Adult ADHD
Often when we think of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), we think of high energy kids running around, unable to sit still, and needing extra help in school. Very rarely do we think of kids who could not focus on tasks and working adults with procrastination and issues with attention and organization.
Roughly 5% of U.S. adults — 8 million people — have adult ADHD, but less than 20% get diagnosed or treated for it.1 Unfortunately, if left untreated, ADHD may adversely affect daily life, work opportunities, and relationships.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of ADHD are similar in adults and children; however, many adults have learned to make their ADHD less obvious. Symptoms in adults may include:2
- Difficulty keeping attention in work related tasks or meetings.
- Failure to follow through on projects or deadlines.
- Is easily distracted by other things going on around them.
- Failure to pay attention to detail.
- Is constantly on edge or worried about things.
- Difficulty organizing tasks, activities, projects, or deadlines.
- Misplaces or loses things necessary to accomplish tasks.
- Unable to sit through a long meeting or times when sitting is expected.
- Is forgetful with daily activities.
- Is reluctant to start projects or tasks that require sustained mental effort (unless the topic is interesting to them).
- Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Rapid or dramatic mood swings or periods of hyperactivity followed by lethargy.
- Fidgets with hands or feet or doodles during meetings or long work times.
- Is easily bored with tasks or has low energy with repetitive projects.
- May be on the go (as if they are driven by a motor).
- Starts a project or task without fully reading or listening to directions.
ADHD and other Conditions
Because ADHD is often undiagnosed, other conditions may sometimes be diagnosed instead.2 Symptoms of ADHD may not be easily recognizable as classic ADHD symptoms, and instead might be mistaken for another condition such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, low blood sugar levels, or even stress.3
If this sounds familiar, you may want to speak to a qualified psychiatric provider who will conduct a full evaluation and assessment to determine if your symptoms are consistent with ADHD and rule out other potential diagnoses. Keep in mind that it is possible to have both ADHD and another condition as well.
Whether you are experiencing ADHD symptoms, or another condition, proper diagnosis and treatment can help you manage your symptoms and overcome the daily struggles standing between you and your personal goals. Medication, therapy, and management of ADHD and other conditions will look different for each person and diagnosis, so it is important to seek the right treatment for each condition.
Written by: Laura Thompson, approved by Dr. Sena Tsogbevi, DNP, PMHNP-BC.
References:
- Staley B, Robinson LR, Claussen AH, et al. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis, Treatment, and Telehealth Use in Adults — National Center for Health Statistics Rapid Surveys System, United States, October–November 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7340a1.htm#:~:text=Attention%2Ddeficit/hyperactivity%20disorder%20(ADHD)%20is%20a%20neurodevelopmental,for%20ADHD%20among%20U.S.%20adults.Web site. . Updated 2024. Accessed November 22, 2024
- Magnin E, Maurs C. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder during adulthood. Rev Neurol (Paris). 2017 Jul-Aug;173(7-8):506-515. doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2017.07.008. Epub 2017 Aug 26. PMID: 28844700.
- Attoe DE, Climie EA. Miss. diagnosis: a systematic review of ADHD in adult women. J Atten Disord. 2023 May;27(7):645-657. doi: 10.1177/10870547231161533. Epub 2023 Mar 30. PMID: 36995125; PMCID: PMC10173330.
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