer discussed, adults with ADHD often grapple with broader issues.
Image Credit: rebelwithoutadrink TikTok

Beyond the three traits Jennifer discussed, adults with ADHD often grapple with broader issues. These challenges can interfere with daily life and contribute to feelings of frustration or inadequacy. They include:

  • Difficulties with organization and time management
  • Struggles with following instructions
  • Challenges in focusing and completing tasks
  • Stress management issues
  • Feelings of restlessness or impatience
  • Impulsive decision-making and risk-taking

Raising Awareness for a Misunderstood Condition

For anyone who feels they may be experiencing the very same symptoms, there are many resources available.
Image Credit: rebelwithoutadrink TikTok

As more adults step forward with their own ADHD diagnoses, stories like Jennifer’s show us just how complex the condition can present itself in adults. Focusing on the interest-based nervous system, emotional hyper-arousal, and rejection sensitivity, many have discovered that they’re not so alone anymore.

For anyone who feels they may be experiencing the very same symptoms, there are many resources available. The ADHD Coaching website and ADHD-focused communities are a valuable source of guidance. Providing the tools which may help better manage the condition. By recognizing the signs, people are learning to better understand the disorder. This helps destigmatize the condition which many adults have suffered with for way too long.

Read More: The Dark Side of Medications: When ADHD Drugs Do More Harm Than Good