Adults with adhd symptoms

Attention deficit hyperactive disorder, or ADHD, is a condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, or a combination. Less than 20 percent of adults with ADHD have been diagnosed or treated, and only about one-quarter of those adults seek help. Thought to be biological and most often genetic, ADHD takes place very early in brain development. Adults with ADHD may exhibit the same symptoms they had as children, and although hyperactivity often diminishes by adulthood, inattentiveness and impulsivity may persist.

Adult ADHD symptoms include difficulty with time management, memory, organization, emotional regulation, and more. ADHD was historically considered a childhood condition, but it is now recognized as a lifelong condition that persists well into adulthood. Individuals with ADHD may receive a diagnosis in childhood or well into adulthood. Still, many adults with ADHD never receive a diagnosis in their lifetimes. Scientists believe ADHD is significantly underdiagnosed in adults. However symptom intensity — especially hyperactivity — is known to decrease over time for many individuals.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD affects about 5 percent of children, and about half of them will carry those symptoms into adulthood, says the American Psychiatric Association. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that numbers are even higher in smaller community samples. On top of that, many adults with ADHD have never been diagnosed. Untreated ADHD can cause numerous mental and physical problems that can put a strain on relationships and cause difficulties in many aspects of everyday life.

Do I have ADD? Roughly two-thirds of people who experienced ADHD symptoms as a child will continue to experience ADHD symptoms as an adult , though its manifestations tend to shift and change with age. But many people with attention deficit — particularly its inattentive symptoms — are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as children. They may suffer serious psychological consequences after a lifetime of blaming themselves for ADHD symptoms. If you suspect that you have adult ADHD, contact your medical health-care professional for a diagnosis.