How Does ADHD Develop As You Age?

ADHD, short for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is often considered a childhood disorder. While more children are diagnosed early in life, thanks to advances in medicine and knowledge regarding ADHD, it is not a childhood disorder. According to Healthline, approximately 4% of Americans over 18 deal with ADHD. Adult-onset ADHD is another possibility. As you age, your ADHD may develop and grow, too.

Increased Self-Regulation

A person that has ADHD as a child will notice that they are better able to regulate themselves as they get older. For example, a child will learn to control symptoms better as they grow up. This is seen in adulthood as well. However, it may require consistent ADHD treatments to reach this point. Consulting a medical professional can help clarify what one should expect with different treatment solutions.

Improved Symptoms

ADHD does not typically get worse with age as other diseases commonly do. Instead, many patients report that some symptoms improve with age when they receive proper ADHD treatments and therapies to help them learn to manage symptoms. Common symptoms that may improve include hyperactivity, emotional dysregulation, and executive function.

Some Symptoms Worsen

While some symptoms will improve, others will likely worsen. It’s common for more individuals to report that brain fog and memory problems worsen with age. This makes working with a professional essential to ensure you have the tools necessary to help you succeed.

Time Blindness Persists

Time blindness is a term that refers to a person not having a concept of time. It makes it difficult to determine the approximate time or how much time has passed. It’s common for this symptom to stay the same. Procrastination, restlessness, and disorganization often persist.

Fluctuating Symptoms

Some people will continue to see ADHD symptoms throughout adulthood but may report fluctuating symptoms. That means symptoms may come and go, unlike in childhood, when they persist daily. Proper ADHD treatments can help patients learn to recognize symptoms and how to address them.

Different Problems

Patients that continue to have ADHD will need to learn how to deal with different problems as they age. For example, a messy house may make symptoms worse, but there are no parents to remind someone to clean their room. However, it’s common for those with ADHD to procrastinate or forget to do things, such as cleaning. There is a learning curve to dealing with adult ADHD.

Living with ADHD can be difficult. Managing adult responsibilities with time blindness can seem impossible. Contact us today to discuss ADHD therapies available to help you.