How ADHD Affects Adults Differently than Children

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is usually diagnosed in children when they have difficulty concentrating in school, but the condition can persist into adulthood. While the symptoms may be similar, they appear a bit differently in adults, making diagnosis a little trickier.

At JC Health Group in Colonial Heights, Virginia, Dr. Jesse Nwuba, a board-certified psychiatric/family nurse practitioner, treats ADHD in both children and adults. As many adults don’t know the signs and symptoms of the condition, she’s taking this opportunity to get you in the know, so you’ll know when to seek medical help.

What is ADHD, and how does it appear?

ADHD is a mental health condition where the main features include not paying attention and being hyperactive and/or impulsive. Symptoms usually appear before age 12 but can be diagnosed as early as age three.

ADHD occurs more often in boys than girls, with boys being more hyperactive and girls tending to be more inattentive.

There are three types of ADHD:

1. Predominantly inattentive

Children with this type of ADHD have trouble focusing and staying on task. They also have difficulty getting and staying organized.

2. Predominantly hyperactive and impulsive

Children with this type of ADHD are both hyperactive and impulsive. Hyperactivity includes an abundance of energy and being too active all the time. They may display disruptive behavior as a result. Impulsivity means acting without thinking a problem through or being concerned about the results or effects of one’s behavior.

3. Combined

Children with this type of ADHD display a mix of inattentive symptoms and hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. They meet the criteria for both predominantly inattentive and predominantly hyperactive and impulsive kinds of ADHD.

What does ADHD look like in adults?

Though clinicians call it adult ADHD, the symptoms actually start in early childhood and continue into adulthood. Sometimes, ADHD is neither recognized nor diagnosed until the person becomes an adult.

Adult ADHD symptoms may not appear as clear-cut as in children, but they can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and may accompany other mental health problems.

Some adults have fewer ADHD symptoms as they age, but others continue to have severe symptoms that interfere with their daily functioning. Hyperactivity may turn into restlessness, and inattentiveness may lead to poor organizational skills and a lack of effective time management.

If they weren’t diagnosed in childhood, many adults with ADHD aren't aware they have it — they’re just aware that everyday tasks can be a challenge.

Adults may find it challenging to focus and prioritize, causing missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. Their inability to control their impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger disproportionate to the situation.

Treating ADHD in children and adults

Standard treatments for ADHD in children include medication, behavior therapy, counseling, and education services.

Stimulant medicines are currently the most prescribed medicines for ADHD in both children and adults. They boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and lessen the severity of symptoms.

Psychotherapy for adult ADHD includes:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT teaches specific skills to manage behavior and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones, helping you deal with life challenges.

Marital counseling and family therapy

This type of therapy helps loved ones cope with the stress of living with a person who has ADHD and learn what they can do to help. It can improve both communication and problem-solving skills.

If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD or think you may have it, JC Health Group can help. Call our office at 804-395-5270 to schedule a consultation, or book online with us today.