How Common Is ADHD in Adults?
There are varying estimates on the prevalence of ADHD in adults. Some studies put the percentage of adults with ADHD at around 2.5% to 5%. That’s slightly lower than the prevalence among children, which is around 5% to 7%.
It’s important to note that these statistics only reflect the number of adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. It’s suspected that many more adults have ADHD, but they haven’t received an official diagnosis. In fact, researchers estimate that less than 20% of adults with ADHD are currently diagnosed and/or receiving treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD in Adults?
ADHD symptoms in adults often look different than those that are typically seen in children. Some of that has to do with the lifestyle shifts that occur as we age. In children, symptoms of ADHD are often first noticed in a school environment, where it’s very easy to compare how well one individual behaves compared to another in terms of focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Another reason for different ADHD symptoms in adults is the fact that many people learn to mask their symptoms as they mature. Although they are still experiencing symptoms, they may have developed coping skills that allow them to cover up or minimize ADHD behaviors in certain settings, like at work or when spending time with friends.
Some common ADHD symptoms in adults include:
- Poor organizational skills and time management
- Difficulty prioritizing and focusing
- Lack of attention to detail
- Losing things frequently
- Forgetfulness
- Feeling restless often
- Impatience and a tendency to interrupt
- Mood swings and irritability
- Struggling to deal with stress
- Acting impulsively and engaging in risky behaviors
What Should I Do If I Have ADHD Symptoms as an Adult?
The first step you should take if you have some of the symptoms described above is completing an adult ADHD assessment. This can help an ADHD specialist determine if you have a sufficient number of symptoms to consider an ADHD diagnosis.
If the assessment indicates that you may have the disorder, your healthcare provider will expand on that initial screening by asking questions about the effect of your symptoms on your life as well as your medical history. An important part of diagnosing ADHD in adults is ruling out other possible causes of these symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or autism spectrum disorder.
If you’re diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, don’t worry. There are many great treatment options available that can help you manage your symptoms effectively. Medications are the first-line treatment for ADHD because they can begin working almost immediately. Additional treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and ADHD coaching, can provide a more holistic approach to ADHD management.
At Done, we offer a simple and affordable way to get the ADHD care you need. Complete your one-minute assessment online today to get started.
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4195639/
https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-masking
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/symptoms/
