Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that affects how you focus, stay organized and manage impulses.

You may have trouble paying attention, keeping track of tasks, making appointments or staying on time. Many people also feel restless (physically and mentally). Healthcare providers may describe symptoms as mild to severe.

ADHD in adults is relatively common. In a 2023 study, an estimated 15.5 million people over age 18 in the U.S. had a current ADHD diagnosis.

Symptoms start in childhood, but not everyone is diagnosed early. Some people don’t realize they have ADHD until symptoms interfere with work, school or daily life.

A healthcare provider can help you understand this condition and find a treatment plan that works for you.

Types of ADHD in adults

There are three main types of ADHD:

• Inattentive: You may have trouble focusing, staying organized or finishing tasks.
• Hyperactive-impulsive: You may feel restless, talk a lot or interrupt others, have trouble sitting still or act without thinking.
• Combined: You have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. This is the most common type.

Adult ADHD symptoms

ADHD in adults can look different from person to person. Symptoms can show up in different ways as you get older. Many people notice patterns that make everyday tasks feel harder than expected.

Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty paying attention
• Impulsiveness
• Restlessness

Examples of adult ADHD habits are:

• Losing focus during conversations, meetings or reading
• Not finishing tasks or following through on plans
• Struggling with organization, meeting deadlines or managing time
• Misplacing things like keys, phone or important papers
• Forgetting appointments or errands
• Interrupting others or speaking before thinking
• Making quick decisions without considering the consequences
• Oversharing or talking more than you mean to
• Having trouble waiting your turn or standing in line
• Having trouble sitting still
• Fidgeting by tapping, bouncing a leg or shifting often
• Feeling mentally restless even when your body is still
• Finding it hard to relax or do quiet activities

These patterns can affect work, relationships and daily routines.

Adult ADHD causes

The exact cause of ADHD isn’t known. Experts believe several factors may play a role. These include:

• Genetics: ADHD often occurs in people who have a biological parent or sibling with the condition. But it can also happen in people with no family history.
• Brain chemistry: Certain brain chemicals, like dopamine and norepinephrine, may be out of balance and affect attention and behavior.
• Brain development: The parts of your brain that help with planning, organization and self-control may develop or connect differently.

These factors don’t fully explain ADHD on their own. But they help researchers understand why symptoms happen.

Risk factors

ADHD can affect any adult. But you may have a higher risk if you have:

• A biological family member with this condition
• Early exposure to harmful chemicals (like pesticides, mercury or some plastics)
• A history of childhood trauma, abuse or neglect
• Preterm birth or very low birth weight

Complications of ADHD in adults

Adult ADHD can affect more than just your ability to focus. It can show up in many parts of your life, like:

• Challenges with friendships or romantic relationships
• Difficulty staying on top of medical appointments or healthcare
• Higher risk of substance use problems
• High stress or emotional burnout
• Risky behaviors that may lead to accidents or legal problems
• Struggles at work or school
• Trouble keeping track of bills or managing money
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Many adults also have mental health disorders like anxiety or depression. These may make symptoms feel worse.

How doctors diagnose adult ADHD

A healthcare provider — usually a psychologist or psychiatrist — can diagnose attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. They’ll ask about your current symptoms and any problems you may have had as a child. You may also fill out questionnaires so your provider can understand how ADHD affects your routine. They’ll compare this information with the criteria in the DSM-5.

ADHD test for adults

Adult ADHD testing usually includes several steps. Your healthcare provider will:

• Ask detailed questions about your symptoms: Your provider will talk with you about things like trouble focusing, forgetfulness, restlessness or acting on impulse. They’ll also ask how these symptoms affect your home, work or relationships.
• Use ADHD rating scales, questionnaires or skill tests: These tools help measure attention, organization, memory and impulse control. They aren’t tests you “pass” or “fail.” They simply help your provider see your symptom pattern more clearly.
• Gather information about your childhood: ADHD starts in childhood. Your provider may ask you to describe early symptoms or speak with someone who knew you growing up.
• Rule out other conditions: A simple physical exam may check for medical problems that can look like ADHD. There’s no blood test or brain scan that diagnoses ADHD.

Once they review all this information together, your provider can determine whether your symptoms match ADHD and what type you may have.

ADHD treatment for adults

Treatment for adult ADHD usually includes:

• Medications: Different types can help with focus, attention and impulse control.
• Therapy and skills training: These can help you stay organized, manage time and build healthy habits.

Some people do well with one treatment. Others need a combination of both.

ADHD medications for adults

Medications are often a key part of treatment because they help balance brain chemicals that affect attention and self-control. There are two options:

• Stimulants: These are the most common treatment for ADHD. They increase certain brain chemicals, like dopamine, that help you focus and stay on task. They come in short-acting and long-acting forms.
• Non-stimulants: These are good options if stimulants don’t work well for you. These work slowly and affect other brain chemicals, like norepinephrine.

These medications may cause side effects. Your provider will review them with you before you start treatment. They’ll check in regularly to make sure the medicine stays safe and offers the right benefits.

ADHD therapy and skills training

Therapy can help you build practical tools for everyday life. It may include:

• Coping techniques for stress or frustration
• Learning how ADHD affects your brain and behavior
• Organization and time-management skills
• Planning and goal-setting strategies

Therapy often works best with medication, but it can still be helpful on its own.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

See a healthcare provider if you struggle with attention, organization or impulse control, and these problems are making your daily routine hard. Many people think ADHD only affects children. But adults can have it, too — and it’s never too late to get checked.

If you have adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, you’ll need regular follow-up visits with your provider, especially if you take medications. These visits help your provider make sure the treatment is working. They’ll also watch for any side effects. If something feels off or you notice new symptoms, let them know.

What can I expect if I have adult ADHD?

ADHD often looks different from how it did in childhood. Maybe you used to have trouble sitting still in class, but now you notice other challenges. Maybe it’s only focusing on topics that really interest you at work. Or letting clean laundry pile up on a chair in your room because you’ll “get to it later.”

Symptoms show up differently for everyone. Your experience is personal, and it may not match a textbook description. But you don’t have to keep struggling with habits or patterns that get in the way of your goals.

A healthcare provider can help you figure out whether ADHD is the cause and guide you toward treatment options that make daily life easier to manage. With support, you can build on your strengths and find work or routines that match how your brain functions best.