ADHD is often thought of as a condition that affects adolescents and teens, though symptoms don’t simply disappear when a person reaches their 18th birthday. ADHD in adults can be a source of considerable distress – but with effective treatment, people of all ages can manage their symptoms and live a much more satisfying life.
What is ADHD?
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) describes ADHD “a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.”
The DSM-5 classifies ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means that symptoms usually appear early in the developmental process, often before children reach school age.
However, as we will discuss throughout this post, ADHD symptoms can persist through adolescence and into adulthood. Also, many people with ADHD aren’t diagnosed until they are adults.
7 Types of ADHD in Adults
The DSM-5 includes three specifications for ADHD diagnoses to indicate which types of symptoms a person has been exhibiting:
- Predominantly inattentive presentation
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation
- Combined presentation
In 2013, Daniel G. Amen, MD, expanded the categorization of ADHD in his book, Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program that Allows You to See and Heal the 7 Types of ADD. (Note: Though Dr. Amen uses ADD to describe this condition, the DSM-5 has used ADHD since 1987. This post will reflect the DSM-5 terminology.)
Dr. Amen’s seven types of ADHD in adults and young people all include the fundamental ADHD symptoms established in the DSM-5. With the exception of Classic ADHD, the others are defined by additional symptoms or characteristics.
The seven types of ADHD in adults, as defined by Dr. Amen, are:
- Classic ADHD: This is the form that most people would recognize as ADHD, with symptoms such as restlessness, distractibility, and poor impulse control.
- Inattentive ADHD: This type of ADHD aligns with the predominantly inattentive presentation specifier in the DSM-5. People with this form of ADHD will exhibit few or no signs of hyperactivity or restlessness.
- Overfocused ADHD: Adults with this form of ADHD can become so fixated on a specific project or topic that they have difficulty paying attention to anything else. Overfocused ADHD can also push adults into a downward spiral of negative thoughts.
- Temporal lobe ADHD: Symptoms of temporal lobe ADHD include aggression, irritability, mood swings, and paranoia. Adults with temporal lobe ADHD may also struggle with auditory processing difficulties and memory problems.
- Limbic ADHD: Dominant features of limbic ADHD in adults include low energy and motivation, poor self-esteem, negative mindset, and a preference for isolation.
- Ring of Fire ADHD is characterized by impulsive and unpredictable behaviors. Common symptoms of this type include an inflated sense of self, elevated sensitivity to external stimuli, and racing thoughts. It also involves rapid speech patterns.
- Anxious ADHD: Adults with anxious ADHD may experience excessive fear about meeting new people, giving presentations, or otherwise engaging in social situations where they could be judged or criticized.
Signs & Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
The stereotypical example of someone with ADHD is a young child who can’t sit still or pay attention. While this may describe some people who have this condition, it by no means encompasses the many ways that ADHD symptoms can manifest. Nor does it acknowledge the prevalence of ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD among adults can include:
- Poor time management skills, which can cause problems such as overscheduling, missed deadlines, or failure to pay bills on time
- Disorganization, such as frequently misplacing their keys, cell phone, or other important items
- Impulsiveness, which can lead to them interrupting conversations, jumping to the front of lines, or engaging in a range of risky behaviors
- Inability to deal with stress or tolerate difficult experiences, which can contribute to conflicts at home, in school, and at work
- Difficulty maintaining appropriate focus, which can include both distractibility and hyperfocus
How Common is Adult ADHD?
An October 2024 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contained the following data about adult ADHD in the U.S.:
- Experts estimate that the global rate of ADHD in adults is 2%-5%.
- In 2023, about 6% of adults in the U.S. had ADHD. This equates to about one of every 16 adults, or about 15.5 million people ages 18 and above.
- About 33% of adults with ADHD took a prescription stimulant to help manage their symptoms, and about 5.9% took a nonstimulant medication.
- Among those who took prescription stimulants, more than 71% reported difficulties filling their prescriptions due to shortages.
- About 46% of adults with ADHD have used telehealth services to receive their diagnosis, participate in counseling or therapy, or obtain a prescription.
Adult ADHD Challenges
Untreated ADHD can pose a range of challenges and obstacles to adults who are working to build a productive, satisfying life. In addition to the challenges mentioned earlier in this post, other difficulties can include:
- Problems forming and maintaining friendships and romantic relationships
- Substandard performance at work or in school
- Being passed over for job opportunities and promotions
- Financial setbacks due to impulsive decisions
- Diminished confidence and self-esteem
- Using alcohol or other drugs to cope with stress and frustrations
- Physical health problems due to drug use, stress, and/or anxiety
- Pervasive sense of helplessness and hopelessness
How Do You Know if You Have ADHD as an Adult?
The best way to find out if you have ADHD as an adult is to be assessed by a mental health expert. If you’re not sure if you need to schedule an assessment, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do the ADHD symptoms previously discussed in this post sound familiar to you?
- Do you frequently struggle with forgetfulness, disorganization, or poor time management?
- Have you had problems due to an inability to focus or concentrate?
- Do you often deal with restlessness and racing thoughts, which makes it difficult for you to relax?
- Have difficulties such as these caused problems in school, at work, or in the context of your interpersonal relationships?
If you can answer yes to any or all of the questions above, it may be time to schedule an assessment. Knowing if you have ADHD or another condition can be an important step toward getting the right type of help, so you can start to live a healthier life.
How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults typically includes a thorough clinical interview. This interview is a discussion with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other qualified professional. The interviewer may ask you a variety of questions about your current symptoms. They may also inquire about your past struggles, dating back to your childhood.
The diagnostic process may also involve written questionnaires, a review of prior treatment records. It may also include other information that can document the presence and impact of ADHD symptoms.
Contact Renewal Health Group to Treat ADHD in Adults
Renewal Health Group is a trusted source of customized care for adults who have ADHD, other mental health concerns, and co-occurring substance use disorders (addictions). We offer a full continuum of care, with both residential and outpatient options, at three locations in Southern California.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free adult ADHD assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
Published: 1/27/2025