Understanding ADHD in Men: Symptoms, Differences, and Support

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts executive functioning and makes it harder for people to manage impulses, regulate attention, control emotional responses, and maintain working memory.

There are three presentations of ADHD: Predominantly Inattentive Type, Predominantly Hyperactive‑Impulsive Type, and ADHD Combined Type.

How Does ADHD Present in Adult Men?

When it comes to ADHD in adult men, many men relate to the following types of behaviours:

• Finding it tricky to get started on tasks, especially if they aren’t of interest
• Procrastinating, even for important tasks
• Losing and misplacing things frequently 
• Forgetting commitments
• Struggling to focus in meetings and conversations
• Starting and stopping activities 
• Being easily distracted
• Struggles staying organised 
• Underestimating how long things will take
• Relying on urgency or pressure to get things done

How ADHD Presents Differently in Men and Women

Although the severity of difficulties faced by men and women with ADHD appear similar, research suggests there may be some differences when it comes to how symptoms present and are experienced.

According to a review paper from 2024 exploring ADHD in men and women, men and boys with ADHD may be slightly more likely to display traits like overt hyperactivity, impulsivity, and externalising behaviours, while women and girls may be more likely to experience predominantly inattentive symptoms and internalise difficulties. We also know that girls with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with the predominantly inattentive presentation.

While this may be due to differences in the way ADHD symptoms are expressed and experienced, studies suggest we also need to factor in things like social expectations and differences in how symptoms are recognised, rather than attributing these differences to biology alone.

ADHD, Mental Health, and the “Just Try Harder” Narrative

Sadly, many men with ADHD grow up believing they simply need to put more effort in or apply themselves better. When they try and fail to do this, it can make them question their capabilities and wonder why they’re constantly “falling behind”. 

Author and ADHD speaker David Flink talks a lot about this in his book Thinking Differently: An Inspiring Guide for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities. As a child, he was told to “try harder” until he was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD and ended up in a school that showed him alternative approaches to learning that worked better for his brain. He now advocates for strength-based approaches that recognise different ways of thinking and learning, rather than expecting everyone to succeed through the same methods.

This is something we know can benefit many students with ADHD. Yet, if individuals are labelled as incapable or not smart, it can eventually become a self-fulfilling prophecy. This is where expectancies, or ideas about the future based on the past, influence perceptions of reality. Beliefs about gender have an even greater impact on this, shaping things like what subjects individuals study, who is seen as suitable for leadership, and how people develop certain personality traits. Not only does this create limitations and a greater potential for masking, but it can also lead to deep insecurity and shame, putting people with ADHD at risk of suffering from a whole host of mental health conditions.

How Male ADHD Traits Impact Work

When we explore the impact of ADHD in the workplace for males compared to females, we don’t always get clear answers. A literature review examining 79 ADHD studies from around the world showed mixed findings when it came to areas like job performance and workplace difficulty. However, researchers did find some differences in males and female employment experiences. In certain studies, they found that: 

• Women with ADHD were more likely to be unemployed or not in education.
• Women also sometimes reported more difficulty finding and keeping jobs.
• Men with ADHD were more likely to have job-related difficulties, such as lower job satisfaction, more absences, and higher rates of dismissal.
• Men with ADHD also appeared to place less importance on workplace safety in one study.

While intriguing, these findings should be taken cautiously, as research on sex and gender differences in the workplace is still limited and inconsistent. What we can be more sure of is the types of things that appear to help people with ADHD. These include:

• Workplace adjustments to provide flexibility and prevent overwhelm
• Assistive technology to support with focus and different learning styles
• Creating neuroinclusive environments where neurodivergence is celebrated, not stigmatised

Getting Support and a Diagnosis

Whether you have a diagnosis or suspect you may have traits of ADHD, getting the right kind of support can help you work through challenges at work, in relationships, or in everyday life. 

If you’re diagnosed with ADHD but don’t have regular, consistent support, there are lots of options to explore. As well as making the most of free ADHD resources like those available from ADHD UK and our blog, you might also consider working 1:1 with a specialist ADHD coach, psychologist, or ADHD-informed counsellor. They can help you to understand your specific traits and find personalised strategies that work with your distinct needs.

Not diagnosed with ADHD? If you’re facing significant challenges that you suspect may be something more than a general lack of focus, you might want to explore assessment options. The ADHD UK website has loads of helpful, up-to-date info covering things like GP referrals, assessment providers and navigating right to choose. Take a look at their diagnosis pathways page to get started.

FAQs 

What are the symptoms of ADHD in men?

From a diagnostic perspective, ADHD symptoms in men tend to be the same as those experienced by women. These are things like difficulty sustaining attention, problems with organisation and time management, forgetfulness, impulsivity, and difficulty staying focused or completing tasks. However, research indicates that men with ADHD may also be slightly more likely to experience traits associated with hyperactivity and impulsivity. This is an area that requires more research.

Is ADHD more common in men than women?

ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in men and boys, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it is substantially more common. Differences in symptom presentation, recognition and referral may mean that ADHD is more likely to be identified in males, while some females remain undiagnosed.

How do you get diagnosed with ADHD as an adult?

There are a few different options when it comes to getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult male. Some people choose to explore an assessment with a private ADHD clinic, while others start the process with an NHS GP. For the latest on assessments and referrals, it’s always best to check ADHD UK.