ADHD is not a kid thing
11 million adults have it, too
It is a common misperception that ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, only affects children. In fact, research shows that nearly 11 million adults have ADHD. Only one is five is properly diagnosed. Symptoms are influenced by age and developmental level. For example, adults experience less hyperactivity and more executive functioning issues in comparison to children.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I SHOULD BE EVALUATED?
Adults with ADHD typically experience substantial challenges in one or more areas of daily living:
Inconsistent performance in jobs or careers; losing or quitting jobs frequently
History of academic and/ or career underachievement
Poor ability to manage day-to-day responsibilities, such as completing household chores, maintenance tasks, paying bills or organizing
Relationship problems due to not completing tasks
Forgetting important things
Becoming easily upset over minor things
Chronic stress and worry caused by failure to accomplish goals and meet responsibilities
Chronic and intense feelings of frustration, guilt or blame
How is ADHD diagnosed in adults?
While ADHD begins in childhood, certain individuals are able to compensate for their symptoms and do not experience issues until high school, college, in pursuit of career aspirations or even in retirement. In some cases, parents may have provided a highly protective and structured environment, minimizing the impact of ADHD symptoms in children. Proper diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional who can thoroughly assess signs and symptoms, rule out other causes, and determine the presence or absence of coexisting conditions.
Where do I turn if I think I have ADHD?
If you have ADHD or think you might, the nonprofit organization CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) can help. CHADD provides support, training, education and advocacy for children and adults with ADHD, their families, educators and healthcare professionals.
Call the hotline at 1-866-200-8098 or visit CHADD.org to access a multitude of available resources, including how to find a specialist where you live. And rest assured that ADHD is highly manageable with proper identification, diagnosis and treatment.