People may associate ADHD with extroversion due to symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity. But ADHD can affect people with any personality type, including introverts.
Introverts with ADHD may be more prone to the internalized symptoms of ADHD. These can be harder to detect and include problems with focus and organization.
If you’re an introvert and you’re looking for help for your ADHD, support is available that can help you manage your symptoms in a way that feels right for you. This might include working with a therapist along with some self-management strategies.
If you’re an introvert, you likely prefer quiet activities and spending time alone or with a small group. You might also be more sensitive to noise or social stimulation and need extra time to recharge after group events. Like being imaginative or conscientious, introversion is simply a personality trait — not a problem to fix.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), on the other hand, is a mental health condition that involves ongoing challenges with focus, impulsivity, and self-regulation. These traits might make people assume that people with ADHD are more likely to be extroverts, but that’s not necessarily true.
It’s important to remember that ADHD symptoms aren’t caused by your personality type. People with ADHD can be introverted, extroverted, or anywhere in between.
Can introverts have ADHD?
When you think of a person with ADHD, what do you picture? It might be someone who has lots of extra energy, moves quickly from one task to the next, and has no trouble being talkative in social settings, especially when a topic sparks their interest. Sounds like an extrovert, right? But research shows that introversion may be a partial risk factor for ADHD.
We don’t fully understand the reason for this connection. But another study suggests that people with ADHD might become introverts because of their lived experiences. For example, a person with ADHD might turn inward and prefer to spend time alone because of the social or academic challenges they’ve faced because of their diagnosis.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
What does introversion within ADHD look like?
Introversion is a personality trait that can accompany any mental health condition. However, an introverted person with ADHD might be more likely to have some of the internalized or less obvious symptoms of ADHD, like:
Trouble focusing
Making careless mistakes
Avoiding difficult tasks
Problems with organization
Frequent daydreaming
Difficulty paying attention when someone is speaking
Forgetting things
Difficulty maintaining interpersonal relationships
Managing ADHD and introversion
If you’re an introvert living with ADHD, know that your symptoms are real. Getting the right care can help you build on your strengths and manage your ADHD symptoms.
Because introverted ADHD often involves internalized symptoms, it can be hard to explain what you’re experiencing. Journaling your thoughts or taking notes before therapy appointments can help you clearly describe what’s going on.
It’s common to try to overcompensate through perfectionism. However, this can hide ADHD challenges from others (and even yourself). Admitting you need support can be hard, but it’s an important first step.
Alongside professional treatment, some self-management strategies that can help include:
Prevent overstimulation: Adjust lighting, noise, or clutter in your space to support focus and calm.
Set boundaries: Limit social activities before you feel drained, and give yourself time to recharge.
Create structure: Stick to consistent routines to reduce procrastination and improve focus.
Manage stress: Try calming solo activities like yoga, walks, or journaling when you feel overwhelmed.
Use technology: Explore apps and tools to stay organized, track tasks, and manage time.
Rely on support networks: Connect with friends, family, or support groups for encouragement and advice.
With the right support, introverted ADHD doesn’t have to hold you back — it can be managed, and you can thrive.
Dig deeper:
Clients who are introverted often find that therapy provides a safe space to explore their thoughts and feelings, helping them gain confidence in managing their ADHD while connecting with others in a meaningful way.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
Find care with Rula
Introverts often prefer quiet solitude over noisy group activities and may need time to recharge after lots of social interaction. They can also be introspective, creative, and thoughtful people with great listening skills. But just like anyone else, introverts can experience mental health challenges like ADHD. So if you’re an introvert with ADHD, know that there is support available that can help you manage your symptoms in ways that honor your personality.
At Rula, we’re committed to making it easier for everyone to access affordable, specialized mental healthcare, no matter the issues they’re facing. When you need support, we invite you to use our therapist-matching program to explore our extensive network. In just a few clicks, you can sift through your options, select the right in-network therapist for your needs, and make your first appointment for as soon as tomorrow.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
Rula's editorial process
Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness.
Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
