Outpatient psychiatry · Specialized ADHD care · California telehealth

ADHD symptom guide

Hyperactivity or restlessness

In plain language

A level of physical movement, talking, or inner restlessness that is difficult to regulate for the situation.

What it can look like

Everyday examples.

01

Fidgeting or needing to move during quiet activities

02

Feeling internally driven even while sitting still

03

Talking quickly or finding pauses uncomfortable

Context matters

A pattern is not a diagnosis.

In adults and teens, hyperactivity may feel more like internal restlessness than obvious running or climbing.

Clinicians consider persistence, developmental history, impairment, multiple settings, health, sleep, mood, anxiety, substance use, learning, and other possible explanations.

Evidence

Learn more from NIMH.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A thoughtful next step

You deserve an explanation more useful than “try harder.”

Share basic scheduling details through the practice’s designated appointment intake. Any diagnosis or treatment recommendation follows a clinical evaluation.