Can ADHD Be Diagnosed Later in Life?

When we think of ADHD, which stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, an image of a child having trouble focusing comes to our minds. This is usually the case because children are diagnosed with ADHD. However, that does not mean ADHD is not present in teenagers, young adults, or even older adults.

In some cases, ADHD goes undiagnosed for a long period of time and is found out when the person has grown out of their childhood. So, yes, ADHD can be diagnosed later in life. Read ahead to know more about it and how to treat ADHD.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a mental health condition that usually manifests as:

Inattention - a difficulty focusing, remembering things, or being easily distracted.

Hyperactivity - feeling restless/tapping/rubbing your legs, or needing to move around often.

Impulsivity - acting very quickly without thinking - interruptions of others, acts suddenly without decision-making, etc.

However, ADHD affects different people in different ways. Some individuals may only struggle with paying attention, while others may exhibit more pronounced symptoms of restlessness or impulsivity.

What Does ADHD Look Like in Adults?

The common signs of the presence of ADHD in adults are:

• Trouble focusing at work
• Forgetting about deadlines, timely payments, etc.
• Losing everyday items frequently, like keys, phone, etc.
• Struggling to be organized
• Unable to finish tasks that seem boring
• Not being able to listen to someone speak without interrupting
• Taking sudden, impulsive decisions like splurging money

Due to these symptoms, adults suffering from ADHD find it very difficult to navigate through life. This can cause further stress, anxiety and other deteriorations, if not treated in time.

Why Does ADHD Diagnosis Matter?

People who suffer from ADHD, yet do not know about it, tend to think of themselves as lazy or less intelligent than others, due to their inability to focus or work properly. Getting diagnosed with ADHD can change the way they think about themselves.

A diagnosis can help you:

• Understand your behavior better.
• Find the right treatment or support.
• Improve your work and personal life.
• Reduce feelings of guilt or shame.

Many adults say that finally knowing about their ADHD feels like a weight has been lifted.

How Is ADHD Treated in Adults?

If you are suffering from ADHD, there is good news for you - ADHD can be managed, even in adults. You need to visit an ADHD specialist who would understand your symptoms and conditions and tailor a treatment plan for you.

Here are the most common methods a psychiatrist can approach for the treatment of ADHD in adults:

Medication:

A board-certified psychiatrist will usually prescribe medications to control and manage the symptoms of ADHD. The medicines help increase focusing power and reduce impulsive thoughts. For example, Methylphenidate, Amphetamines and Guanfacine are usually suggested by psychiatrists.

Therapy:

In some cases, medication alone might not work effectively. Attending therapy sessions can help you learn tips on how to manage the symptoms. Some of the generally prescribed therapies for ADHD are CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and talk therapy.

Lifestyle Changes:

Certain healthy habits can help alleviate ADHD, like, daily exercise, eating a balanced diet, and having at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.