When you think about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you may picture a hyperactive child struggling to sit still in a classroom. But ADHD doesn’t resolve as you get older, and for many people, it isn’t recognized until adulthood.
Adult ADHD looks very different from childhood ADHD, making it easy to overlook or misdiagnose.
From chronic disorganization and difficulty finishing projects to emotionally overwhelming feelings and burnout, untreated ADHD can affect your work, relationships, and quality of life.
At Reviv Functional Psychiatry & TMS Wellness Center in Fullerton, California, Dr. Hina Sidhu understands the challenges adults with ADHD face, especially when they don’t realize ADHD as the cause of their struggles.
Recognizing how ADHD presents in adulthood is an important first step toward getting the right diagnosis and effective treatment.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects areas of the brain responsible for attention, planning, and self-control.
In people with ADHD, the brain pathways in this part of the brain are wired differently, making it more challenging to focus, stay organized, and control impulsive behavior.
It’s a genetic condition that’s present at birth and often becomes noticeable when children start school. However, ADHD symptoms vary in type and severity, which means some people aren’t diagnosed early on.
While symptoms may improve or change with age, ADHD is a chronic condition that continues into adulthood.
Hyperactivity is one of the most recognizable symptoms of ADHD, but not everyone with ADHD is hyperactive, and this symptom often becomes less obvious with age.
As an adult, you may no longer feel the urge to jump out of your seat, but you might experience more internal symptoms of hyperactivity, such as restlessness, racing thoughts, or a constant need to stay busy.
The increased demands of adulthood can also intensify ADHD symptoms, leading to mental overload and decision paralysis.
You may struggle to focus, feel overwhelmed with everyday tasks, or find yourself avoiding important responsibilities by distracting yourself with other activities.
At times, the overwhelming feelings can become so intense that doing nothing at all feels like the only option. Over time, these challenges can take a toll on your professional and personal life.
Adult ADHD symptoms can vary. Some common signs and symptoms include:
Adults with ADHD may also experience symptoms of depression, like a low mood or disinterest in doing things, or anxiety, such as constant nervousness or worry. When left undiagnosed and untreated, adults with ADHD may turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to self-medicate.
If you suspect ADHD and find it difficult to manage daily life as an adult, it’s time to get help. Ongoing struggles with focus, organization, emotional regulation, or productivity, especially when you’re not sure why, deserve attention.
Our mental health professionals diagnose and treat adult ADHD using a personal and holistic approach.
Treatment may include medication to improve focus, along with behavioral therapy to help you develop practical strategies for organization, time management, and everyday tasks.
ADHD doesn’t simply go away with age, but with the right support, it is manageable. Let us help you take control of your mental well-being. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.
