Struggling to focus is just one part of ADHD. The condition makes daily life harder to manage, including time management, impulse control and tracking responsibilities. Symptoms can affect all aspects of a person’s life. And they often change as people grow older.
ADHD is fairly common. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12% of children in the United States ages 3 to 17 had been diagnosed with ADHD by 2024. Symptoms usually start showing during childhood, but many people continue to experience them as teenagers and adults.
- ADHD involves inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, and symptoms often change as people grow older.
- About 12% of U.S. children ages 3 to 17 had been diagnosed with ADHD by 2024, and many continue to experience symptoms as adults.
- ADHD is more easily missed in girls and women, who are more likely to be diagnosed with inattentive ADHD.
- Genetics play a role, but no single cause explains ADHD, and poor parenting, sugar and screen time don’t cause it.
- Treatment may include medication, therapy and practical changes to everyday routines.
What Is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is among the most common brain-based disorders. While it can look different for different people, its most common symptoms include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. It generally manifests through an inability to sit still, focus on details, control behavior or process information normally. While it’s typically diagnosed in children, this disorder can be present in adults as well. Some individuals aren’t diagnosed or receive treatment for ADHD until age 20 or later.
ADHD Symptoms
ADHD symptoms usually fall into three main groups: trouble concentrating, hyperactivity and struggles with impulse control. Symptoms can change as people get older, so the same person may present differently as an adult than in childhood.
In Children
Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, following instructions or finishing their schoolwork. Some common signs include:
- Making frequent careless mistakes
- Becoming distracted easily
- Constantly losing school supplies or other belongings
- Forgetting everyday tasks
- Fidgeting or having trouble staying seated
- Talking excessively
- Interrupting others
- Acting before thinking
- Having difficulty waiting their turn
Just because a child is distracted or full of energy does not mean they have ADHD. Symptoms must last at least six months and negatively affect the child’s ability to function in daily life, including at school.
In Adults
Adult ADHD symptoms often present differently than in childhood. For instance, you might find it hard to meet deadlines, keep appointments or finish tasks. Hyperactive children tend to move around a lot, but in adults it can feel more like inner restlessness. Impulsivity can impact how you spend your money.
Some adults find ways to cope with their symptoms over the years and only notice they have ADHD when work or other responsibilities become harder to manage.
How ADHD Presents Differently in Girls and Women
ADHD is more easily missed in girls and women. Boys generally display more outwardly disruptive symptoms, like hyperactivity and impulsivity. Girls and women tend to internalize and are more likely to be diagnosed with inattentive ADHD.
Teachers or parents are less likely to notice a girl who is quiet, distracted or disorganized than a child who frequently interrupts or has trouble sitting still. That’s why some women reach adulthood without receiving an ADHD diagnosis.
Types of ADHD
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), there are three different types of ADHD, depending on which symptoms are strongest in the individual. These subtypes are as follows:
- ADHD with a predominantly inattentive presentation. For individuals with this subtype, staying organized and finishing tasks is particularly challenging. They may also struggle to track conversations, follow instructions or pay attention to details.
- ADHD with a predominantly hyperactive and impulsive presentation. This form is associated with a traditional definition of ADHD and is far more noticeable. Someone with this subtype generally fidgets and talks a lot. They may have a difficult time sitting still (such as while eating a meal or working at a desk) and may be more prone to accidents and injuries. Children with this disorder may run, jump and climb constantly, while adults with this disorder may frequently interrupt others, appear restless or seem to have boundless energy.
- ADHD with a combined presentation. With combined presentation, the person has equally present inattentive and hyperactive traits.
ADHD vs. ADD
Not everyone with ADHD demonstrates high energy levels and has a difficult time controlling their impulses. Attention-deficit disorder, or ADD, is an outdated diagnosis that was typically given to those who had difficulty staying on task or paying attention to details.
The DSM-5 doesn’t provide criteria for ADD and only ADHD is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. Instead of ADD, an individual may receive a diagnosis of ADHD with predominantly inattentive presentation.
How ADHD Affects Everyday Life
For both children and adults, ADHD can have a profound impact on everyday life and make it difficult to complete routine tasks, perform well at school or work and maintain healthy relationships. While every person’s experience with ADHD is different, there are some common challenges that those with this condition face.
Struggle with Setting Limits on Behavior
Many researchers believe that the brains of those with ADHD produce an insufficient amount of dopamine, the neurotransmitter involved with the brain’s pleasure center. As a result, someone with this condition may find ways to temporarily increase their dopamine levels to feel good. This may mean that they have a difficult time setting limits on behaviors like eating, using recreational drugs or alcohol, spending money, playing video games or watching television.
Sleep Problems
ADHD can have a profound impact on someone’s ability to get quality sleep each night. Research shows that ADHD can disrupt the individual’s internal clock, called the circadian rhythm. This makes it difficult to fall asleep and wake up at regular times. Those with ADHD are also more likely to snore, have sleep apnea or experience restless leg syndrome.
Struggle to Maintain Employment
While workplaces and job descriptions vary, most jobs require workers to be organized, arrive on time and stay attentive and focused on their tasks. ADHD can make all of this very difficult. It can also make the individual forgetful and distracted, which can lead to poor time management and missed deadlines. Ultimately, this may prevent the worker from meeting their employer’s expectations and jeopardize their job security.
Financial Problems
The same challenges that can result in job loss, such as difficulty paying attention to details, remembering due dates and being organized, can also result in financial problems. For someone with ADHD, keeping up with bills and managing a budget is harder.
Maintaining Relationships
Learning to effectively communicate is a lifelong process for many couples, but when one person has ADHD, it can be especially difficult. The person with the condition may feel constantly nagged and criticized, while their partner may feel frustrated as they try to deal with traits like disorganization, forgetfulness and inattentiveness. This can place tremendous strain on a relationship.
Regulating Emotions
ADHD makes it harder for the individual to control how they respond. This may cause them to worry over minor things or lash out in annoyance or anger.
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What Causes ADHD?
Researchers have not identified one definitive cause of ADHD. While scientists and doctors understand some of the mechanisms behind ADHD, the exact cause isn’t known. Researchers aren’t sure whether ADHD is solely inherited or if a particular gene sequence or mutation of genes causes it.
Genetics
ADHD often runs in families and is not tied to just one gene. Research shows that several genetic differences together can increase a person’s chance of having ADHD.
Genes do not explain all cases of ADHD. Many small genetic changes can add up, each one raising the risk a little. Scientists are still learning how these inherited differences shape brain development.
Environmental and Prenatal Factors
Experiences before or at the time of birth may raise the chance of a child having ADHD. For instance, being born prematurely or being exposed to alcohol, tobacco or lead while in the womb may increase the likelihood of developing ADHD.
These factors raise the risk but do not directly cause ADHD. No single event or exposure can fully explain why someone develops the condition.
What Doesn’t Cause ADHD
Poor discipline or parenting choices don’t cause ADHD. Claims that sugar or watching television cause ADHD are not supported by current evidence.
Daily habits can still influence the way that ADHD symptoms show themselves. For example, not getting sufficient sleep can make it more difficult to concentrate or control impulses, even if it does not cause ADHD.
How Is ADHD Diagnosed?
If someone suspects that they or their child has ADHD, the first step that they should take is to talk to their primary care provider or a mental health professional. To help diagnose ADHD, healthcare providers use the guidelines in the DSM-5.
The DSM-5 outlines a variety of symptoms that must be present to diagnose someone with ADHD. Children up to age 16 must show at least six symptoms of inattention and/or six symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. People age 17 and older must show at least five symptoms in either category.
Some of the symptoms of inattention include making careless mistakes in work, schoolwork and other activities; not listening when directly spoken to; avoiding, disliking or being reluctant to work on activities that require mental effort; and being forgetful in daily activities. Symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsiveness include excessive talking, feeling restless, fidgeting and interrupting or intruding on others.
While ADHD is commonly associated with childhood, it can last into adulthood. For adults with ADHD, some symptoms may present a bit differently. For example, while a child may run or climb at inappropriate times, an adult may appear extremely restless.
What to Expect at an Evaluation
No single test can confirm ADHD. Our clinicians consider how long you have faced these challenges and how much they affect your daily life.
Your provider will usually discuss your history with you and may use an ADHD assessment tool. If appropriate, they may also gather observations from someone close to you, like a teacher or parent. The goal is to determine whether ADHD best explains the difficulties you are experiencing.
Getting Diagnosed as an Adult
Many people do not find out they have ADHD until adulthood. It can go unnoticed for years, especially if someone finds ways to cope with their symptoms. You can get a diagnosis later in life if the signs trace back to childhood.
It’s common to receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. According to CDC research, 55.9% of adults with ADHD were first diagnosed at age 18 or older.
Co-Occurring Conditions
It is common for ADHD to overlap with other conditions. Data show that an estimated 77.9% of children with current ADHD had at least one co-occurring disorder.
These conditions can be hard to recognize. For example, anxiety may cause concentration problems that seem like ADHD. Some people also face learning or behavioral challenges. Since symptoms often overlap, it can be difficult to tell what is causing them. A careful assessment helps providers decide what needs attention.
ADHD and Substance Use
Having ADHD does not mean someone will develop a substance use disorder. However, the impulsivity and risk-taking that can come with ADHD may increase the risk for some people.
Alcohol and drugs can make it more difficult to assess and treat ADHD. They affect concentration, mood and judgment, so it can be hard to know if symptoms are due to ADHD or substance use. Substance use disorders can also disrupt focus and emotions, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging.
At FHE Health, our co-occurring disorders treatment plan involves addressing the symptoms of both conditions at the same time to reduce side effects. With tailored care plans, it’s possible to address signs of ADHD and simultaneously provide treatment options that mitigate other health challenges.
ADHD Treatment
ADHD treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and helping you manage everyday responsibilities more effectively. Our approach at FHE Health is tailored to the person and includes medication, therapy or changes to everyday routines.
Medication
For many people with ADHD, prescription medication is a key way to manage symptoms. Stimulants can help improve focus and control impulsive behavior. Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, viloxazine, guanfacine and clonidine are another option for people who do not respond well to stimulants or prefer an alternative.
Finding the right medication can take time. Your provider will monitor how you respond and make adjustments when necessary, especially if other mental health or substance use concerns are present.
Therapy and Behavioral Approaches
Therapy can help you better understand how ADHD affects your habits and decision-making.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one option. Children might get behavioral support at home or school, while adults often learn strategies to make daily tasks easier to handle.
Accommodations and Daily Management
Practical changes can make ADHD easier to manage. A consistent routine can reduce forgetfulness, while reminders can make important tasks easier to track.
Children can get extra help at school if ADHD affects their learning. Some adults may also qualify for workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Lifestyle habits such as getting enough sleep and maintaining an exercise routine can complement formal treatment.
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