CAN ADULTS HAVE ADHD?

Yes, and many do!

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often thought of as a childhood problem, but it is increasingly being recognized in adults. When children with ADHD grow up, their hyperactive-impulsive behavior normally decreases, while the inattentive and disorganized behavior remains. 

It is now known that symptoms continue into adulthood for about 60% of children with ADHD. That means that 4% of the U.S. adult population, or 13 million adults, have ADHD.

However, few adults are identified or treated for adult ADHD. Problems generally associated with ADHD in childhood include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. The symptoms of adult ADHD are quite different, so many adults are unaware that they have this disorder. 

ADULTS WITH ADHD EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY WITH:

getting organized 

sticking to jobs

keeping appointments

following directions 

remembering information 

concentrating 

organizing tasks 

completing work within time limits

managing emotions
(may respond to small events with excessive emotion while not noticing more important events)

staying interested and on task with assignments that are repetitive or hold no interest for them
(while still being able to pay attention well to areas that naturally hold their interest)

Why Do I Need a Diagnosis?

If these difficulties are not managed appropriately, they can cause problems in your personal, professional, and/or school life. When ADHD has been undiagnosed and untreated for many years, other psychological problems can develop, particularly depression and anxiety.


How Will You Assess Me for Adult ADHD?

It is more challenging to correctly identify ADHD in adults than in children, as no single test can confirm the diagnosis.  

Instead, I will use a combination of assessments to diagnose ADHD or rule out other possible problems:

  • I will look for a persistent pattern of childhood signs and symptoms. If your difficulties are recent or occurred only occasionally in the past, you are not considered to have adult ADHD.  

  • I will seek to rule out psychological problems, such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse. These disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD, cause mood swings, and affect memory and concentration.  

  • I use tests that objectively measure your cognitive ability, your short-term memory, your concentration, and your problem-solving skills. 

A thorough physical exam to rule out other reasons for your symptoms, such as hyperthyroidism or hearing loss, is recommended.  

Results from objective tests are combined with medical and behavioral histories, school performance, and job records to provide a full and accurate picture of how you function in the world.


How Will You Treat My ADHD?

Treatment for ADHD is a matter of personal choice. Most often, the combination of medication with some form of therapy significantly benefits adults with ADHD. Once you have a diagnosis of adult ADHD, I will work with you to determine the best course of action for your needs.