Do adults have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is a neurological condition that is often not diagnosed until adulthood, although symptoms do begin in childhood. ADHD is thought to be inherited, in many cases. I've diagnosed many children with ADHD, and in my discussions with the parents, one or the other often says, "Hey, I wonder if ADHD explains my problems, too."

After a lifetime of struggling with an undiagnosed problem, it can be a relief for an adult to finally have a name for those difficulties. What was previously thought only to be "learning problems" or "not being able to handle a desk job" can now be understood more fully. It also allows for treatment to take place, which can be very effective for both children and adults.

Adults can definitely have ADHD, but it may not seem as obvious due to coping mechanisms learned as they matured. In a child, you may notice a fidgety kid who often interrupts. In an adult, you may see someone who cannot bear the idea of a desk job. Adults have more control over their environment and are able to pick situations which best suit their strengths and weaknesses. Children have to be in the environment their caregivers pick for them. If you are an adult whose mind often wanders during meetings, who skins practically crawls at the idea of a desk job, who is often fired because work was not finished, or who often quits jobs or relationships because of boredom, consider talking to your doctor about ADHD.