While doctors generally consider attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder, they may diagnose late onset ADHD in adults.
ADHD typically presents in children. The average age at diagnosis is
For years, experts believed that ADHD in adults was a continuation of the childhood disorder and that a diagnosis in adulthood may be due to missed symptoms or past misdiagnosis.
More recently, researchers have looked into the idea that adults may develop a form of ADHD independent of the childhood version.
This article examines what the medical community knows about adult ADHD, how doctors diagnose ADHD in adults, the symptoms of ADHD, and more.
The
A
Another
These findings support a
Evidence suggests that adult ADHD may affect
Doctors can diagnose ADHD in adults. However, research suggests that fewer than
To receive an ADHD diagnosis, a person
- They have 5 or more persistent symptoms of inattention or 5 or more persistent symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity.
- Their symptoms occur in 2 or more settings.
- Their symptoms interfere with school, work, or social functioning.
Inattention symptoms can include:
- difficulty paying attention for long periods
- difficulty completing forms
- a tendency to lose their phone, their keys, or other important items
- trouble staying organized
- easy distraction
- forgetfulness
- trouble focusing when speaking to someone
Hyperactivity symptoms can include trouble with:
- engaging in leisure activities
- sitting still
- taking turns
- interrupting others
- fidgeting or tapping the feet or fingers
Like children with ADHD, adults may present with more inattention, more hyperactivity, or a combination of the two.
Symptoms of ADHD can change over time. Also, a person may present with symptoms differently based on their age.
Early years
In young children, symptoms of ADHD
- making careless mistakes in schoolwork
- running around and displaying a lot of energy
- disrupting class or getting up when they should be seated
- easily losing things
- talking too much
- having difficulty staying focused or completing tasks
Teenage years
Symptoms can present differently in teenagers than in younger children. ADHD diagnosis in teenagers is often challenging for several reasons:
- The criteria require symptoms to be present before age 12, but parents or teens may not remember what symptoms occurred before.
- Many of the symptoms listed as criteria are geared toward younger children and may not be present or as obvious in teens.
- It may be more challenging to identify and report behaviors because no one person sees the teen throughout the day.
- The symptoms may be similar to those that occur in children but more subdued in teens.
- The presence of other mental health conditions may complicate the diagnosis or cause misdiagnosis of another condition, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders.
Adulthood
Adults may present with similar symptoms affecting their attention or activity levels, but symptoms will likely look slightly different from those in children. Symptoms
- restlessness
- an inability to complete work on time
- disorganization
- trouble staying focused on tasks or conversations
- a tendency to lose important items
- a tendency to try to do more than one thing at once
- a desire for quick fixes to issues
- difficulty keeping employment
Experts do not yet know the
Researchers also suspect that several factors may interact to cause ADHD. Social environment, brain injuries, and nutrition may play a role.
There is no cure for ADHD. However, treatments can help a person manage their symptoms. Treatment
- Medications: These work on the brain to help improve focus or attention to tasks.
- Psychotherapy: Though it may not be effective by itself, therapy can provide additional support when a person uses it in conjunction with medication.
- Complementary approaches: The use of complementary treatments, such as supplements and other therapies, may help some people manage their symptoms.
A person should consider discussing their concerns with a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any treatments for ADHD.
The following sections provide answers to frequently asked questions about ADHD.
What can trigger ADHD in adults?
Experts do not know the exact cause of ADHD, but they
What are signs of ADHD in adults?
ADHD can display differently in adults than in children. Adults may present with symptoms such as:
- trouble holding down a job
- restlessness
- trouble focusing on large tasks or conversations
- a tendency to lose things
- forgetfulness of events, schedules, or appointments
- disorganization
- a tendency to fidget when sitting
How does ADHD show in females?
Young females may be better able to mask their symptoms due to factors such as getting better grades and having different social support than males. They may start to notice symptoms of ADHD in adulthood or the older teenage years as the factors responsible for their ability to mask the condition start to disappear.
Learn more about ADHD differences in males and females.
What does untreated ADHD in adults look like?
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting along with others at work or in social settings. They may forget things often, have trouble finishing projects, or display constant high energy levels. They may seem disorganized or interrupt conversations.
ADHD can develop in adults or become apparent for the first time in adulthood. Evidence suggests that adult onset ADHD may have different causes than childhood onset ADHD.
ADHD at any age can cause issues with attention or hyperactivity. However, the condition can present differently in children, teens, and adults. Adults with ADHD may have trouble at work or in social settings.
Treatment can help with ADHD in both children and adults. The main treatment is medication, but psychotherapy and complementary therapies may also help.