Navigating an adult ADHD diagnosis

As a child, you may have heard phrases like “easily distracted” or “can't sit still.” For some, these descriptors linger well into adulthood. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) impacts an estimated 8.7 million adults in the United States. That’s approximately four percent of adults.

ADHD is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, and it is usually diagnosed in kids. However, ADHD tends to be underdiagnosed in women and people of color. While the disorder typically emerges during childhood, ADHD behaviors might not be noticeable until an individual faces the adult challenges of managing a job, sustaining a relationship, or running a household. Until recently, it was assumed that people outgrow ADHD. That’s because its most noticeable symptom (hyperactivity) tends to decrease as a child matures into adulthood.

Studies show that ADHD may involve differences in a person's brain structure, brain chemistry, or both. Genetics can also play a role, but some people develop it spontaneously. There are three subtypes of ADHD, and the symptoms can vary depending on the subtype and will determine if a person has inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or both forms of ADHD.

• Inattentive: characterized by forgetfulness, distractibility, and difficulty focusing. Adults with inattentive symptoms may be described as “daydreamers” during childhood. Because symptoms of inattentiveness may be difficult to detect, many people with the inattentive type of ADHD are never identified. Or they may not be diagnosed until a pattern of problems emerges. For example, their focus, organization skills, or not attending to details can lead to lower academic or job performance. Frequently, adults with the inattentive type become aware of them only after their children are diagnosed with the disorder.

Signs of inattention:

• Errors due to inattention
• Difficulty staying focused
• Difficulty listening or paying attention when others speak to you
• Trouble following through with completing tasks
• Difficulty organizing and prioritizing
• Dislike or avoidance of tedious work
• Easily distracted
  

• Hyperactive/impulsive: more likely to have been identified during childhood because hyperactive/impulsive symptoms tend to disrupt school. Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms are characterized by a tendency to act or speak before considering consequences. This includes difficulty waiting or staying seated and the need to move constantly. Individuals with this type of ADHD may face consequences such as job dismissal and damaged friendships due to their inability to be patient with others or to refrain from speaking their minds.

Signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity may include:

• Frequent fidgeting
• Difficulty staying seated
• Restlessness
• Trouble doing things you enjoy quietly
• Unusually high activity level
• Excessive talking
• Difficult reading situational social boundaries

Combined type symptoms: includes significant difficulties regulating attention and controlling hyperactivity/impulsivity. The impulsiveness and inattentiveness of ADHD place adults at increased risk for automobile accidents, frequent job changes, financial problems, and divorce.

A healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD based on your medical history and current symptoms. If you have ADHD or have just received a diagnosis, your healthcare provider can prescribe medication, recommend treatments, and offer suggestions for how you can make adjustments in your life to help with the diagnosis. Some of the best things you can do include:

• Take your medication as prescribed. It’s important to take ADHD medications exactly as prescribed to get their full benefits. If you take stimulants, taking them as prescribed also prevents dependence or addiction.
• Find ways to adapt and compensate. ADHD can look very different from person to person, so the strategies to help you compensate can vary widely. Find what works for you and build those strategies into your life. They can make it easier to live with and work around the effects of ADHD.
• Use technology. Smartphone apps and other technological means can help you adapt to this condition. There are also online communities where people with ADHD share information and discuss their experiences. Those can be resources to help you better understand and adapt to this condition.

Navigating an ADHD diagnosis as an adult is a journey marked by self-discovery, empowerment, and the courage to seek understanding. By embracing treatment, building a support network, and celebrating our unique strengths, adults diagnosed with ADHD can rewrite their narrative.

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