ADHD in Adults

Symptoms of ADHD in adults may be more subtle, but can create significant challenges in daily life.

ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects the way an individual functions in different settings. A person with ADHD may face life-long challenges in school, work, and personal relationships. Identifying the disorder and finding the best treatment is very important. With proper treatment, many people with ADHD can and do lead successful lives.

Adults often develop strategies to cope with their ADHD. Each day of an adult’s life brings new responsibilities, duties, and challenges which may eventually overwhelm these coping strategies.

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ADHD

Adults and children often share the same core symptoms of ADHD — inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity — which represent deficits in neurobehavioral development. However, the impact of ADHD is different at different ages. The impairments in functioning related to ADHD depend on the life context of the individual and how symptoms are perceived by others.

 
In children
In adults
Inattention
  • Easily distracted
  • Does not finish things
  • Poor time management
  • Difficulty following instructions
Hyperactivity
  • Squirms or fidgets
  • In constant motion
  • Restlessness
  • Impatience
Impulsivity
  • Blurts out answers
  • Cannot take turns
  • Irritability
  • Interrupting others

ADHD symptoms impact adults differently than kids

Recognising adult ADHD

In people 17 and older, the DSM-5 states they should have at least five symptoms from the lists below.

The criteria of adult ADHD in symptoms for a diagnosis of ADHD:

How a wide-ranging process delivers a more reliable ADHD diagnosis

Current media noise about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children has prompted thousands of parents across the Asia Pacific to seek a formal diagnosis. But confirmation bias can be a dangerous thing. Clinicians should seek a broader understanding of each child, using standardised neurodevelopmental assessments and qualitative observations, before reaching any conclusions.

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