Can I have ADHD but not be hyperactive?
Yes, you can absolutely have ADHD without being physically hyperactive. This is officially known as ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (formerly often called ADD). While the popular image of ADHD involves constant movement and "climbing the walls," many neurodivergent adults experience hyperactivity internally rather than externally. Instead of physical restlessness, your symptoms might show up as a "racing mind," chronic forgetfulness, or an inability to sustain focus on tasks that don't provide an immediate dopamine hit.
In adults, hyperactivity often evolves into a subtle feeling of inner restlessness or an "internal itch" that is hard to scratch. You might be the person who can sit still in a meeting but is constantly doodling, fidgeting with a pen, or mentally miles away. This "quiet" version of ADHD is frequently missed in childhood because it doesn't cause a disruption in the classroom. Instead of being "naughty," you may have been labelled as a "daydreamer," "lazy," or someone who "just needs to try harder." Because your struggles are internal, you might have spent years masking your difficulties by working twice as hard as everyone else just to stay organised.
If you feel like your brain is a browser with 50 tabs open but your body is stuck on the sofa, you aren't alone. Recognising that ADHD isn't always about being "hyper" is a massive step toward understanding how your brain actually works. To learn more about navigating the world with an inattentive brain, sign up for the free Life on Hard Mode newsletter below.