For years, it was thought that ADHD only affected children. It’s now known that while ADHD begins in childhood, it can carry into adulthood as well.
As you age, you may start to notice more frequent bouts of forgetfulness or absent-mindedness. Maybe it’s harder to stay organized or to keep track of appointments. While it is possible that these could be signs of the onset of dementia or other cognitive decline, it may also just be a normal part of aging.
However, many adults with these symptoms may be dealing with undiagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder—or ADHD.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a mental health condition that begins in childhood. It’s known to impact daily functioning, especially when it comes to concentration. While ADHD can look a little different in everyone, there are 3 core symptoms:
ADHD affects people of all ages
For some time, it was thought ADHD only affected children. It’s now known that anywhere from 40 to 60 percent of kids with ADHD will continue to show symptoms into adulthood.
But sometimes these symptoms change with adulthood. Some people may assume they’ve outgrown it, when in fact the ADHD just looks a little different.
On the other hand, many adults with ADHD may not even realize they have it. Most of the time this is because they were simply not diagnosed as a child. Some children may have been thought of as “overactive” when they were younger, but that’s as far as the diagnosis went.
ADHD symptoms in adults
An overactive child might act out in class because they have trouble sitting still all day. But as an adult, you have a bit more control over the environment in which you choose to spend your days. An adult who doesn’t feel comfortable sitting in one spot all day is more likely to choose a career that better suits them.
The ability to keep ADHD symptoms in check (whether you know you have it or not) is one reason why it may not be as noticeable in an adult. But other symptoms may still be present.
Adults with ADHD may still make impulsive choices or have difficulty paying attention. If you find it difficult to focus or easily grow impatient, notice if you have any of these symptoms as well:
Diagnosing adult ADHD
ADHD presents itself in a range of levels and symptoms. For some, it may seem obvious. Others, not so much. If you suspect that ADHD may be a cause of disruption in your life, it’s important to talk with your doctor. They can steer you toward an accurate diagnosis and suggest ways to manage the condition.
As with many mental health conditions, there is no single test to evaluate whether you have ADHD. There are many steps involved before a diagnosis can be made so try to avoid self-diagnosing. A doctor or therapist will work through the process with you. These steps may include one or more of the following:
Managing adult ADHD
While there is no cure for ADHD, there are many treatment options to consider. The first step is to talk with your doctor. They’ll likely refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in adult ADHD. This specialist will work with you to find the best treatment options for your needs.
There is no single treatment for ADHD. A combination of treatments might be needed. These may include:
Learn how engaging in other healthy habits can have a big impact on your brain health.
Recognizing ADHD triggers
Another way you can help manage your ADHD symptoms is by recognizing what can trigger those symptoms. While everyone’s triggers may vary, here are some common factors that can aggravate ADHD:
How adult ADHD may be mistaken for dementia
Adult ADHD and dementia are distinct mental health conditions. Yet, it’s not uncommon for these conditions to be confused with one another. Many symptoms of adult ADHD—such as memory loss, misplacing items, forgetting names, difficulty learning new things, and trouble following conversations—match those of dementia.
As noted, it’s common for ADHD to go undiagnosed in childhood, especially if the symptoms were mild or overlooked. But sometimes ADHD symptoms present themselves differently as you get older. These may suddenly feel like new symptoms, causing you to become more aware of them. Some of these symptoms can resemble those of dementia, which can lead to confusion between the two conditions.
Keep in mind that an ADHD diagnosis as an adult doesn’t mean that dementia is not a possibility. While some studies suggest that adults with ADHD may have an increased risk of dementia, more research is needed before that connection can be fully made.
If you are concerned about the possibility of dementia, talk with your doctor. Like ADHD, diagnosing dementia (or other cognitive impairment) requires a thorough clinical evaluation.
How adult ADHD and dementia are different
While adult ADHD and dementia share some common symptoms, the disorders are quite different. It’s important to know what sets the two apart:
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This article was written by Jason Nielsen, edited by Celina Johnson, and clinically reviewed by Elizabeth Thompson, MPH, RDN, on August 29, 2024.