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
.
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
.
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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.
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