Signs and symptoms of ADHD in adulthood

If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child, your symptoms may look different now that you are an adult.

What are some common signs of ADHD in adults?

ADHD in adults can look different from how it looks in children. Symptoms fall into several categories—inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.

Predominantly inattentive ADHD

Often failing to give close attention to details, like making frequent errors at work
Trouble listening when spoken to
Often losing or forgetting important items, like your phone or keys

Predominantly hyperactive and impulsive ADHD

Trouble staying seated or fidgeting
Feeling restless or always “on the go”
Interrupting others often

Combined (inattentive/hyperactive-impulsive) ADHD

Symptoms may look like a combination of both types of ADHD. As with any diagnosis, the conversation should always start with your healthcare provider.

~16 million

adults in the US are living with ADHD

~6% of adults

in the US are impacted by ADHD

Are you experiencing ADHD symptoms?

This symptom checklist is a quick tool to help reflect on your ADHD and discuss with your healthcare provider. See which of these common adult ADHD experiences may be relatable to you.

Download symptom checklist

When I found out I had ADHD I kind of felt at ease. I finally know what’s going on, and it’s like okay, finally I can get some help here.”

David

Parent with ADHD
Paid spokesperson for Qelbree

See David’s story

How does gender affect ADHD?

Women and men may experience ADHD symptoms differently, and may exhibit different symptoms.

ADHD differences in girls and boys

ADHD symptoms can look different in girls and boys

ADHD affects kids and teens of all genders. That said, girls with ADHD are less likely to be diagnosed and treated in childhood. Unlike young boys, whose symptoms tend to fit the stereotypical idea of ADHD, young girls’ ADHD symptoms are often overlooked.

It’s important to know the different ways this condition can present, so you can better assess your child’s ADHD and help get them the support they need.

Girls are more likely to:

Suffer from inattentive symptoms (like daydreaming and trouble focusing)

Struggle with self-motivation and procrastination

Blame themselves for their symptoms

Talk to your daughter’s healthcare provider if you think she might be exhibiting symptoms of ADHD.

Prepare with a Discussion Guide

Girls may be under-diagnosed

It’s less common for girls to receive an ADHD diagnosis or treatment.

Boys are more likely to:

Act out and be restless

Blame external factors for their symptoms

Suffer from hyperactivity and impulsivity

Talk to your son’s healthcare provider if you think he might be exhibiting symptoms of ADHD.

Prepare with a Discussion Guide

In the past there were too many things competing inside his head to be able to process what the teacher was saying. Now he is able to do that much better.”

Laura

Mother of son with ADHD
Paid spokesperson for Qelbree

See Laura and Eli's story

Considering Qelbree for your child

Qelbree may be the right fit for effectively treating your child’s symptoms of ADHD.

More about treatment with Qelbree

Results with Qelbree in children ages 6-17 years

ADHD symptoms in children and teens

ADHD can affect kids and teens in different ways. Learn what signs and symptoms to look for, and how to help support your child.

ADHD symptoms can be different for each child

While the 3 general symptoms of ADHD involve inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, children and teens may show stronger signs in one area over the others.

Some children may be more likely to daydream or procrastinate. Others may be hyperactive and restless.

ADHD and school

School can present many challenges for children and teens with ADHD. Luckily, with the right awareness and symptom support, you can help better address your child's needs.

Signs of ADHD in students: what to look for

Symptoms can show up differently depending on a student’s age, gender, and school environment.

Grade school

Problems with paying attention and/or behaving in class can become more apparent. This can differ slightly by gender. For example, young boys are often more likely to act out in class than young girls.

As more official grading systems are introduced, students with unmanaged ADHD may struggle to perform to their ability.

High school

Teens with ADHD will often show less hyperactivity than in early school years, but may struggle more with inattention and impulsivity.

This can cause “high-achieving” ADHD students to struggle with frequent procrastination, late study nights, and feeling overwhelmed while still getting good grades.

On the flip side, students with ADHD who aren’t performing to their ability may lean further into a “don’t care” mentality, and struggle to invest in their academics.

Ways to support your child with ADHD in school

Here are several practical strategies you can use to help support your child with ADHD throughout their school years.

Work with their teachers

It’s good to practice open communication with your child’s teacher, school nurse, or other staff about their symptoms and possible accommodations.

Ask about classroom accommodations

For example: a student with ADHD may benefit from sitting close to the teacher and away from doors and windows. You can also talk to their teacher(s) about breaking down larger projects and deadlines into more digestible segments and check-ins.

Help them stay on top of medication

Build a sustainable medication routine and help them stick to it. Check in with them on their symptom progress, or if they’re experiencing any side effects, in case it’s time to reevaluate their treatment plan with their doctor.

Consider behavior therapy

Studies show that including behavior therapy as part of your child’s ADHD treatment plan—in conjunction with medication—could have notable benefits.

We've gained a lot of perspective over the last four years. We have a lot of things that we can do to make it better for us both individually and as a family.”

Laura

Mother of son with ADHD
Paid spokesperson for Qelbree

See Laura and Eli’s story

Addressing ADHD

If you think your child may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD, there are steps you can take to begin addressing it.

Talking to your child’s healthcare provider

Learn more about Qelbree

Understanding ADHD

ADHD is a complex disorder and can look different from person to person.

Actor portrayals

What is ADHD?

ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, or a condition that affects how your brain grows and changes throughout your life.

What symptoms are associated with ADHD?

ADHD is characterized by an ongoing pattern of 1 or more of the following types of symptoms:

Inattention

Difficulty paying attention, keeping on task, or staying organized

Hyperactivity

Often moving around (including during inappropriate times), restlessness, or talking excessively

Impulsivity

Interrupting, intruding on others, or having trouble waiting one’s turn

The examples provided are not inclusive of all of the symptoms of ADHD. Only a healthcare professional can diagnose ADHD.

Several brain chemicals are believed to play a role in ADHD

ADHD is understood to be an imbalance of some of the chemical messengers in the brain. These chemical messengers carry signals to help the brain and body communicate and regulate various functions. Norepinephrine and serotonin are two interconnected chemical messenger systems that play a role in ADHD symptoms.

Learn more about the science of Qelbree

ADHD symptoms can look different based on the person

Not everyone with ADHD experiences all of the symptoms, or in the same way. Some people struggle more with inattention, while others struggle more with hyperactivity and impulsivity.

ADHD can differ by gender.

Common ADHD differences in girls and boys | Common ADHD differences in women and men

ADHD can differ by age.

Common ADHD symptoms in children | Common ADHD symptoms in adults

ADHD can change as you progress through life.

ADHD differences throughout school years

If I had only been diagnosed earlier, how much of my life would be different now?”

Sam

Adult with ADHD
Paid spokesperson for Qelbree and employee of Supernus

See Sam's story

Familiarize yourself with symptoms of ADHD

Knowing the range of symptoms that are associated with ADHD can be the first step in managing it.

Signs and symptoms in children

Signs and symptoms in adults

Tips for your child’s success

To make sure your child is getting the best results with Qelbree, it's important that they take their medication as prescribed. Here you’ll find some ideas to help them stay on track.

Medication-related tips

Qelbree can be taken any time of day

Choose a time that works best for your child.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If your child misses their regularly scheduled dose, they may not have to skip the day. Talk to your healthcare provider about what to do.

Set a once-daily treatment reminder or help your child set one

That’s one less thing to remember, and one less decision to make.

Try storing their medication in the same place

It’s hard to take their medication when they can’t find their medication.

Consider buying a pill organizer

It’ll help avoid the “Wait, did I take my meds today?”

Try 90-day refills for convenience

Qelbree is a non-stimulant medication and can be refilled without needing a new prescription each month. Switch to 90-day refills for convenience.

Other tips

Aim for progress, not perfection, along the way

Remember, ADHD management is a journey. Give your child and yourself patience as you adjust to the routine together.

Consider including your child in treatment discussions and decisions

This can make them more comfortable with their ADHD treatment plan. You can ask them if their treatment is helping or if they are experiencing any side effects. Talk to them to see what symptoms continue to affect them.

Tracking symptoms and talking to your child’s healthcare provider is part of this journey

Don’t hesitate to be open and honest about your child’s treatment progress so they can best help. Communication is key to making things better for everyone.

Treatment breaks may not be right for your child

Some parents may consider giving their child a planned break from ADHD treatment. Know that this could lead to a return of ADHD symptoms and have other negative effects. If you’re considering a break, have a conversation with your child’s healthcare provider beforehand.

Navigating ADHD is a team effort

You and your child aren’t alone, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. You will find your child’s healthcare provider, school, and community can help you and your child on their ADHD journey.

Join Qelbree Insider

Resources

Find more resources to help support you and your child with ADHD.

See resources

Get the Qelbree Savings Card

Qualified patients may pay as little as $20 per prescription.*

Get the card

Pediatric starting doses and what to expect

Children and teens build up to the right dose of Qelbree in as soon as 1-3 weeks. Dosing is a journey, stick with it!

Building to an effective dose

The dose of Qelbree may be adjusted weekly as needed to optimize ADHD symptom control.*

Your healthcare provider will typically start your child on a lower dose and increase it gradually over the first 1-3 weeks until they reach the dose that’s right for them, adjusting as needed.

This could be anywhere from 100 mg to 400 mg per day for children and teens. This process is called titration.

*Your child’s healthcare provider will determine the dose based on your child’s response to medication.

Qelbree's titration schedule for children ages 6 to 11 starts at 100 mg/day and increases weekly up to a maximum of 400 mg/day. For teens ages 12 to 17, dosages start at 200 mg/day and increases to 400 mg/day. by week 4.

When to expect results

It’s important to know:

Qelbree is a non-stimulant medication and has a “gradual onset.” It could take a few weeks for the medication to be fully effective.

Qelbree provides a foundation of 24-hour coverage—avoiding peaks and crashes commonly experienced with most stimulant medications.

Qelbree is proven to work in medical studies that were conducted over 6 or 8 weeks—showing significant reduction in ADHD symptom scores in 4 medical studies of more than 1400 people.

Qelbree met the goal in the pediatric medical studies—a significant reduction in ADHD symptom scores in 6 or 8 weeks. Qelbree reduced ADHD symptom scores as early as Week 1 for some children.

Taking a week-by-week approach can help your child starting Qelbree

Managing your child’s ADHD is a journey. Here are some things you can do each week to help with their Qelbree experience when starting out.

Tasks for the first 3 weeks of treatment

It is important to keep all follow-up visits with your child’s healthcare provider and to monitor mood or behavior changes as well as any other side effects while they are taking Qelbree.

Stick with it!

Like many ADHD medications, reaching your child’s best daily dose of Qelbree may take some time. Make sure they stick with their treatment, and check in with your child and their healthcare provider about their progress.

If your child is still struggling with symptoms, or starts experiencing side effects, let their healthcare provider know. Sometimes, even small adjustments to their treatment dose can make a big difference.

Use the Qelbree Progress Tracker to help keep track of your experience as you find the right dose of Qelbree.

Qelbree Progress Tracker

Qelbree has helped us have a reset button where Eli is able to stop and process and think things through.”

Laura

Mother of son with ADHD
Paid spokesperson for Qelbree

See Eli and Laura’s story

49%

switched to Qelbree from a controlled substance or stimulant medication

51%

switched to Qelbree from other non‑stimulant ADHD meds

More tips for success

You’ve got this. Find more tips for success when starting your child on Qelbree.

Get more tips

Starting your child on Qelbree

Learn what to expect when starting your child on non-stimulant once-a-day Qelbree and why it may be the right treatment option for them.

Qelbree may fit your child’s routine, whatever that looks like for them

Once-a-day dosing

Qelbree is a once-a-day non-stimulant medication for children aged 6-17 years with ADHD.

Full-day coverage

Each Qelbree capsule contains a combination of rapid- and extended-release medication and provides medication coverage through the day.

Can be taken any time of day

If your child misses their regularly scheduled dose, they may not have to skip the day. Talk to your healthcare provider about what to do.

Can be taken with or without food

The Qelbree capsule can be swallowed whole, or the capsule can be opened and its entire contents sprinkled onto a spoonful of applesauce or pudding.* Do not cut, crush, or chew the capsules.

*Once added to the applesauce, Qelbree should be all consumed, without chewing, within two hours. Once added to pudding, Qelbree should be all consumed, without chewing, within 15 minutes. Do not store for future use.

Convenient refills, including telehealth

Qelbree is a non-stimulant and can be prescribed by a healthcare provider—even via telehealth—without the need for new prescriptions each month for refills.

3 strengths offer tailored dosing for your child

Qelbree comes in three strength options with three capsule sizes: "SPN 100," "SPN 150," and "SPN 200."

For children 6-11 years old: The recommended starting dose is 100 mg once daily
For children 12-17 years old: The recommended starting dose is 200 mg once daily
The maximum recommended dosage for children 6-17 years old is 400 mg once daily

Your child’s doctor may gradually increase their dose over 1-3 weeks until they reach the dose that’s right for them. This process is called titration.

You can take Qelbree in two ways: swallowing the capsule whole with a glass of water or opening the capsule and sprinkling the beads onto a spoonful of applesauce or pudding.

2 ways to take Qelbree

The Qelbree capsule can be swallowed whole, or the capsule can be opened and its entire contents sprinkled onto a spoonful of applesauce or pudding.* Do not cut, crush, or chew the capsules.

Qelbree is the only non-stimulant ADHD treatment that can be sprinkled for easier dosing for patients who are unable to swallow capsules.

*Once added to applesauce, Qelbree should be all consumed, without chewing, within 2 hours. Once added to pudding, Qelbree should be all consumed, without chewing, within 15 minutes. Do not store for future use.

When can you expect results?

Your child may find the right dose of Qelbree in 1-3 weeks. Qelbree is a non-stimulant medication and builds gradually in the body, which can take time.

Results with Qelbree in Children

Results with Qelbree

Qelbree pediatric medical study results.

Qelbree was proven to significantly reduce ADHD symptoms in children and teens in 3 medical studies

In medical studies, Qelbree—a non-stimulant—was proven to help effectively manage ADHD symptoms compared to placebo at the end of the studies.

Qelbree met the goal of 3 different medical studies: a significant reduction in ADHD symptom scores in 6 or 8 weeks, depending on the study. For some children, Qelbree reduced ADHD symptom scores as early as Week 1.

Your child’s healthcare provider can recommend Qelbree as part of a total treatment program that may include counseling and support therapies.

Rapid and extended release and full-day coverage

Qelbree uses 2-bead Microtrol® Technology for rapid and extended release and provides medication coverage throughout the day.

Medical study results

How we ran the studies: Qelbree was studied in 3 medical studies involving boys and girls ages 6-17 years who had been diagnosed with ADHD. The studies measured what kind of changes in ADHD symptoms these children experienced over the course of the 6- or 8-week medical studies. They measured the frequency and severity of ADHD symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Qelbree showed significant reduction in symptoms compared to placebo

**Qelbree was proven to be effective and safe* in 3 medical studies in over 800 patients with a once-a-day convenient dose.**

*Important: Those taking Qelbree should be monitored for mood or behavior changes. The healthcare provider should also monitor for changes in blood pressure and heart rate.

Download the Qelbree brochure

It’s an easy-to-reference source for:

Key treatment information on Qelbree
Helpful tips for managing your child's ADHD

Download the brochure

Safety and side effects

See safety information and learn about possible side effects of Qelbree from medical studies.

View safety and side effects

What is Qelbree?

About Qelbree

Qelbree is an effective, safe,* and convenient once-a-day, non-stimulant ADHD medication for adults and kids ages  6 years and older.

*Important: Those taking Qelbree should be monitored for mood or behavior changes. The healthcare provider should also monitor for changes in blood pressure and heart rate.

ADHD management with Qelbree

Maintaining regular treatment with Qelbree, as directed, may lead to ADHD symptom control.

Full-day coverage

Qelbree uses 2-bead Microtrol® Technology for rapid and extended release, and provides medication coverage throughout the day.

Flexible treatment schedule

Qelbree is taken once a day to treat ADHD symptoms.

See dosing for adults

See dosing for ages 6-17 years

Convenient refills

Qelbree is a non-stimulant. You may not need a new prescription each month to refill Qelbree.

Benefits of non-stimulant Qelbree

3 million

prescriptions and counting

In over 5 years,^† 3 million prescriptions have been filled for Qelbree.
^†Pediatric indication approved in 2021.

See the results

In medical studies, Qelbree was proven to significantly reduce ADHD symptoms vs placebo at the end of the studies.

See proven results for adults

See proven results for children ages 6-17 years

ADHD doesn’t have to control your life. It can be managed.”

Megan

Adult with ADHD 
Paid spokesperson for Qelbree

See Megan’s story

A non-stimulant approach

Qelbree is a non-stimulant medication and has a “gradual onset.” It could take a few weeks for the medication to be fully effective.

Science of Qelbree

Benefits of a non-stimulant

Benefits of Non-stimulant Qelbree

Benefits of non-stimulant Qelbree

Qelbree is a non-stimulant medication and:

Has no evidence of abuse or misuse

Is proven to be safe,* with manageable side effects when taken as directed

Is unlikely to have negative interactions with methylphenidate and amphetamine stimulant formulations

Talk to your healthcare provider about all medications being taken, and to see if Qelbree could be the right fit.

*Important: Those taking Qelbree should be monitored for mood or behavior changes. The healthcare provider should also monitor for changes in blood pressure and heart rate.

Convenient refills, including via telehealth

Qelbree is a non-stimulant and can be prescribed by a healthcare provider—even via telehealth—without the need for new prescriptions each month for refills.

My patients really get interested in the fact that this is not
a stimulant and that it is not addictive and can last through
the evening.”

Frank Lopez, MD

Qelbree offers up to 24 hours of medication coverage

Qelbree has a gradual onset.

Qelbree contains rapid- and extended-release formulations taken once daily, and provides all-day medication coverage.

Flexible dosing to meet your routine

The convenience of once-a-day dosing

Because Qelbree offers full-day coverage, it only needs to be taken once each day.

Choose when you take it

Take Qelbree once a day, either day or night, whichever works best for you.

Qelbree can be taken without regard to mealtimes

Take Qelbree with a meal or on an empty stomach.

Qelbree has over 5 years^† of experience treating ADHD

Half a million patients have been prescribed Qelbree for their ADHD.
^†Pediatric indication approved in 2021.

Qelbree can be taken by opening the capsule and sprinkling the beads onto a spoonful of applesauce or pudding.

Qelbree can be sprinkled to help people unable to swallow capsules

Qelbree is the only non-stimulant ADHD treatment that can be sprinkled. There are 2 ways to take Qelbree:

Swallow the capsule whole
Do not chew, cut, or crush the capsules. Can be taken with or without food.
Sprinkle it on a spoonful of pudding or applesauce
The capsule can be opened and its entire contents sprinkled onto a spoonful of applesauce or pudding.^‡

^‡Once added to the applesauce, Qelbree should be all consumed, without chewing, within 2 hours. Once added to pudding, Qelbree should be all consumed, without chewing, within 15 minutes. Do not store for future use.

Since Qelbree can be taken any time of day, this means I
can take my medication at night, which works best for my
routine.”

Jay Glazer

TV personality with ADHD
Paid spokesperson for Qelbree

An effective treatment for ADHD

See results from Qelbree medical studies for adults and children 6 years and older in treating ADHD.

See proven results for adults

See proven results for children ages 6-17 years

Interested in starting Qelbree?

The first step is talking to your or your child's healthcare provider about your or your child’s needs and symptoms of ADHD. Get prepared with a free, personalized Discussion Guide.

Get your guide

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Signs and symptoms of ADHD in adulthood

Adult ADHD is common

ADHD differences in girls and boys

ADHD symptoms can look different in girls and boys

Girls are more likely to:

Boys are more likely to:

ADHD symptoms in children and teens

ADHD symptoms can be different for each child

ADHD and school

Signs of ADHD in students: what to look for

How does gender affect ADHD?

Ways to support your child with ADHD in school

Understanding ADHD

What is ADHD?

What symptoms are associated with ADHD?

Inattention

Hyperactivity

Impulsivity

Several brain chemicals are believed to play a role in ADHD

ADHD symptoms can look different based on the person

Tips for your child’s success

Medication-related tips

Other tips

Join Qelbree Insider

Resources

Get the Qelbree Savings Card

Pediatric starting doses and what to expect

Is your child switching from another ADHD treatment? It’s common.

Starting your child on Qelbree

3 strengths offer tailored dosing for your child

Results with Qelbree

Qelbree was proven to significantly reduce ADHD symptoms in children and teens in 3 medical studies

Medical study results

Qelbree was proven to be effective and safe* in 3 medical studies in over 800 patients with a once-a-day convenient dose.

Download the Qelbree brochure

Safety and side effects

About Qelbree

ADHD management with Qelbree

Full-day coverage

Flexible treatment schedule

Convenient refills

A non-stimulant approach

Benefits of non-stimulant Qelbree

Qelbree can be sprinkled to help people unable to swallow capsules

Qelbree is the only non-stimulant ADHD treatment that can be sprinkled. There are 2 ways to take Qelbree:

An effective treatment for ADHD

Interested in starting Qelbree?

**Qelbree was proven to be effective and safe* in 3 medical studies in over 800 patients with a once-a-day convenient dose.**