ADHD in Adults: Recognizing the Signs Later in Life
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition most commonly associated with children and adolescents because symptoms usually first appear in childhood. However, ADHD frequently persists well into adulthood with many of the signs going unrecognized or undiagnosed in adults. This can lead to a variety of life challenges and feelings of confusion, uncertainty, frustration, or a negative self-image. According to new research by the CDC, last year an estimated 15.5 million (6%) of U.S. adults had a current ADHD diagnosis, approximately one-half of whom received their diagnosis in adulthood (CDC, 2024). Throughout this blog post, we will briefly explain what ADHD is, identify the common signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults, explain why it might go unrecognized, and provide strategies for seeking help for ADHD later in life. Understanding ADHD ADHD is a neurodevelopmental brain disorder impacting children and adults that interferes with numero...