About ADHD in Adults
ADHD is a real medical disorder
Everyone's brain uses various natural chemicals to help send messages across the nervous system. It is thought that when two of these chemical “messengers” are out of balance, the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD can result.
ADHD isn’t just a childhood disorder
Many adults believe that they outgrow ADHD. However, it is estimated that up to 65% of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms into adulthood.
You’re not alone
Based on a survey of adults aged 18 to 44, an estimated 4.4% of adults have ADHD. When extrapolated to the full US population aged 18 and over, this adds up to almost 10 million adults.
ADHD symptoms may impact adults differently than children
Adults and children often share the same symptoms of ADHD. But the impact on their lives and how others perceive these symptoms may be different. Adults often develop strategies to cope with their ADHD symptoms. But each day of an adult’s life brings new duties and challenges that may eventually overwhelm those strategies, and new options may be needed.
Here are some examples of how a child's ADHD symptoms may differ from those experienced by an adult.
| Inattention |
- Easily distracted
- Difficulty following instructions
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- Not finishing things
- Poor time management
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| Hyperactivity |
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| Impulsivity |
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- Impatience / Irritability / Interrupting others
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We all get distracted or have times we start projects we don’t finish. But if it’s more persistent, frequent, and severe than in our peers, it may be a disorder called ADHD.
If you are not sure if you have ADHD, use this screener from the World Health Organization as a starting point to help you recognize the signs and symptoms of adult ADHD and then speak with your doctor.
