We focus so often on the treatment of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children, that tend to overlook the fact that just as many adults are living with the condition; experts suggest even more remain undiagnosed. While some children outgrow their ADHD symptoms, up to 70% will continue being treated into adulthood.

ADHD in adults follows a slightly different pattern than in children, as symptoms tend to evolve and may become more subtle over time. For example, adults with ADHD tend to have more problems with memory and attention rather than with hyperactivity.

Adult Symptoms Of ADHD & The Impact On Daily Life

In order for an adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, the must meet the following criteria in accordance to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV): six or more symptoms of inattention that have lasted at least six months, or six or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity that have persisted at least six months.

Specific Symptoms Of ADHD In Adults May Include:

• Forgetting names and dates

• Missing deadlines and leaving projects unfinished

• Chronically late for work or important events

• Becoming easily distracted and disorganized

• Low frustration tolerance

• Putting off boring tasks in favor of more enjoyable activities

• Trouble multitasking

• Executive function deficits

• Excessive activity or restlessness

• Extreme emotionality and rejection sensitivity

• Generalized anxiety and mood disorders 

• Blurting out inappropriate or hurtful thoughts

The effects of adult ADHD are an overall inability to remain focused to follow through with responsibilities and an overwhelming accumulation of incomplete tasks — impacting careers and relationships over time.

Adults With ADHD Often Remain Undiagnosed

There is an abundance of materials focused on the general education of signs to look for in children with ADHD, but not nearly as much on awareness for similar symptoms and diagnosis in adults. That’s why some experts believe up to 75% of adults who have ADHD don’t know they have it. Without knowledge or outreach for treatment, day to day life can be much more challenging and lead to false feelings of inferiority. In fact, studies show that substance abuse as well as other compulsive bad habits impact a far higher percentage of adults with undiagnosed ADHD than the general population.

So What Can Be Done?

We need to better inform the public and broaden the conversation surrounding ADHD to include the adult population and eliminate common misconceptions & stereotypes that surround ADHD as “only a childhood condition affecting hyperactive kids”.

If you are able to recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone you know, consider checking in with a mental health specialist who can conduct a clinical assessment to diagnose ADHD. Neuropsychological tests are often used for diagnosis. These can include timed, computer-based tests to measure attention and problem-solving skills. Neuropsych testing is not essential to making a diagnosis, but it can help shed light on how ADHD can be affects your daily life. It can also uncover potential coexisting conditions.

Once Diagnosed, Adult ADHD Is Highly Treatable

Getting the right diagnosis and proper treatment can be life-changing. Adults with ADHD don’t outgrow the condition, but most learn to manage it to great success. Standard treatments for ADHD in adults usually involve a combination of medication, education, skills training and psychological counseling. As with most treatments, it may take some time to determine what works best for each person, so stick with it.

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Sources

• Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD): Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults

• American Family Physician: Diagnosis and Management of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults

• Harvard Medical School - Harvard Health Letter: Recognizing and managing ADHD in adults