ADHD and Hyperactivity

By Think ADHD
By Think ADHD

We hope you find this page helpful. Remember, ADHD symptoms affect everyone differently, so if you have any concerns, it’s always best to speak with a healthcare professional.

Snapshot

Hyperactivity in ADHD goes beyond just physical restlessness – it often shows up as a constant sense of mental overdrive, impatience, or that feeling of being “on the go” all the time. It’s not just about fidgeting. It’s about a brain that never seems to switch off.

If you’ve ever felt like your mind is racing from one thought to the next, or you’re always bouncing between tasks, you might be experiencing the hyperactive side of ADHD. Recognising these symptoms is the first step towards managing them. With a little bit of help along the way from the right tools – whether that’s therapy, mindfulness, or medication – you can regain focus and feel more in control of your life.

Understanding hyperactivity in adults with ADHD

Hyperactivity is one of the key symptoms of ADHD, but it doesn’t always look like a child bouncing off the walls. For adults, it’s often much more internal – a restless mind that can seemingly never quite settle down.

Do you find it hard to relax, even when you want and try to? Maybe you can’t sit still, or you catch yourself endlessly scrolling through your phone, jumping between conversations, or moving from task to task without finishing anything. You might sit there fidgeting without even realising it – tapping your foot, twirling your pen, or needing to move around during meetings.

Talking a lot, interrupting others, or blurting out thoughts before you’ve processed them can be another sign of hyperactivity. Sometimes your brain just won’t hit the “pause” button, which can make conversations feel chaotic – or leave you feeling like you’ve said too much.

Hyperactivity can feel like your thoughts are racing ahead of you – even if your body is sitting perfectly still. It can be hard to stick to one task or conversation when your mind is constantly jumping to new ideas or distractions. This mental restlessness can make it difficult to stay organised, to prioritise tasks, or simply to maintain focus.

How hyperactivity can impact your life

Living with hyperactive ADHD can be exhausting – not just physically, but mentally too. It’s like you have all this energy, but instead of feeling productive, you end up feeling scattered and overwhelmed. Tasks pile up, and even simple responsibilities (like taking out the bins, or looking for that missing phone charger) can start to feel like mountains you’re trying to climb.

This restlessness can also spill into your relationships. Interrupting others, talking over them, or struggling to listen attentively can frustrate not just you, but those around you. It’s not that you don’t care – it’s that your brain is surging ahead, making it hard to slow down and properly engage with the person, or people, you’re speaking with.

Over time, this constant state of “go, go, go” can start to chip away at your self-esteem. You might feel like you’re just too much for others to deal with, or that you’re failing to meet the expectations you set for yourself. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and even burnout from trying so hard to rein in your energy and focus. It’s understandably exhausting.

Practical steps to manage hyperactivity in ADHD

If you’ve recognised yourself in these descriptions, don’t worry – there are ways to manage hyperactivity. The first step is to seek professional help. Talking to a GP or specialist about an ADHD assessment can provide clarity and open the door to treatment options that work for you. You’re not alone in this, and understanding your symptoms is the first step to taking control.

While you’re awaiting a full assessment, there are several strategies you can start exploring to help manage your symptoms:

Therapy – Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you develop tools to slow down your thoughts and stay present in the moment. It can help you recognise the patterns of hyperactivity and learn to manage them in a practical way.
Mindfulness – Practices like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can be incredibly helpful in calming mental restlessness. These exercises teach you to focus on the here and now, bringing your mind back from racing thoughts, and into the present moment.
Physical Activity – Regular exercise, like running, swimming, or even a brisk walk, is a great way to release excess energy. It’s a controlled way to channel hyperactivity, leaving you feeling calmer and better able to focus on tasks afterwards.
Medication – If recommended by a specialist, medication can help balance the brain’s chemicals, improving attention and reducing impulsive behaviour. This can be a game-changer for many adults with ADHD.

Embracing ADHD and finding balance

Hyperactivity doesn’t have to dominate your life. The key is understanding how it affects you and finding strategies that work for your unique experience. You deserve support, and with the right tools – whether it’s therapy, mindfulness, physical activity, or medication – you can learn to manage your symptoms and feel more at ease with your energy.

If you often feel like your life is in overdrive, recognising these signs is a huge step towards reclaiming calm. There are resources, communities, and professionals out there who can help you manage ADHD and create a life that feels more balanced. With a bit of guidance and support, you can find focus, calm your mind, and feel more in control – one step at a time.

Remember – ADHD doesn’t define you. With the right support in place, you can thrive and take control of your mental and physical energy.

Start understanding your ADHD

If this article feels familiar and you recognise these signs of hyperactivity in your own day-to-day life, you might want to check out our adult ADHD self-test. It’s a simple way to explore whether ADHD could be affecting your daily life, and sharing the PDF report with your GP could help them better understand your experience and make a referral if needed.

It’s just a small step, but it could be helpful in finding the right support and better managing your symptoms.

Ready to take our Adult ADHD self-test?

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