ADHD in adult women is emerging as a focus of increased research, and women are being assessed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder more commonly than in the past. This blog series addresses ADHD in adult women. In this first post in the series, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is examined across the lifespan; specifically, its presentation in adults.
What is Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is considered a lifelong condition, though over time, symptoms can appear somewhat different in adulthood than they did during childhood. Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) includes a combination of persistent challenges, such as difficulty paying attention, issues with executive functioning, hyperactivity or physiological restlessness, and impulsive behavior. In addition to these challenges, adults with ADHD often have unique strengths and abilities, which can include creativity, the ability to focus intently on their interests, resilience, and adaptability. Despite these strengths, without proper supports and accommodations the challenges inherent to ADHD in adults can contribute to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, neurological burnout, and other difficulties.
Adult ADHD vs. Childhood ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a diagnosis that is present across the lifespan, with symptoms present through childhood and continuing into adulthood. In some cases, ADHD is not recognized or diagnosed until the person is in their teen or adult years. Symptoms may be present and not identified in childhood for varying reasons, such as how the symptoms manifest, societal expectations, a child’s ability to mask symptoms, and stress and demands within a family. Late awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms often occurs when academics become more advanced and demanding, and even in middle age, when the demands of life increase. Some adults first consider that they may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder when their children or other relatives are diagnosed with it. Regardless of when it is recognized, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is diagnoseable only when symptoms are severe enough to cause ongoing problems in more than one area of a person’s life.
Some adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms may not be as clear-cut as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms in children. For example, in adults hyperactive behaviors may be less obvious than in children, but adults with ADHD may struggle with impulsiveness, restlessness and difficulty paying attention. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may be suspected by adults who have challenges completing everyday tasks, focusing, prioritizing, missing deadlines or meetings, forgetting social plans, and being impatient and impulsive in lines or traffic.
Adult ADHD Symptoms Include:
- Impulsiveness
- Disorganization
- Difficulty prioritizing
- Poor time management skills
- Difficulty focusing on a task
- Trouble multi-tasking
- Excessive activity or restlessness
- Poor planning
- Low frustration tolerance
- Frequent mood swings
- Problems following through and completing tasks
- Emotional/ behavioral dysregulation, such as having a “hot temper” or becoming emotionally overwhelmed
- Difficulty coping with stress
The content for this article was derived in part from the following source:
Mayo Clinic, January 2023: Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
If you would like to learn more about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, you may want to explore additional posts on my Neuronews Blog. If you are interested in assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and are age 16 or older, you can learn more on my page about, Neuropsychological Assessment. Please feel free to contact me from that page or by email at amy@amyblackmonphd.com.