We've got answers to your ADHD questions.
Key Insights
- ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults.
- Around 2.5% of adults worldwide have ADHD, though the number of people living with ADHD is likely higher than current estimates suggest.
- ADHD is caused by a combination of genetic and neurological factors, not parenting style or lack of discipline.
- There are three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.
- The most effective treatment for ADHD typically combines medication and therapy.
- Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to be underdiagnosed or diagnosed later than men and boys.
- ADHD often occurs alongside other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is one of the most common disorders of this kind diagnosed in children. ADHD often carries over into adulthood.
ADHD is a highly genetic, brain-based syndrome that has to do with the regulation of a particular set of brain functions and related behaviors.
These brain operations are collectively referred to as “executive functioning skills” and include important functions such as attention, concentration, memory, motivation and effort, learning from mistakes, impulsivity, hyperactivity, organization, and social skills.
There are various contributing factors that play a role in ADHD, including chemical and structural differences in the brain as well as genetics.
ADHD in Adults
ADHD can persist into adulthood. In some cases, adults with ADHD have never been diagnosed. The symptoms of ADHD in adulthood can cause difficulties in relationships, at home, and at work.
Around 2.5% of adults worldwide are estimated to have ADHD. However, the actual number of people affected by the condition may be higher. Many people who were diagnosed in childhood still experience symptoms that affect their daily lives, even if they no longer meet the full diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
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ADHD Signs & Symptoms
The main signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults are:
- Difficulty focusing
- Misplacing items
- Always running late
- Risky behaviors
- Lack of listening
- Inability to prioritize
- Relationship troubles
- Nervous energy
- Memory issues
- Easily angered
This list is not comprehensive, but it does cover the most common signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults.
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ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is complex. It’s essential to work with a professional familiar with ADHD. ADHD can be diagnosed via extensive interview procedures, behavior and symptom rating skills, third-party observations, and obtaining a comprehensive history.
Seek out a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychotherapist specializing in ADHD and related challenges. While a primary care physician can typically identify signs of ADHD and give a preliminary diagnosis, they may not have the extensive ADHD-specific experience necessary to accurately diagnose and treat ADHD.
Not sure if you have ADHD? Take our online ADHD test to learn more.
ADHD Causes
Currently, there is no known cause or risk factor associated with ADHD. Scientists are, however, trying to learn more so they can discover ways to reduce and manage the symptoms of ADHD.
Some research has shown a strong link between genetic factors and ADHD. Scientists are also looking into other possible causes and risk factors for ADHD, including:
- Brain injuries
- Low birth weight
- Being born prematurely
- Use of alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy
- Exposure to environmental risk factors, such as lead during pregnancy
Types of ADHD
ADHD can present in three different ways. The type of ADHD you’re diagnosed with will depend on which symptoms are the most dominant.
- Inattentive ADHD: Individuals with this type of ADHD find it difficult to plan or complete a task, follow directions or discussions, or follow instructions. Individuals can also get easily distracted or forget the specifics of daily routines. Inattentive type ADHD is what is often referred to as ADD.
- Hyperactive-Impulsive: Individuals with this type of ADHD tend to talk a lot, often interrupting others or being unable to wait their turn, or speaking at inappropriate times. People with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD will also fidget, grab things from people, and have difficulty sitting still for long periods, such as while in class or watching a movie. People with this type of ADHD also feel restless and can act impulsively. As a result, accidents and injuries in people with this type of ADHD are more common.
- Combined: Individuals with combined ADHD demonstrate symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD equally.
Note – It’s important to know that since symptoms can change over time, their presentation may change too.
ADHD Treatment
Research has shown that the most effective treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication and therapy. Medication manages brain-based functions and symptoms, while therapy addresses daily thoughts, behaviors, and coping strategies.
Group therapy programs and peer support groups are beneficial as well. There is no replacement for being around other people who “get it.”
ADHD coaching has been found to be effective in guiding those with ADHD towards identifying and meeting goals, maintaining a positive approach to change, and improving productivity while providing a source of accountability. Many seek out coaching when their goals involve improving organizational skills, time management, goal completion, and productivity. If you want to learn more, check out our article on how to find an ADHD coach.
Medication is often used to help normalize brain activity and must be carefully prescribed and monitored by a physician, preferably a psychiatrist.
ADHD Facts & Statistics
- According to CDC data, approximately 6% of U.S. adults, or about 15.5 million people, currently have ADHD. ADHD affects both men and women and can have a significant impact on daily life, including work, relationships, school, and overall well-being.
- ADHD usually persists throughout a person’s lifetime. It is NOT limited to children. Since ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, there is no cure, and the majority do not outgrow it. Approximately two-thirds or more of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms and challenges in adulthood that require treatment.
- ADHD occurs in both men and women. While initial research was focused on studying hyperactive, school-aged boys, we now know that women also have ADHD. Boys and men are more likely to be referred for ADHD testing and treatment, receive accommodations, and participate in research studies, which makes it hard to identify the ratio of men to women with ADHD. Some researchers have suggested that ADHD is more prevalent in men, but we are learning that this is likely not the case. ADHD in women is consistently underdiagnosed and undertreated compared to men, especially in those who do not display hyperactivity or behavioral problems.
- Many adults with ADHD are diagnosed later in life. Some adults are not diagnosed until the demands of work, relationships, finances, or daily responsibilities become too difficult to manage. Others don’t find out until a child or family member receives a diagnosis. A late diagnosis can bring both relief and grief, offering an explanation for years of struggles while also raising questions about what life might have looked like with earlier support.
- Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to be overlooked. Girls and women with ADHD tend to present with inattentive symptoms rather than obvious hyperactivity. As a result, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or diagnosed much later than boys and men. They also tend to mask their symptoms more, often due to societal expectations.
- ADHD is not necessarily an attention deficit. This is one of the most common misconceptions about the condition. People with ADHD don’t always struggle with a lack of attention. The real challenge lies in regulating attention and controlling when and where it is directed. These individuals may find it difficult to focus on tasks that feel boring, while becoming deeply hyperfocused on activities they find engaging or rewarding.
- ADHD is closely linked to executive function challenges. Executive functions help people plan, organize, prioritize, manage time, and remember information. For people with ADHD, these tasks can be difficult, even when they are intelligent, capable, and motivated.
- Emotional dysregulation is a common challenge for people with ADHD. Although it is not an official symptom of ADHD, many adults with ADHD experience emotions intensely and have difficulty regulating their emotional responses.
- People with ADHD are more likely to experience sleep difficulties. Many adults with ADHD report insomnia, restless sleep, or trouble waking up in the morning. Poor sleep can lead to daytime fatigue and may worsen core ADHD symptoms, including inattention and impulsivity.
- ADHD often occurs alongside other conditions. Many adults with ADHD also experience anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders. When co-occurring conditions are present, both diagnosis and treatment can become more complex.
- Many disruptive ADHD symptoms are invisible to others. For example, time blindness makes it hard to perceive and manage time. ADHD paralysis can cause a person to freeze when faced with too many demands at once. Low self-esteem, sensory overload, and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships are also hidden challenges that many people with ADHD face. This is a big part of why ADHD is so often misunderstood by those who don’t live with it.
- ADHD does not define your intelligence or your potential. ADHD is sometimes dismissed as laziness, irresponsibility, or a lack of willpower. In reality, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder and not a reflection of character, intelligence, or effort. Many people with ADHD are highly intelligent, creative, and curious, and can demonstrate remarkable focus when engaged in something that interests them.
