If work feels like an uphill battle despite your best efforts, undiagnosed ADHD might be the hidden reason.
ADHD in adults in Singapore often goes unnoticed, leaving many to silently struggle with challenges they cannot explain. It is easy to blame yourself for being forgetful, disorganised, or overwhelmed, especially when you are trying your hardest.
But what if it is not just a lack of effort or discipline? If you have been feeling stuck despite your best efforts, it might be worth exploring if ADHD could be the cause.
According to Dr Jared Ng, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Connections MindHealth, persistent challenges with focus and organisation, especially since childhood, could point to ADHD.
“If these difficulties significantly impact daily life and occur across multiple settings—like at work and home—they might indicate undiagnosed ADHD.”
Recognising that ADHD persists beyond childhood is key to seeking support. If focus, organisation, or impulsivity remain a struggle despite self-help efforts, undiagnosed ADHD may be worth exploring.
Read more: Singapore Study to Screen Children Nationwide for ADHD, Autism, Depression
The Overlooked Reality of ADHD in Adults in Singapore
For years, ADHD has been largely associated with children, leaving adults with this condition struggling in silence.
Yet, as the Ministry of Health highlighted in a Parliamentary session earlier this year, “academic research has estimated the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder…among adults to range between 2 percent and 7 percent.”
Dr Ng adds that challenges such as frequently forgetting deadlines, difficulty prioritising tasks, and feeling overwhelmed by small details can often go unnoticed. He also points out that symptoms of ADHD may overlap with conditions like anxiety and depression, making it harder to pinpoint the exact cause of these struggles.
“Differentiating between these conditions is crucial because the treatment approaches can differ significantly,” he explains.
Undiagnosed ADHD in adults may lead to persistent difficulties with focus, time management, and emotional regulation.
These issues not only impact the individual but can also strain workplace relationships and lead to higher job turnover rates. Yet, these struggles are often misunderstood, with individuals labelled as “lazy” or “unmotivated.”
When recognised and supported, adults with ADHD bring unique strengths, such as creativity, problem-solving abilities, and out-of-the-box thinking.
Recognising the Signs of ADHD in Adults
ADHD in adults often manifests in ways that are easy to overlook or misinterpret. While children might display hyperactivity or impulsiveness, adults experience subtler symptoms like restlessness, forgetfulness, or zoning out. A key but often misunderstood aspect is executive dysfunction, which affects the ability to plan, organise, and complete tasks. This can include:
- Struggling to break projects into manageable steps.
- Missing deadlines despite working long hours.
- Procrastinating on tasks or completing them in a last-minute rush.
- Difficulty organising work or tracking priorities effectively.
Adults with ADHD may also experience rumination, or overthinking past mistakes and hypothetical scenarios. This mental loop typically contributes to feelings of frustration and self-doubt.
Hyperfocus, becoming so absorbed in a task that everything else is forgotten, and time blindness, where individuals frequently underestimate how long tasks will take, are common signs. Dr Ng notes that emotional dysregulation, such as difficulty managing frustration or rejection, and avoidance of tasks requiring sustained mental effort often go unnoticed.
“These behaviours are frequently misinterpreted as procrastination or laziness, masking the underlying struggles of ADHD,” he says.
If these patterns sound familiar, ask yourself:
- Do you feel overwhelmed despite trying your best?
- Do you procrastinate or hyperfocus, making time management a challenge?
- Are you frequently misplacing items or forgetting appointments, even with reminders?
When Self-Help Isn’t Enough
Many adults with ADHD spend years trying to “fix” their struggles with self-help strategies.
They might rely on exercise, mindfulness, productivity apps, or meticulously crafted to-do lists, hoping these tools will bring some order to their lives. While these strategies are helpful for some, they might fall short for adults with ADHD.
Dr Ng notes that traditional self-help methods often fail because they do not address how ADHD uniquely affects attention, motivation, and executive function.
“Generic advice, like ‘just focus harder,’ overlooks the underlying challenges ADHD creates in areas like time management and self-regulation.”
He emphasises that without targeted strategies, individuals may feel frustrated and stuck despite their best efforts.
Seeking professional help is a necessary step when self-help no longer feels effective. A proper diagnosis not only provides clarity but also opens doors to tailored support, such as therapy, coaching, or medication.
Seeking help isn’t about labelling—it’s about understanding yourself and finding the tools you need to thrive.
How ADHD Can Be a Workplace Asset
Qualities like hyperfocus, creativity, and problem-solving often shine in the right environment. Yet, many workplaces fail to recognise or nurture these abilities, leaving potential untapped.
Dr Ng notes that many individuals with ADHD describe it as their “superpower,” enabling them to bring enthusiasm, creativity, and unique perspectives to their work. In roles that require adaptability and out-of-the-box thinking, these abilities become a significant advantage.
1. Turning Challenges into Strengths
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“With ADHD, although there are limiting factors, these limiting factors can also be a strength.” shared Dr Geraldine Tan, Director and Principal Psychologist of The Therapy Room Singapore.
While ADHD can make tasks like time management or organisation difficult, it also fosters adaptability and innovative thinking. Many adults with ADHD excel in roles that demand quick responses, creative problem-solving, or fresh perspectives. These strengths are particularly valuable in fast-paced or idea-driven industries.
2. Building Supportive Work Environments
Creating an inclusive workplace allows individuals with ADHD to thrive and contribute fully. Key strategies include:
- Implementing clear structures for tasks and deadlines.
- Offering tools like task management apps or visual planners.
- Providing quiet spaces or flexibility for focusing on work.
Dr Ng points out that flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid schedules or variable hours, can accommodate productivity patterns and promote efficiency.
“Accommodations like these benefit neurodivergent employees while enhancing overall workplace productivity,” he adds.
3. Encouraging Open Dialogue
Fostering a culture of understanding starts with encouraging open conversations about ADHD and neurodiversity. Normalising these discussions helps reduce stigma, allowing employees to feel supported and valued.
Offering workshops or training sessions on ADHD awareness can also help teams collaborate more effectively and appreciate the diverse strengths neurodivergent colleagues bring to the workplace.
The Power of Embracing Neurodiversity
Organisations that embrace neurodiversity experience tangible benefits. Diverse teams are often more innovative, resilient, and dynamic. Supporting employees with ADHD fosters a happier, more inclusive workplace where everyone can excel.
For adults with ADHD, understanding, and support can be life-changing. Recognising their unique strengths, such as creativity and problem-solving, helps them build confidence and overcome feelings of inadequacy that can accompany their struggles.
On a personal level, an inclusive environment can reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and create a sense of belonging. When employees feel valued for who they are, they are more likely to thrive in every aspect of their lives.
“By focusing on strategies that align with how the ADHD brain works, individuals can see real improvements, and organisations benefit from their unique strengths. Research consistently shows that inclusive workplaces perform better financially, as diverse teams offer varied perspectives and creative solutions, driving better overall outcomes.
Supporting neurodiversity is not just ethical—it is a powerful business advantage.” Dr Ng concludes.
