Adult ADHD

If a parent has ADHD, there is a 50% chance that the child will have it too.

I know I usually focus on the impact of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on kids, but it’s important to bring up how ADHD affects adults. Because as a parent of a child with ADHD, it can be hard to parent if you also have ADHD.

How common is ADHD in adults?

Approximately 4-5% of adults in the United States have ADHD. Similar to ADHD in kids, adults with ADHD may not receive the appropriate diagnosis or treatment to help them.

What does ADHD look like in adults?

Most people think of ADHD as a childhood disorder with kids who are hyperactive and have trouble sitting still. That’s not true. ADHD is considered to be a chronic disorder that often persists into adulthood.

In adults, ADHD still consists of difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and emotion regulation. The difference is that it may affect different parts of your life than when you were a kid. Adults with ADHD may have difficulties with college courses, relationships, and work. For example, problems at work for someone with ADHD may look like frequently changing jobs, difficulty remembering to complete tasks at work, and difficulty listening or following directions. Similar challenges can show up in relationships where people with ADHD may frequently switch relationships, have trouble returning phone calls and texts, and display impulsivity in relationships.

What should I do if I’m an adult who may have ADHD?

I’ve gotten a lot of questions about if it Is worth it to be evaluated for ADHD as an adult if you’re no longer in school. While it depends on the individual person, I think that a diagnosis can help bring a lot of understanding to someone about who they are and how they function in daily life. If you do wish to know if ADHD may be affecting your life, it may be best to start by contacting your primary care physician, therapist, or psychiatrist.