What Does ADHD Look Like in Adults?
Published on June 3, 2024
ADHD — shorthand for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — is used by adults to describe their forgetfulness or distractibility. Of course, the condition is much more than that. ADHD was initially only associated with children — so much so that its original name was “hyperkinetic disorder of childhood.” We now know it can persist into adulthood.
About 8 in 10 of the children diagnosed with ADHD will grow into adults with ADHD. Then, we have all the adults who retain some symptoms but are no longer deemed worthy of a clinical diagnosis. Obviously, this situation is in flux and warrants a much closer look.
What We Think We Know
It is estimated that nearly three-quarters of adults with ADHD are unaware of it. Meanwhile, over 11 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 17 have the disorder. About 20 percent of those children are observed to “grow out” of ADHD. This convergence of trends makes it appear that ADHD can indeed develop in adulthood and/or morph into something less obvious — but there has been a lag in terms of recognizing it.
It’s also essential to remember that ADHD in children causes changes in a part of the brain that affects learning, memory, and communication. Research indicates that these changes still exist when those kids become adults, which muddies the waters of differentiation.
What Does ADHD Look Like in Adults?
It depends on the adult. Someone who was diagnosed as a kid likely cultivated a wide range of coping skills. As they grow and age, these mechanisms can mask symptoms to the point where they are present but unrecognizable. But make no mistake — they still impact and stress out the person.
Another scenario involves an adult who did not have ADHD during childhood. In such a case, without the benefit of finely honed coping skills, the person’s symptoms may initially look like modified versions of the signs listed below for children and teens. However, a newly diagnosed adult will typically learn to manage their symptoms more quickly than a young person.
For Context, Here Are Some of the ADHD Symptoms in Children and Teens
Children
Easily distracted
Inattention
Hyperactivity
Constant movement
Impulsiveness
Interrupting others
Fidgeting
Impatience
Waiting makes them uncomfortable
Non-stop talking
Teenagers
More inattention — especially in the form of forgetfulness and losing things
Less hyperactivity — although it can be masked as ambition and motivation
Impulsivity gets a lot riskier as it now involves teenagers, e.g., driving, substance abuse, and more
Poor social skills built on a foundation of impatience, distractibility, and frequently interrupting
As stated above, an adult who develops ADHD later in life may struggle with all of the above before more rapidly learning how to suppress symptoms.
Treating Adult ADHD
This is no one-size-fits-all approach for ADHD at any age. Medication may be suggested, but it will be based on lengthy conversations with your doctor, therapist, etc. Either way, two components will almost certainly be involved. Firstly, you’ll be asked to make some lifestyle changes to adjust for the impact of ADHD. Self-help is always beneficial and you may want your regimen to include:
Relaxation techniques and stress management
Regular sleep patterns
Healthy eating and drinking choices
Daily exercise and physical activity
The other component is therapy. An experienced counselor serves as a non-judgmental guide. You’ll work together to explore symptoms, habits, patterns, and triggers. In the safe space of a therapy room, you can become more comfortable discussing the feelings and behaviors you work so hard to suppress and hide. With such guidance, you can reach a point where you’re thriving again and feel more control over your life. Call our office today to schedule an appointment so we can help you on your journey with ADHD.