Can ADHD adults feel physical restlessness without hyperactivity?

Yes. Many adults with ADHD experience internal restlessness rather than visible hyperactivity. This can feel like a constant buzzing, tension, or urge to move mentally even if the body stays still. It is sometimes described as a motor running in the background. This internal agitation is common in inattentive presentations and in adults who learned early to suppress outward hyperactivity. The nervous system is still seeking stimulation, but it shows up as racing thoughts, irritability, or difficulty relaxing instead of pacing or fidgeting. Restlessness does not have to be obvious to be real. It is a valid ADHD experience.