Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD)
Overview
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health
disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as
difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Adult
ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school
performance, low self-esteem, and other problems.
Though it's called adult ADHD, symptoms start in early childhood and
continue into adulthood. In some cases, ADHD is not recognized or
diagnosed until the person is an adult. Adult ADHD symptoms may not
be as clear as ADHD symptoms in children. In adults, hyperactivity
may decrease, but struggles with impulsiveness, restlessness and
difficulty paying attention may continue.
Treatment for adult ADHD is similar to treatment for childhood ADHD.
Adult ADHD treatment includes medications, psychological counseling
(psychotherapy) and treatment for any mental health conditions that
occur along with ADHD.
Symptoms
Some people with ADHD have fewer symptoms as they age, but some
adults continue to have major symptoms that interfere with daily
functioning. In adults, the main features of ADHD may include difficulty
paying attention, impulsiveness and restlessness. Symptoms can
range from mild to severe.
Many adults with ADHD aren't aware they have it — they just know
that everyday tasks can be a challenge. Adults with ADHD may find it
difficult to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and
forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses
can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood
swings and outbursts of anger.
Adult ADHD symptoms may include:
Impulsiveness
Disorganization and problems prioritizing
Poor time management skills
Problems focusing on a task
Trouble multitasking
Excessive activity or restlessness
Poor planning
Low frustration tolerance
Frequent mood swings
Problems following through and completing tasks
Hot temper
Trouble coping with stress
What's typical behavior and what's ADHD?
Almost everyone has some symptoms similar to ADHD at some point in
their lives. If your difficulties are recent or occurred only occasionally
in the past, you probably don't have ADHD. ADHD is diagnosed only
when symptoms are severe enough to cause ongoing problems in more
than one area of your life. These persistent and disruptive symptoms
can be traced back to early childhood.
Diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be difficult because certain ADHD
symptoms are similar to those caused by other conditions, such as
anxiety or mood disorders. And many adults with ADHD also have at
least one other mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety.
When to see a doctor
If any of the symptoms listed above continually disrupt your life, talk
to your doctor about whether you might have ADHD.
Different types of health care professionals may diagnose and
supervise treatment for ADHD. Seek a provider who has training and
experience in caring for adults with ADHD.
Causes
While the exact cause of ADHD is not clear, research efforts continue.
Factors that may be involved in the development of ADHD include:
Genetics. ADHD can run in families, and studies indicate that
genes may play a role.
Environment. Certain environmental factors also may increase
risk, such as lead exposure as a child.
Problems during development. Problems with the central nervous
system at key moments in development may play a role.
Risk factors
Risk of ADHD may increase if:
You have blood relatives, such as a parent or sibling, with ADHD
or another mental health disorder
Your mother smoked, drank alcohol or used drugs during
pregnancy
As a child, you were exposed to environmental toxins — such as
lead, found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings
You were born prematurely
Complications
ADHD can make life difficult for you. ADHD has been linked to:
Poor school or work performance
Unemployment
Financial problems
Trouble with the law
Alcohol or other substance misuse
Frequent car accidents or other accidents
Unstable relationships
Poor physical and mental health
Poor self-image
Suicide attempts
Coexisting conditions
Although ADHD doesn't cause other psychological or developmental
problems, other disorders often occur along with ADHD and make
treatment more challenging. These include:
Mood disorders. Many adults with ADHD also have depression,
bipolar disorder or another mood disorder. While mood problems
aren't necessarily due directly to ADHD, a repeated pattern of
failures and frustrations due to ADHD can worsen depression.
Anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders occur fairly often in adults
with ADHD. Anxiety disorders may cause overwhelming worry,
nervousness and other symptoms. Anxiety can be made worse by
the challenges and setbacks caused by ADHD.
Other psychiatric disorders. Adults with ADHD are at increased
risk of other psychiatric disorders, such as personality disorders,
intermittent explosive disorder and substance use disorders.
Learning disabilities. Adults with ADHD may score lower on
academic testing than would be expected for their age,
intelligence and education. Learning disabilities can include
problems with understanding and communicating.
