Adult ADHD: How symptoms change, why diagnosis matters, and what treatment can do

What Is ADHD in Adults?

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood but often persists into adulthood. While symptoms typically emerge early in life, many adults are diagnosed later—sometimes after years of struggling with focus, organization, or impulse control without knowing why.

Adults with ADHD experience many of the same core symptoms as children: persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, these symptoms can present differently over time. For example, hyperactivity in adults may appear as inner restlessness or difficulty relaxing, rather than overt physical activity. Inattention can lead to chronic disorganization, missed deadlines, or forgetfulness, while impulsivity may result in interrupting others, making quick decisions, or struggling to wait your turn.

The severity and impact of ADHD symptoms can vary greatly. Some adults may have learned to manage or mask their symptoms, especially those with predominantly inattentive ADHD, making the condition harder to recognize until adulthood. Despite these differences in presentation, ADHD is not a separate diagnosis in adults versus children. The underlying challenges with attention, organization, and self-regulation remain the same.

Can You Develop ADHD as an Adult?

No, ADHD does not develop for the first time in adulthood. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), symptoms must have been present before the age of 12 for an official diagnosis.

That said, many adults only recognize their symptoms later in life, often because the challenges become more apparent or harder to manage as responsibilities grow. For some, symptoms may have been mild or overlooked during childhood.

If you’re wondering whether your struggles could be related to ADHD, it’s important to speak with a mental health professional. They can assess your symptoms, offer management strategies, and help determine if a diagnosis is appropriate.

Why Do Children Have More Overt ADHD Symptoms than Adults?

Children often display more obvious ADHD symptoms because they have less experience managing their impulses and emotions. Their self-regulation skills are still developing, and they haven’t yet learned to mask or adapt their behaviors to fit social expectations. In contrast, adults have had years to develop coping strategies and often learn to hide their symptoms, making them less noticeable to others.

Increased life demands and learned coping mechanisms can cause ADHD symptoms to shift inward in adulthood, explains Theresa Lupcho, a licensed clinical social worker at Thriveworks.  “Adults often experience more internalized symptoms like restlessness, anxiety, and difficulty maintaining work or relationships, while children typically show external behaviors like fidgeting, blurting out, or struggling in school,” she says.

While adults with ADHD are unlikely to be disruptive in meetings or physically restless in obvious ways, their symptoms may show up as chronic forgetfulness, losing everyday items, or feeling overwhelmed by routine tasks. These subtler signs can still significantly impact daily life, even if they’re less visible than the behaviors seen in children.

How Often Do Adults with ADHD Receive Late Diagnoses?

Late diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood is common. In 2023, an estimated 15.5 million U.S. adults had a current ADHD diagnosis, and about half of these individuals were first diagnosed as adults. Despite growing awareness, many adults still go undiagnosed, highlighting a significant gap in recognition and treatment.

Some adults were diagnosed as children and learned to manage their symptoms, but many go years—sometimes decades—without understanding the root of their challenges. Untreated ADHD can negatively affect relationships, careers, and self-esteem. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD are often misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety, or internalize early criticism, blaming themselves for difficulties with focus or organization.

This underdiagnosis means many neurodiverse adults grow up without the support or understanding they need, often viewing themselves as “lazy” or “defective” rather than recognizing their unique strengths.

Is ADHD Different in Women?

While ADHD is defined by the same diagnostic criteria for everyone, women and girls are often less likely to be identified and diagnosed compared to boys and men.

The classic image of ADHD—a young boy who can’t sit still, disrupts class, and seems constantly in motion—doesn’t reflect how the condition often appears in girls. Girls and women with ADHD are less likely to display hyperactive symptoms. Instead, they may experience inattentive symptoms such as daydreaming, being easily distracted, or struggling with motivation. Because these behaviors are quieter and less disruptive, ADHD in girls frequently goes unnoticed in childhood. Additionally, societal expectations often encourage girls to mask their symptoms and appear well-mannered and mature.

As a result, many women reach adulthood without an ADHD diagnosis. They are sometimes misdiagnosed with depression, anxiety, or even personality disorders. For example, a mother with undiagnosed ADHD may feel overwhelmed or inadequate when comparing herself to peers who seem effortlessly organized and on top of family routines. These unrealistic expectations, combined with the challenges of ADHD, can lead to increased stress and mental health struggles for women.

Recognizing how ADHD can present differently in women is crucial for better diagnosis and support. Learn more about the unique symptoms of ADHD in women and girls here. 

What Are the Main Symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms are grouped into three main categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These categories form the basis for the three primary types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentation.

• Inattentive presentation is marked by symptoms like difficulty sustaining attention, being easily distracted, frequent daydreaming, trouble following instructions, forgetfulness, and problems with organization. These symptoms are often less obvious but can significantly impact daily life.
• Hyperactive-impulsive presentation includes high energy, excessive talking, fidgeting, restlessness, difficulty staying seated, interrupting others, and acting without thinking. This is the most stereotypical image of ADHD, especially in children.
• Combined presentation involves a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms and is the most common type diagnosed in both children and adults.

While inattentive ADHD is more frequently identified in women and girls, anyone—regardless of gender—can have any of the three types.

At its core, ADHD is a disorder of executive functioning. This means it affects skills like working memory, planning, organization, motivation, impulse control, and emotional regulation. These challenges often show up in school, work, and daily routines, making it difficult to stay organized, manage time, and complete tasks.

Adult ADHD Symptoms

In adults, ADHD symptoms are often more internalized and less outwardly disruptive than in children. While hyperactivity and impulsivity may decrease or become less obvious, adults still experience significant challenges with inattention, organization, time management, and emotional regulation.

Common symptoms of adult ADHD include:

• Difficulty focusing or sustaining attention on tasks
• Being easily distracted or prone to daydreaming
• Trouble organizing, prioritizing, or completing tasks
• Frequent procrastination and poor time management (“time blindness”)
• Forgetfulness and frequently losing personal items
• Overlooking important details and making careless mistakes
• Restlessness, fidgeting, or difficulty relaxing
• Impulsivity, such as interrupting others or making quick decisions
• Emotional dysregulation, including mood swings, impatience, and frustration
• Hypersensitivity to criticism or frequent emotional outbursts
• Difficulty following complicated instructions
• Inconsistent work performance or productivity
• Trouble coping with stress or feeling easily overwhelmed
• Issues with sleep, such as insomnia or being a night owl
• Engaging in body-focused repetitive behaviors (e.g., nail biting, skin picking)

These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and work. Without diagnosis and proper treatment, managing these ongoing challenges can be extremely difficult. Seeking evaluation and support from a mental health professional is crucial for effective management and improved quality of life.

What Does Untreated ADHD Feel Like in Adults?

Living with undiagnosed or untreated ADHD as an adult can be exhausting and discouraging. Many adults spend years feeling like they’re falling behind or failing at things that seem easy for others—missing deadlines, losing focus, or struggling to stay organized—without understanding why. This can lead to deep feelings of shame, self-doubt, and low self-esteem, as people often blame themselves for challenges actually rooted in neurodiversity.

Untreated ADHD doesn’t just make daily life harder. It can seriously impact relationships, work, and mental health. Adults may lose jobs, struggle with unstable relationships, or face ongoing frustration and stress. They’re also at higher risk for accidents, impulsive decisions, substance use, and even a shorter lifespan. Many are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety, since the symptoms can overlap.

Despite these struggles, people with ADHD often have unique strengths, like creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience. Getting a diagnosis can be life-changing—it helps make sense of past difficulties and opens the door to effective treatment and support. Addressing ADHD head-on can prevent further mental health issues and allow adults to finally work with their brains, not against them.

Which Conditions Can ADHD Coexist With?

People with ADHD commonly have at least one comorbidity, or coexisting disorder. According to Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), these are the most common comorbidities for adults with ADHD:

• Mood disorders: CHADD’s data states that mood disorders, especially major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder, are among the most common co-occurring disorders alongside ADHD.
• Anxiety disorders: Anxiety conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobia, social phobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are seen more frequently in adults with ADHD than those without ADHD.
• Substance use disorder: Dependence on and addiction to substances like alcohol and drugs can impact adults with ADHD, sometimes tied to impulsive behavior and unhealthy coping strategies.

Aside from these, autism spectrum disorder and borderline personality disorder are also frequently comorbid with ADHD.

When adults have coexisting disorders, mental health professionals typically begin by treating the condition that causes the most impairments. For example, someone’s depression might be generated by someone’s untreated ADHD, triggered by a sense of failure because they haven’t been able to meet neurotypical goals. In that case, a clinician would probably focus on the ADHD first, since it’s the true source of the individual’s negative symptoms.

Mental Health Impact of ADHD

ADHD can have a major impact on mental health, especially when it goes undiagnosed or untreated. Adults with ADHD often struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. The constant challenge of managing daily tasks, meeting expectations, and coping with symptoms can lead to frustration, burnout, and strained relationships. Over time, this can erode confidence and make life feel overwhelming.

What Can Trigger ADHD Symptoms in Adults?

ADHD symptoms in adults often get worse with stress. Major life changes—like starting a demanding job, becoming a parent, or facing isolation during events like a global pandemic—can make symptoms more noticeable and harder to manage. For women, hormonal changes such as menopause or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can also trigger or intensify symptoms.

How Can ADHD Affect Work?

ADHD can impact work life in both positive and negative ways.

On the positive side: Many successful entrepreneurs, entertainers, doctors, teachers, writers, artists, and athletes have ADHD. Adults with ADHD often excel when they understand how their brains work and use strategies that play to their strengths. Creativity, quick thinking, and the ability to hyperfocus on tasks they enjoy can be real assets in the right environment.

On the challenging side: Without effective management, ADHD can make work more difficult. Some may struggle with chronic lateness, missed deadlines, or low productivity—especially if the job isn’t a good fit for their needs. Disorganization, trouble focusing, and lack of motivation can make tasks take longer and lead to frustration or dissatisfaction.

The good news: There are many ways adults with ADHD can thrive at work. Organizations like CHADD offer practical tips for workplace success. You don’t have to disclose your ADHD diagnosis if you’re not comfortable; instead, focus on communicating your strengths and what helps you work best. Most importantly, finding a job that matches your interests and energy can make a huge difference—helping you stay engaged and perform at your best.

How Can ADHD Affect Relationships?

ADHD can have a big impact on romantic relationships, often in ways that are both challenging and unique. While every couple faces ups and downs, ADHD symptoms can add extra layers of complexity—like forgetfulness, distractibility, impulsivity, and emotional ups and downs—that may lead to misunderstandings and frustration for both partners.

One common struggle is rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), where someone with ADHD feels especially hurt by real or perceived rejection or criticism from their partner. This can show up as people-pleasing, withdrawal, depression, or even angry outbursts. It’s easy for partners to misinterpret these reactions, leading to more conflict or distance.

Communication is key. Being open about feelings—rather than bottling them up—can help prevent resentment and emotional blowups down the line. Partners without ADHD can support their loved one by practicing empathy, avoiding harsh criticism, and learning about how ADHD affects relationships.

ADHD can also bring strengths to a relationship, like creativity, energy, and a fresh perspective. Some couples find they balance each other out: the partner without ADHD may appreciate the spontaneity and problem-solving skills their ADHD partner brings, even if things like chores or routines are sometimes a struggle.

Therapy and practical strategies, such as ADHD-focused couples counseling, can help both partners understand each other better and build a stronger, more supportive relationship. With compassion and teamwork, couples can turn ADHD’s challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.

How Can ADHD Affect Parenting?

ADHD has a strong genetic component, so parents with ADHD often have children with ADHD as well. Research shows that about one-third to 40% of children with a parent who has ADHD will also meet the criteria for a diagnosis. This means you may need to consider neurodiversity not just in your kids, but possibly in yourself, your parents, and even your extended family.

Every parent brings unique strengths and challenges. Parents with ADHD may find it harder to manage discipline and routines, but they often excel at connecting emotionally with their children. In two-parent households, one parent can help balance out the difficulties the other faces. For example, the non-ADHD parent might handle schedules and planning, while the parent with ADHD might be the go-to for creative play or handling emotional moments.

Families can thrive by learning to work together and understanding each other’s differences. This often takes effort, education, and sometimes help from a family therapist. There are also excellent resources available through organizations like ADDitude Magazine and CHADD to support ADHD parenting.

How Can I Help a Loved One with Adult ADHD?

The best way to support a loved one with adult ADHD is to educate yourself about the condition. Learn what’s within their control and what isn’t, so you can respond with understanding rather than frustration. Open up a conversation about the specific obstacles they face and ask how you can help.

Practical help goes a long way. If they’re overwhelmed by finding an ADHD specialist, offer to research options or make a few calls. If remembering medication is a struggle, help set up reminders or create visual cues—like notes or calendars—that work for them. Work together to develop strategies that play to their strengths and make daily life easier for both of you.

Remember, supporting someone with ADHD is a team effort. You’ll need support, too. Healthy communication, honesty, and mutual understanding are key. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a mental health professional, who can help both of you navigate challenges and grow together.

How Do You Diagnose Adult ADHD?

To seek an ADHD diagnosis, you can: 

1. Ask your current physician to screen you for ADHD
2. Ask your current therapist or psychiatrist for a referral to someone who can diagnose you (if they can’t themselves)
3. Contact a new clinician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD 

Find someone you trust and can see yourself having a long-term relationship with, because it can take a while to get ADHD treatment right (more on that below). 

Because adult ADHD is so often overlooked, many adults end up diagnosing themselves on the Internet, through sites like this one. Though self-diagnosis can be a good place to start, it doesn’t carry the same weight or validity as clinical diagnosis. If you have symptoms of adult ADHD and want to find out more, then you need a proper screening. It’s time to consult with a doctor or mental health professional to understand if you have ADHD.

What Is an ADHD Screening Like?

An ADHD screening is a thorough evaluation that involves gathering a detailed history of your symptoms. During the screening, a clinician will ask about:

• Childhood behaviors
• Work and relationship history
• Sleep patterns
• Other relevant aspects of your life

They may also speak with family members or close contacts to get a fuller picture. Because adult ADHD can be complex, the process may take anywhere from 45 minutes to multiple sessions.

Assessment Tools Commonly Used

To help assess symptoms and their impact, clinicians often use standardized tests such as:

• Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-5), updated in 2025 for improved accuracy
• Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS)
• Wender-Reimherr Adult Attention-Deficit Disorder Scale (WRAADDS)
• FAST MINDS (covers a range of symptom domains)
• Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS)
• Adult ADHD Quality of Life Scale (AAQoL)

What Else to Expect

The screening also involves ruling out other conditions like anxiety, depression, or learning disorders to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can bring a mix of emotions—from relief to grief or frustration. That’s why it’s important to work with a compassionate, knowledgeable professional who can support you through the process and help you manage these feelings.

Therapy and Medication for ADHD: What Works?

Treatment for adult ADHD tends to focus on functional issues in different areas of your life—work, relationships, daily functioning, etc. To start, mental health professional will want to know what your treatment goals are. Would you like to be able to focus more at work? Would you like to increase your tolerance for routine stressors, or be less impatient or irritable at home? What changes would you like to see?

The two main components of ADHD treatment are the same for kids and adults: medication and talk therapy. For many people with ADHD, both these elements are essential.

Psychotherapy

Non-pharmacological interventions can be life-changing as well. Any of the following therapies might prove successful in managing ADHD symptoms:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most commonly used therapy interventions, and is often beneficial for the treatment of ADHD. Its main goal is to point out unhealthy thought and behavior patterns by examining how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are linked to each other. ADHD, especially when it goes undiagnosed, can cause someone to develop many unhelpful thought patterns around their personal worth, so identifying them and treating them at the source can be highly beneficial.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs)

Mindfulness strategies like meditation, deep breathing, and even just pausing to notice your thoughts and emotions are often very helpful for people struggling to manage their ADHD symptoms. ADHD commonly creates internal shame spirals that make it hard to function, and they can be even harder to break out of. Mindfulness can help stop those spirals before they get out of control, allowing you to redirect your thinking and shift your perspective to something more healthy and positive.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is centered around addressing thoughts and behaviors, identifying unhealthy patterns, and working through them to make them more manageable. It shares similarities with CBT, as it’s an offshoot of that approach, but it focuses specifically on adjusting behavior through emotional regulation, cultivating positive relationships, and distress tolerance. Emotional regulation and distress tolerance are areas of difficulty for people with ADHD, so DBT can foster a lot of important healing and growth.

Other interventions used for ADHD include neurofeedback, internal family systems (IFS), and psychoeducation, among others. Learning about the complexities of ADHD and how it works is an important part of learning to manage symptoms and creating a healthy internal framework for your thoughts and emotions. 

Everyone with ADHD needs to find what works for them. It’s never too late to treat ADHD. People can turn their lives around in their 40s, 50s, even 80s after a late diagnosis, so don’t hesitate to seek help even if you’ve managed for decades without proper treatment. 

Medication

ADHD can be treated with both stimulant or non-stimulant medications. Commonly prescribed ADHD medications include:

Stimulants

• Adderall (amphetamine)
• Dexedrine (amphetamine)
• Ritalin (methylphenidate)
• Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate)
• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)

Non-stimulants 

• Strattera (atomoxetine)
• Intuniv (guanfacine hydrochloride)
• Qelbree (viloxazine)
• Catapres, Kapvay (clonidine)

It usually takes some trial and error to get the right dosage to help with your symptoms. But the good news is that ADHD medications are safe and effective, though they are most effective when used alongside psychotherapy. 

If a specific medication causes side effects, talk to your provider immediately about what you’re experiencing and whether adjusting the dosage or switching medications might be the right course. 

Does Adderall Help with Inattentive ADHD?

Yes, Adderall can help manage symptoms of inattentive ADHD, just as it does for other types of ADHD.

“Adderall can help improve focus, attention, and working memory in people with inattentive ADHD,” Lupcho says. As a stimulant, Adderall increases dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps regulate attention and executive function. Whether symptoms are hyperactive, impulsive, or inattentive, ADHD affects executive function, and medications like Adderall can make these symptoms more manageable.

If you’re considering medication for ADHD, talk to a qualified mental health professional. They can guide you through your options and, if appropriate, provide a prescription.

Adult ADHD: The TL;DR

Managing ADHD as an adult can be tough, especially without the right support. Getting a diagnosis is a great first step—it helps you understand your symptoms and opens the door to better strategies and solutions. Without this clarity, many adults develop coping habits that don’t really work and can even make things harder in the long run.

If you find yourself struggling at work, in relationships, or at home, know that you’re not alone. Learning about ADHD and how it affects you makes it much easier to find the support and tools you need.

Whether you choose medication, therapy, or a mix of both, working with a mental health professional can make your symptoms much more manageable—so you can thrive and live life on your own terms.