ADHD often looks different in adults, and in men, it can come with some unique traits that women don’t necessarily experience.
While the classic “hyperactive” image is what many people picture, adult ADHD shows up in various ways. Here’s how it might look specifically for men, with some of the subtleties that aren’t always obvious.
1. Struggling to sit still, even in calm settings
For men with ADHD, even a quiet setting can feel like a challenge. Whether it’s tapping their feet, fidgeting, or constantly shifting in their seats, this need to move doesn’t disappear with adulthood. It’s a low-key restlessness that’s always buzzing beneath the surface.
2. Tendency to be easily bored
Many men with ADHD are constantly looking for stimulation. A routine, steady-paced day can feel painfully dull, making it hard to stick to jobs or hobbies that don’t provide constant novelty. This need for excitement can lead them to jump from interest to interest, sometimes feeling like they’re always chasing the next thrill.
3. Impulsivity with finances
Impulsive spending is a common sign of ADHD in men. Whether it’s splurging on the latest tech or saying “yes” to spontaneous purchases, money management can be a challenge. The thrill of buying something new often outweighs the thought of budgeting, which can create financial stress down the line.
4. Difficulty with follow-through on long-term goals
Starting a new project is exciting, but seeing it through? That’s a different story. Men with ADHD often find themselves setting ambitious goals, only to lose interest midway. It’s not a lack of commitment—it’s just that staying focused on one thing over time can feel nearly impossible.
5. Sensitivity to criticism
Criticism can hit harder for men with ADHD, especially if they’ve faced a lifetime of feeling misunderstood. Even gentle feedback might feel personal, and it can lead to overthinking or feeling discouraged. It’s an emotional sensitivity that sometimes hides behind a laid-back exterior.
6. Being accident-prone
With a mind that’s always moving, coordination and focus on physical tasks can sometimes slip. Men with ADHD may be more prone to minor accidents—bumping into things, spilling drinks, or dropping items. It’s part of that distracted energy that can make staying in the moment tricky.
7. Difficulty managing time
“I’ll just do this one thing first…” can turn into an hour gone, and being late is almost routine. Men with ADHD often find themselves struggling to stay on track with time. Whether it’s underestimating how long tasks take or getting lost in a daydream, time management can be a major hurdle.
8. Hyperfocus on certain interests
While focus can be a struggle, men with ADHD often experience something called hyperfocus, where they get so absorbed in an activity that hours fly by. Whether it’s a hobby, work project, or even a video game, they can become laser-focused on certain things, to the point of tuning everything else out.
9. High energy in social settings
Some men with ADHD have an energetic, almost magnetic presence in social situations. They might talk quickly, tell animated stories, and bring a lot of enthusiasm. While it can be fun, it sometimes veers into overstimulation, leaving them (and sometimes their friends) feeling a bit overwhelmed.
10. Trouble with sleep routines
Winding down at night isn’t always easy. Men with ADHD often find it hard to “turn off” their thoughts, which can lead to late nights and erratic sleep schedules. Falling asleep can take ages, and staying asleep can be tricky, which only adds to feeling tired and distracted during the day.
11. A strong dislike for tedious tasks
Men with ADHD tend to avoid repetitive or mundane tasks like the plague. Whether it’s organising paperwork or even just doing the dishes, anything that feels too “boring” is often put off. It’s not laziness; it’s just that focusing on dull tasks can feel like pulling teeth.
12. Tendency to overcommit
There’s a genuine enthusiasm behind every “yes,” but men with ADHD often find themselves agreeing to things they don’t have time for. This eagerness to say yes to every invitation or project can lead to feeling overwhelmed and overbooked, especially when they realise they’ve stretched themselves too thin.
13. Difficulty with emotional regulation
Men with ADHD can feel emotions intensely, and managing them isn’t always easy. They might experience quick shifts in mood, from excitement to frustration, without a lot of middle ground. This heightened emotional intensity can sometimes catch them off guard, making certain interactions feel more charged than they’d like.
