ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which usually manifests during early childhood. As such, it is rare for adults to develop it independently but, instead, cases diagnosed later in life tend to have had it for the majority of their life undiagnosed.
Can ADHD Develop in Adults?
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs commonly during early childhood.
The reasons for this are as follows for adult ADHD:
Childhood onset: Symptoms of ADHD are typically manifested during childhood despite late diagnosis
Not recognized: Executive dysfunction is often unmasked later in life due to increased responsibilities
Early evidence: Research on adult ADHD suggests that the majority of diagnosed adults had evidence of the disorder before the age of 12
Lifecycle changes: ADHD often becomes more evident in life transitions such as when entering new phases of life
Why Wasn’t ADHD Diagnosed in Childhood?
For various reasons, ADHD can often go unrecognized during childhood and, consequently, diagnosed later in life.
The reasons for this include the following:
Inattentive presentation: Inattentive children often do not exhibit hyperactivity which makes them less likely to be diagnosed
Very intelligent: Children who perform well in school often mask symptoms of ADHD which makes them less likely to be diagnosed
External structure: Children who have external structure in their lives are less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD
Often overlooked: Females and children who do not exhibit disruptive behaviors are often overlooked
Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The symptoms of ADHD in adults tend to be nearly identical to those of children. With that being said, the presence of hyperactivity tends to be much lower in adults. Instead, adults with ADHD tend to struggle primarily with executive dysfunction and emotional dysregulation.
Problems with:
- Procrastination
- Time management
- Impulsivity
- Emotion regulation
- Organization
Adult ADHD vs. Day-to-Day Distractions: How Are They Different?
Everyone experiences day-to-day distractions and inattentiveness but for people with ADHD, it is much more frequent and intense. The following chart provides an overview of the differences between regular distractions and ADHD symptoms.
Everyday Distractions ADHD Symptoms
- Infrequent Frequent
- Mildly disruptive Severely disruptive
- Can control focus Can’t control focus
- Sometimes disorganized Always disorganized
- Only mildly frustrating Easily overwhelmed
How Is ADHD Diagnosed in Adults?
Due to the nature of ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder, there is no physical test that can be taken to receive a diagnosis. Instead, a psychiatrist or other mental health professional will conduct a thorough examination that may cover the following:
Current symptoms: Evaluation of the symptoms that you are currently experiencing
Childhood symptoms: Evidence of ADHD symptoms before the age of 12
Impact on life: Examination of the ways ADHD has affected your life
Other causes: Evaluation of potential other underlying causes
Questionnaires and various other screening tools are also usually administered.
Other Conditions That Can Mimic ADHD
Numerous other mental and physical conditions can be mistaken for ADHD. Most notably, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and bipolar disorder can all produce symptoms that are similar to that of ADHD. Because of this, it’s important that you see an ADHD psychiatrist with enough experience to distinguish the two.
How to Treat ADHD in Adults
Treatment for adult ADHD usually involves a mixture of medication, psychotherapy, and other skills-specific interventions. This may include the following:
Stimulant medication: Stimulant medication is typically utilized in the treatment of ADHD to address the neurobiological irregularity that contributes to the disorder
Non-stimulant medication: Non-stimulant medication may also be utilized in some cases
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is usually recommended for ADHD patients in order to provide them with coping mechanisms
Executive skills training: Executive skills training may be recommended to help ADHD patients develop practical life skills//
When Should I See a Psychiatrist for ADHD?
If ADHD symptoms are interfering with your life in any meaningful way, seeing a psychiatrist is a good idea. Some warning signs that you may need to see a psychiatrist soon include the following:
Problems at work: Do you have issues at work or school stemming from your ADHD?
Problems with relationships: Are your ADHD symptoms affecting your loved ones?
Overwhelmed by responsibilities: Do you struggle with the responsibilities of everyday life?
Anxiety or depression: Are you experiencing additional mental health problems?
The Importance of Receiving Professional Help
If you think that you have ADHD, scheduling an appointment with a professional is an important first step. Receiving a proper diagnosis and developing a practical treatment plan can make a huge difference in the quality of your life.
In the event that you’re looking for professional help nearby, you can schedule an ADHD evaluation in Boerne, TX, or contact an ADHD psychiatrist in Boerne, TX, for more information about diagnostic and treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ADHD develop in adults?
ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which means it begins during early childhood. Although it may not be diagnosed until later in life, ADHD rarely presents itself in adulthood independently but, instead, tends to have been present for the majority of one’s life undiagnosed.
Can ADHD appear later in life?
While ADHD itself doesn’t start later in life, its symptoms often become much more evident as life responsibilities increase.
Is adult-onset ADHD real?
Scientific research suggests that ADHD that only presents itself in adulthood is uncommon.
Why are many people diagnosed with ADHD as adults?
Many adults are diagnosed later in life because their childhood symptoms were mild, predominantly inattentive rather than hyperactive, or masked by a high level of intellect, attentive parenting, or a structured environment.
What are the first signs of ADHD in adults?
The first signs of ADHD in adults usually involve the manifestation of procrastination, problems with time management, organization, and focus on boring or uninteresting tasks.
How do psychiatrists diagnose adult ADHD?
Psychiatrists diagnose adult ADHD by reviewing current symptoms and evidence of symptoms before the age of 12 while examining the impacts that ADHD has made on the patient’s life and ruling out other potential causes.
When should I seek an ADHD evaluation?
You should seek an ADHD evaluation if persistent inattentiveness, disorganization, and impulsivity interfere with your work, relationships, finances, and overall well-being.
Is it possible to acquire ADHD as an adult?
No. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder and, as such, it cannot be acquired in adulthood.
Why are many adult ADHD cases undiagnosed during childhood?
Many cases are undiagnosed during childhood due to the fact that the individual didn’t exhibit hyperactive behaviors. Additionally, females, individuals who exhibit predominantly inattentive symptoms, and children who have a high level of intellect or very attentive parenting are much more likely to be undiagnosed during childhood.
How can ADHD be diagnosed and treated in adults?
Diagnosis usually involves a series of screening tools and a clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional. Once diagnosed, treatment most often involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
CONCLUSION
Having an adult ADHD diagnosis might be extremely beneficial for a person as it allows one to understand that his or her struggles since childhood are due to a condition that can be successfully treated. As ADHD is manifested from one’s early years, identifying the symptoms that were left untreated can allow an individual to acknowledge what impact the diagnosis can have on their life. The disorder that was present during one’s development does not appear without any reasons in an adult. Therefore, the symptoms that were insignificant before can start interfering with a person’s daily life.
In order to make sure that ADHD is genuinely the cause of the struggles, one needs to be examined by a professional psychiatrist. With the adequate treatment plan, an adult with ADHD can lead a fulfilling life free from significant disturbances. Addressing this issue is essential for one’s well-being. Thus, an adult ADHD diagnosis is beneficial as it enables a person to receive the required assistance and successfully address the disorder.
