Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often associated with childhood, making many people believe it only affects young children. However, as ADHD awareness grows, more adults are being diagnosed with the disorder. This has led to an important question: can you develop ADHD later in life? Find the answers to some of your most pressing questions here.
Can ADHD Develop in Adulthood?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically diagnosed in childhood. However, there’s ongoing debate in the medical community about the possibility of late-onset ADHD, where symptoms first appear in adulthood.
Most research suggests that adults diagnosed with ADHD likely had symptoms in childhood that went unrecognized. These individuals might have had mild symptoms in childhood and developed coping mechanisms that allowed them to function well enough to avoid detection. But as they enter adulthood, the complexity of juggling work, family, and social obligations makes those underlying ADHD symptoms more noticeable and disruptive to daily life.
What Are the Signs of ADHD in Adults?
ADHD symptoms in adults can vary widely and often manifest differently than in children. Here are some examples:
- Inattention and forgetfulness: You may find it hard to stay focused on tasks or conversations, commonly zoning out during meetings, daydreaming, or being easily distracted. Forgetting appointments, misplacing items, and having a disorganized workspace or home are also common.
- Difficulty completing tasks: Starting projects might be easy, but finishing them is a challenge. This could be due to losing interest, getting distracted, or underestimating the time and effort required to complete the task.
- Hasty decision-making: Adults with ADHD might make decisions without fully considering the consequences. This could involve impulse buying, quitting a job on a whim, or making sudden changes in plans without thinking them through.
- Impatience: No one likes waiting in line, sitting through long meetings, or dealing with delays, but these may be particularly frustrating for adults with ADHD.
- Restlessness: While hyperactivity in children might involve running around, it often manifests as a constant feeling of restlessness or fidgeting in adults. Mental restlessness is also common, presenting as racing thoughts, difficulty relaxing, or a continuous need to be doing something.
- Difficulty with self regulating emotions: Sudden bursts of anger or frustration disproportionate to the situation are common in adults with ADHD. They may also be sensitive to negative feedback, leading to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, or depression.
What Should You Do if You Believe You Have ADHD?
If you suspect that you have developed ADHD in adulthood, the first step is to seek a professional evaluation. A mental health provider, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, can assess your symptoms, review your history, and determine whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.
During the evaluation, the clinician will likely ask about your childhood to see if any symptoms were present earlier in life. They may also use standardized questionnaires or scales to assess the severity and impact of your symptoms.
What Are Some Common Treatments for Adult ADHD?
Treating ADHD in adults typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Here’s a look at each one:
Medication
Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD and include drugs like amphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin). They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which help improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
For people who cannot tolerate stimulants or those who have certain health conditions, non-stimulant options like atomoxetine (Strattera), viloxazine (Qelbree) or guanfacine (Intuniv) are available. These medications work differently than stimulants but can still be effective.
Some antidepressants—particularly those that affect norepinephrine levels, like bupropion (Wellbutrin)—can be used to treat ADHD, especially if the individual also has symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Medication can be very effective, but finding the right type and dosage involves some trial and error. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are important to monitor effectiveness and adjust treatment as needed.
Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of therapy for adults with ADHD. It helps you develop strategies to manage time, organize tasks, and improve impulse control. CBT also addresses negative thought patterns and helps build self-esteem.
Then, mindfulness techniques help with staying present and focused, reducing the tendency to get distracted or overwhelmed. Further coaching and skills training can help you develop practical skills for managing daily tasks, such as creating schedules, setting goals, and establishing routines.
Lifestyle Changes
Regular physical activity increases dopamine levels in the brain, which improves focus, reduces impulsivity, and boosts mood. The single most important and helpful behavioral change for ADHD is regular vigorous exercise. Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats also supports brain health. Certain supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and magnesium, provide potential benefits for managing ADHD symptoms while supporting a healthy diet.
ADHD can interfere with sleep, and poor sleep can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. For this reason, establishing a regular sleep routine in a restful environment is crucial. Finally, using planners, calendars, to-do lists, and digital apps designed for task management can greatly help adults with ADHD.
Seek Help for Late-Onset ADHD
Whether you have experienced symptoms since childhood or believe they have developed recently, don’t wait to see help. Untreated ADHD can affect your relationships, work performance, and mental well-being. Seeking a diagnosis and exploring treatment options can greatly impact your quality of life. Mindwell Urgent Care understands the challenges that come with managing ADHD, especially when it goes undiagnosed for years. We provide compassionate, patient-centered care tailored to your needs. Same-day and next-day urgent care is available across Texas and beyond—both in-person at our Dallas clinic and from anywhere via a telepsychiatric visit. For quick access to the help you need, please schedule an evaluation with one of our board-certified providers today.