Can You Develop ADHD as an Adult?
Rebecca* is a 44-year-old mother with a 14-year-old daughter
who has struggled with attention deficit her whole life. Rebecca’s daughter was tested and ultimately confirmed to have ADHD.
Since then, Rebecca has wondered if she, too, may suffer from ADHD.
Rebecca says she has always had a hard time paying attention “unless interested.” She feels distracted and scattered at work and at home. She overlooks details and is forgetful, and she feels frustrated and guilty about that. She is easily overwhelmed, which can cause her to become anxious, depressed, and down on herself.
These are not new issues. As a student, homework took her far longer than it should have, taking twice as long as others. Despite attending class, she would miss things the teachers would say. At home, her parents repeated things over and over. Home life was stressful as a result.
As her daughter now grapples with these same challenges, Rebecca is reminded of her own struggles, and it has stirred up old feelings. Even more than that, however, Rebecca now recognizes that she is still dealing with many of these same issues in her current daily life.
What is Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that makes it hard to function in at least two areas of life (ie, home, school, or work).
Adults with ADHD:
Adults with ADHD are most likely to experience the following symptoms:
Inattention: Difficulty paying attention, staying on task, hyper-focusing, to the exclusion of more pressing matters, distractibility, etc.
Disorganization: Problems getting started, follow-through, complete tasks, and time management
Adults with ADHD often have a history of poor or arduous academic performance, work problems, and strained relationships. They may find it challenging to stay organized, stick to a job, keep appointments, perform daily tasks, or complete large projects.
Most people show some of these behavioral traits sometimes. However, for adults with ADHD, they are more persistent and often more severe, interfering with daily life, occurring across multiple situations, and lasting at least 6 months.
Symptoms continue into adulthood for many people with ADHD, but they may change with age. For instance, inattentive symptoms often persist as people get older, whereas hyperactivity and impulsivity are more likely to decline.
ADHD is Diagnosed Differently in Adults
ADHD can be diagnosed in childhood or adulthood. However, adults must have shown symptoms much earlier, starting before age 12. This ia a complicating factor that relies heavily on past reports of behavior.
To help diagnose ADHD for an adult, 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.
Rebecca’s Path Forward:
Having gone through the process of getting her daughter tested, Rebecca felt empowered to take action on her own behalf.
She booked an appointment and went through a rigorous testing process that eventually confirmed that she, too, suffered from ADHD and likely always had.
With this information in hand and specific recommendations to guide her, she was able to get the help she needed and overcome the issues that had been interfering with her ability to function to the height of her abilities.
Suddenly, work felt more manageable. She felt more in control and confident. Day-to-day functioning within and outside the home became smoother and less stressful. She no longer felt scattered. Her husband and kids noticed all of this, and the bickering that used to occur in the home melted away.
She was finally in the place she always wanted to be.
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* All client names have been changed