“Try to focus.” “Don’t be lazy.” “You just need more discipline.” These comments may seem harmless, but for individuals with ADHD, they can be exhausting and hurtful.
This topic was explored in the latest episode of Obrolan Psikologi (OPSI), a psychology talk show jointly produced by the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and TVRI Yogyakarta, on Tuesday (1/9). Hosted by Hendry Saputra, this year’s thirteenth episode featured UGM psychology lecturer Muhammad Nabhan Husein, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog, who discussed how ADHD manifests in adults.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a person’s ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate activity levels.
“There is a physiological aspect to ADHD. Certain areas of the brain develop differently from those of people we describe as neurotypical,” Nabhan explained.
He further explained that symptoms resembling ADHD can appear following a stroke or an injury sustained in an accident. ADHD itself, meanwhile, is generally associated with genetic factors. Its symptoms emerge during childhood and may persist into adulthood.
“As people grow older, these symptoms may become less noticeable because their ability to regulate them improves. This is why ADHD can look different in adults,” he said.
Nabhan explained that ADHD in adults can manifest in various situations, including difficulty waiting in line, sitting still, or maintaining focus at work.
Difficulties managing time may also take the form of time blindness. Adults with ADHD may understand time in numerical terms but struggle to grasp its practical significance, making them more prone to lateness.
“Burnout can produce symptoms resembling ADHD, so further screening is needed to determine what is happening,” he noted.
These symptoms may include difficulty concentrating, a lack of motivation, and prolonged fatigue. Further assessment by a qualified professional is therefore necessary to determine whether these difficulties are related to ADHD or another condition.
Such difficulties are often mistaken for laziness, even though the underlying reasons differ.
“Laziness involves an intention not to do something and to avoid an activity because the person does not want to do it. With ADHD, the person has actually agreed and wants to do it, but then forgets,” he explained.
ADHD in adults may be recognized through recurring patterns of difficulty that affect quality of life. These extend beyond trouble focusing to include forgetfulness, lateness, difficulty keeping commitments, and feeling overwhelmed when managing time and completing tasks.
“There are also many cases of divorce related to ADHD because people do not understand what is happening,” Nabhan said.
These impacts highlight the importance of raising awareness of ADHD in adults. When difficulties with concentration, time management, completing tasks, or maintaining relationships begin to interfere with everyday life, they should not be overlooked.
Consulting a qualified professional can be a first step toward receiving an assessment and appropriate support.
To help manage daily activities, individuals can also establish supportive systems, such as following a regular schedule, using alarms or reminders, and breaking larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
Ultimately, individuals with ADHD are not simply failing to try hard enough; they need understanding, support, and strategies that help them navigate life more effectively.
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Writer: Arrasya Aninggadhira
Editor: Erna Tri Nofiyana