According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that makes it hard to function in at least two areas of life, such as at home, school, or work. Adults with ADHD may experience the following types of symptoms:
► Inattention: Difficulty paying attention, staying on task, or being organized
► Hyperactivity: Excessive activity or restlessness, even at inappropriate times, and difficulty engaging in quiet activities
► Impulsivity: Acting without thinking or having trouble with self-control
Adults with ADHD often have a history of poor academic performance, work problems, or strained relationships. They may find it challenging to stay organized, stick to a job, keep appointments, perform daily tasks, or complete large projects. They may be restless, try to do multiple things at once, or engage in risky or impulsive behaviors.
ADHD symptoms can cause problems in daily life and interfere with daily functioning. In adults, these symptoms could lead to:
► Difficulty paying attention and often getting distracted
► Disorganization and procrastination
► Poor time management, planning, or organization
► Trouble remembering daily tasks
► Frequently losing things or being forgetful in activities
► Frequently interrupting others or being very talkative
► Trouble focusing on a large task or multitasking
► Trouble following instructions or finishing projects
► Difficulty sitting still for long periods and often moving or fidgeting
► Feelings of restlessness and a need for constant activity or stimulation
► Choosing immediate rewards over future rewards or consequences
In general, many people show some of these behaviors some of the time. However, for adults with ADHD, the symptoms are more severe, frequent, and persistent, interfering with daily life, occurring across multiple situations, and lasting at least 6 months. ADHD often co-occurs with other mental disorders and can make them harder to treat. Sleep problems are especially prevalent, affecting up to 70% of adults with ADHD.
Diagnosis and Treatment
ADHD is diagnosed differently in children and adults. For adults the individual must have shown symptoms much earlier, starting before age 12. Also, adults or adolescents over 16 years must show five (instead of 6 for children) symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is complicated by the need to show symptoms before age 12. For this reason, a diagnosis relies heavily on past reports of behavior. To help diagnose ADHD, a primary care provider or mental health professional may ask to talk to people who know you well, such as a partner, family members, and friends, to learn about your behavior in different situations and during childhood. They may look at school reports or other childhood records.
A provider will also talk to you or the person and may ask you to do the following:
► Complete clinical interviews, behavior rating scales, or symptom checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD.
► Take psychological tests that look at cognitive processes, such as memory, planning, decision-making, reasoning, and thinking, to identify strengths and challenges and possible learning disabilities.
► Report on your mood and current and past medical conditions to rule out alternative diagnoses and establish an overall treatment plan.
Common reasons for not diagnosed with ADHD earlier:
- Your teachers and parents may not have recognized the disorder or may have provided supportive environments that helped you thrive despite it. Or you may have a milder form of ADHD that could be managed well until faced with the stresses and demands of adulthood, especially at work.
- ADHD symptoms among girls and women are especially likely to have been missed in childhood. Sex differences in diagnosis rates begin to even out in adulthood.
Treatment is available for adults with ADHD. Treatment for ADHD can reduce symptoms and improve functioning. The most common treatments for ADHD in adults are:
► Medication, usually stimulant medications
► Psychotherapy, like behavioral and cognitive behavioral therapy to help develop develop executive functioning skills that often help improve daily functioning.
Effective treatment often involves a combination of elements. Sometimes, people may have to try several treatments before finding the one that works for them.
People whose ADHD symptoms cause impairment at work may qualify for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You can learn more about the ADA at www.ada.gov.
Reference
Additional Resources
The following organizations have more information on ADHD:
► Attention Deficit Disorder Association:
Offers an array of resources to find help, including virtual support groups and a professional directory, at https://add.org
► Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Hosts a National Resource Center with information, links, and resources at https://chadd.org/nrc
► Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Provides information and resources on ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options at www.cdc.gov/adhd
Note: This resource list is for informational purposes only. It is not comprehensive, and an organization’s
inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by NIMH.