We’ve made significant progress in how we view, discuss, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. While there has been a greater understanding of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, our understanding of ADHD in adults still lags behind.
Historically, ADHD was seen as a childhood disorder. Only in the past couple of decades have mental health professionals recognized its presence in adults. A study published in The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders estimates that 2.5% to 5% of adults have ADHD, yet fewer than 20% are diagnosed or receiving treatment. This leaves 80% of adults with ADHD navigating the disorder on their own.
What Does ADHD in Adults Look Like?
To improve diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD, it’s essential to understand both the similarities and differences between childhood and adult ADHD. While ADHD in children is not a different disorder than ADHD in adults, symptoms can look very different in adulthood.
While ADHD in children is not a different disorder than ADHD in adults, symptoms can look very different in adulthood.
Signs of ADHD in Adults
The core symptoms of ADHD — inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity — persist into adulthood. However, behaviors like disobedience, difficulty staying still, slipping grades, and daydreaming in class are often replaced by chronic disorganization, frequent procrastination, difficulty managing time, and challenges in personal relationships.
Many people mistakenly believe that ADHD only affects your ability to sit still or focus. In reality, ADHD can impact nearly every aspect of your life. Researchers often argue that it’s less of an attention disorder and more of an executive function disorder. Executive functions are the high-level cognitive skills that enable you to plan, organize, strategize, pay attention, control impulses, and regulate emotions. These abilities are essential for everyday functioning.
ADHD in adults often leads to significant stress, feelings of inadequacy, and a diminished quality of life. In fact, ADHD frequently co-occurs with other conditions, such as substance abuse, anxiety, or depression, further complicating the diagnostic process as doctors may misdiagnose or overlook ADHD in favor of these comorbidities.
Common ADHD Questions
What Causes ADHD?
While the exact cause of ADHD is still unknown, scientists believe genetics play a significant role, as it tends to run in families. Environmental factors, such as nutrition, social environment, and brain trauma, may also contribute to its development. ADHD is a developmental disorder, meaning that, regardless of when it is diagnosed, symptoms begin in childhood.
Is ADHD a Disability?
Have you ever heard anyone say ADHD is a superpower? While we appreciate the positive spin, statements like this can be misleading and discouraging for those struggling with the disorder. Though there are positive traits that can accompany ADHD, it is, both legally and medically, considered a developmental disability. One advantage of this designation is that ADHD is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which means you are protected from workplace discrimination and entitled to reasonable accommodations, according to ADDitudeMag.com.
Are There Differences Between ADHD in Adult Men and Adult Women?
In short, yes. In addition to the vast discrepancy between diagnosis in males and females due to prejudices in diagnostic practices, ADHD in adult women tends to present with more inattentive traits, while hyperactivity is more common in men. Women are also more likely to experience low self-esteem, anxiety, mood disorders, and phobias. Because ADHD symptoms in women are often less outwardly apparent, many are diagnosed later in life.
Do I Have ADHD?
If all this information has you wondering, Do I have ADHD?, it’s worth seeking a formal diagnosis. A helpful first step is to educate yourself about the signs of ADHD in adults, since much of the diagnostic process relies on self-reporting. The better you understand the criteria and how your symptoms align, the more likely you are to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Once you’ve done some research, find a psychiatric professional who specializes in ADHD for an evaluation. Even some qualified professionals may not be well-equipped to diagnose ADHD, due to the limitations of current diagnostic guidelines.
Hope for Adults With ADHD
Though the professional community’s grasp of adult ADHD has been limited, there is good news. Many doctors, scientists, and researchers are beginning to see the gaps in understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD in adults. As a result, efforts are underway to expand the diagnostic criteria for adult ADHD.
Many doctors, scientists, and researchers are beginning to see the gaps in understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD in adults. As a result, efforts are underway to expand the diagnostic criteria for adult ADHD.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that prescriptions for ADHD medications increased sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among young adults and women. The study’s authors suggest that this data highlights the need for developing adult-focused guidelines for ADHD diagnosis to ensure adults are being properly diagnosed and treated. As awareness and research grow, care for those struggling with ADHD will continue to improve.
The Meadows Texas Can Help With Adult ADHD
Fortunately, ADHD is highly treatable with a combination of medication and targeted therapeutic interventions. Proper diagnosis and treatment can also lead to better outcomes for other symptoms and co-occurring disorders. If you’re dealing with the effects of ADHD or related conditions, The Meadows Texas can help you address the root causes of your symptoms and treat underlying issues such as maladaptive behaviors, mental illness, or substance abuse.
Our therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), spirituality groups, and neurofeedback, offer both evidence-based and holistic care. We treat the whole person, not just the diagnosis, with therapy programs customized to each individual’s specific needs. Contact us today to find out how we can help you begin to enjoy life more fully with ADHD.