Adult ADHD Facts

1. 4-5% of the population were diagnosed with adult ADHD before the diagnostic criteria changed in 2013 to include adults. That number may be substantially higher now. (Russell Barkley, 2010)

2. 60% or more of those who have ADHD symptoms as children or teens continue to have these traits as adults, including those who were never officially diagnosed. (Russell Barkley, 2010)

3. Only 10% of adults with ADHD are currently getting treatment. (Russell Barkley, 2010)

ADHD Diagnosis:

• Previous DSM- IV guidelines specified that symptoms must be present before the age of 7; in the DSM-V, that has been changed to age 12.

• Adults need to exhibit five symptoms from at least one category, primarily hyperactive or primarily inattentive, or symptoms from both for the diagnosis of ADHD Combined Type.

• The symptoms must lead to impairment in at least two areas of life: work, relationships, social, financial, parenting, home, etc.

• Adults with ADHD must have symptoms present since childhood unless caused by a head injury or other trauma.

• The symptoms must occur in two or more settings.

• Many adults with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, but find they still have problems in adulthood. If the symptoms have been present since childhood, particularly problems in school with academics and/or behavior, is is possibly undiagnosed ADHD. (DSM-V, 2013)

ADHD-like Symptoms

• Many people have characteristics/traits, but do not show problems with executive functions.

• They may be very active and high energy, but do not interrupt others, losing track of thoughts, forget things, struggle with disorganized, have problems listening, etc.

• These people generally do not meet the criteria for ADHD, and should be evaluated for Anxiety, Bi Polar II or Cyclothymia. (Pierce, 2012)

I was diagnosed several years ago. I have always struggled with inattentiveness. Understanding neuro-divergence has allowed me to give myself grace and strategies to better understand how my brain works. It's never too late to learn something new or try new things, especially when it comes to self care.