Can I Be Diagnosed With ADHD as an Adult?

Signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often stand out in a structured setting like a classroom. This lifelong behavioral disorder is often diagnosed before age 12, with symptoms appearing in children as young as 3 years old. Being diagnosed in adulthood is possible, but the criteria are a little different. 

At Semper Healthcare Services in Addison, Texas, Anne-Marie Odo, DNP, diagnoses and treats ADHD in people of all ages. ADHD treatment is individualized according to the type you have, your specific symptoms, and their overall impact on your quality of life. 

Here’s everything you should know about being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and the signs to look for.

Common signs of ADHD in adults

ADHD can look a little different for everyone, but there are some key signs and symptoms that healthcare providers look for. While kids with ADHD might fidget a lot or have trouble sitting still in school, adult signs can be a little more subtle. You might experience signs like these frequently as an adult:

• Misplacing important items
• Being disorganized
• Being easily distracted
• Being very talkative, often interrupting others
• Having trouble focusing on a task that needs to be done
• Having trouble multitasking
• Having trouble with time management or planning
• Feeling like you constantly need something to do

Just like how ADHD symptoms can be more pronounced in children while at school, ADHD symptoms in adults can stand out more in the workplace or other structured settings. Often, adults with ADHD have at least one relative who also has the disorder. 

ADHD subtypes

Three main subtypes of ADHD have specific characteristics. Dr. Odo can tell you which type you have based on your main symptoms:

Primarily hyperactive-impulsive

Adults who have the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD often exhibit impulsive decision-making, risk-taking behaviors, and high energy. They’re often “on the go” and may talk a lot. 

Primarily inattentive

Adults with the inattentive type of ADHD are more likely to be overlooked. They may not be very impulsive, but they’re commonly disorganized and have trouble focusing on tasks. 

Combined type

Adults with the combined type of ADHD exhibit both hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive signs. 

Diagnosing ADHD in adults vs. children

The difference between diagnosing ADHD in an adult versus in a child is in the number of symptoms they exhibit. Children must have at least six symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or inattentiveness, whereas adults must show at least five. 

Dr. Odo will ask if you can recall having possible signs of ADHD while you were growing up, as most adults had at least some symptoms as children, too.

Why you may not have been diagnosed earlier

There are multiple reasons why your ADHD may have been missed during childhood and adolescence. Your parents and teachers may not have noticed the signs or known what to look for. In some cases, ADHD symptoms are mild enough that they fly under the radar. 

Once you reach adulthood and have more responsibility, symptoms might stand out to you more. You might wonder why you can’t stay organized or have trouble planning, especially while juggling responsibilities like work, paying bills, and parenting. 

ADHD is more commonly missed in girls during childhood and adolescence than in boys. Symptoms often stand out a little more in boys and men because they’re more likely to be hyperactive. 

Getting treatment

Dr. Odo can evaluate your ADHD and may recommend treatments to help you manage your most pressing ADHD symptoms. She might recommend behavioral therapy, medications to help you focus, or a combination of the two. 

Call Semper Healthcare Services or book an appointment online for a behavioral health evaluation today.