What is Adult ADHD?

Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a continuation of ADHD symptoms into adulthood. Around 60% of people who experience ADHD symptoms in childhood or adolescence will continue to experience these symptoms into adulthood (1). However, some people will only be diagnosed with adult ADHD, realizing as an adult that they had hyperactive or inattentive symptoms as children.

The symptoms of adult AHDH are similar to those experiences by children – restlessness, distractibility, and impulsivity. However, these symptoms may be experienced differently in adulthood. Aimless restlessness such as fidgeting may become purposeful restless in an adult, resulting in regular career changes. A child who ran about and climbed excessively may find that as an adult they can only be happy in an active job.  Adults with ADHD have often learned to compensate for their symptoms to some extent, making them harder to recognise and diagnose.

ADHD will affect between 2 and 5% of the adult population, with more males than females being diagnosed (2). Whether this is due to the symptoms in males being more disruptive, and therefore more recognisable, is a still being researched.

References:

(1) Elliot, H. (2002). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: a guide for the primary care physician. (2002) South Med Journal 95, 736-742.

(2) Fayyad, J., De Graaf, R., Kessler, R., Alonso, J., Angermeyer, M., Demyttenaere, K., et al. (2007). Cross-national prevalence and correlates of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 190(5), 402-409.