Sep 10, 2024
ADHD is a developmental disorder commonly found in children. However, research over the last few years has shown that ADHD commonly continues into adulthood. In some people, ADHD may go undiagnosed until adulthood, where the lack of external structure and immense adult pressure can exacerbate symptoms and stretch coping mechanisms to the max. In this case, adults can be diagnosed with ADHD.
ADHD treatment for adults often looks very different from treatment for children, who have a different set of needs and skills. In adults, adhd treatment can involve medication, therapy, and holistic methods.
What is adult ADHD?
Around 8 million adults have ADHD, but that number is probably smaller than the actual average. ADHD is regularly underdiagnosed in young girls or people of color who may exhibit symptoms differently than young boys. The stereotypical idea of ADHD as the hyperactive child who can’t stop talking, won’t wait his turn, and can’t focus on homework is sometimes true, but only represents half of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria—the “hyperactive” part. The other half of ADHD is inattentive, which is commonly missed during childhood and instead labeled as “spacy”, “in their own head”, or “quiet”. However, just because a child isn’t disruptive doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling.
As an adult, people can get diagnosed with hyperactive ADHD, inattentive ADHD, or a combined type.
ADHD in adults looks different than it does in childhood. For one, there are many things that a child with ADHD might do that an adult has tamped down with coping mechanisms or societal pressure.
For example, one diagnostic criteria for ADHD is “Often leaves a seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.” No adult is going to be leaving their meeting without warning. Instead, this criteria may look like extreme restlessness or anxiety when asked to sit still for extended periods of time.
As of 2024, the DSM-5 does not have a list of symptoms for adult ADHD. Instead, these symptoms have been put together through other research and anecdotal evidence.
Symptoms of adult ADHD include:
- Difficulty focusing on tasks and completing them.
- Impulsivity in decision-making and actions.
- Forgetfulness and disorganization in daily responsibilities.
- Restlessness and difficulty staying seated.
- Challenges with time management and punctuality.
- Trouble with prioritizing tasks and managing deadlines.
- Mood swings, irritability, emotional outbursts.
- Struggles with maintaining relationships and following through with commitments.
- Impulse buying or struggles with financial saving.
Adults with ADHD are also more likely to struggle with anxiety, depression, or substance use.
Is there a cure for ADHD?
No, there is no “cure” for ADHD. It is a developmental disability and can continue on through most of adulthood. However, with ADHD treatment, the distressing symptoms of adult ADHD can be drastically cut down, and people can more or less live their lives normally and successfully.
ADHD Treatment for Adults
Treatment for adults with ADHD will be highly variable on what they need. What areas of their life are they most struggling with? What coping mechanisms do they already have (and are they healthy or not)?
Most people will treat their ADHD with a combination of medication, therapy, holistic methods, and lifestyle changes.
Medication
ADHD Medication does not work for everyone. For others it can be very helpful. There is more than one kind of ADHD medication, so it can take some trial and error to find what works best for you.
Always talk with your doctor before starting any ADHD medication and report any adverse side effects.
Types of medication for ADHD include:
- Stimulant Medications:
- Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
- Ritalin (methylphenidate)
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
- Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release)
- Non-Stimulant Medications:
- Strattera (atomoxetine)
- Wellbutrin (bupropion)
- Intuniv (guanfacine)
- Kapvay (clonidine)
It's important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable medication and dosage for your individual needs. Remember, with the right treatment and support, managing adult ADHD is possible, and you can lead a fulfilling life. If you're considering medication, discussing options with a psychiatrist or healthcare provider is a positive step towards managing your symptoms and thriving.
Therapy for Adults with ADHD
Talk therapy is the most common form of treatment for ADHD, and it can be very effective, especially in addressing comorbid anxiety and depression and building healthy coping mechanisms.
When adults are first diagnosed with ADHD, they probably are living with a host of unhealthy coping mechanisms. For example, they may wait until the last possible minute to start a work project so they can use the stress and anxiety to finish it. Other times they may not have any coping mechanisms in place and have internalized their failure to conform and succeed in the same way as their peers.
Adults with ADHD commonly struggle with self-esteem and self-worth issues. Having lived most of their lives undiagnosed, they think that their struggle to finish projects, manage time, or handle relationships is a personal failing. This is not true, and therapy can help you unravel this untrue core belief.
Therapy for ADHD can help you with:
- Understanding and Validation
- Developing Coping Strategies
- Improving Self-esteem
- Enhancing Time Management Skills
- Building Healthy Relationships
- Addressing Co-occurring Issues
Remember, the benefits of therapy for adults with ADHD are unique to each individual. It's essential to find a therapist who specializes in ADHD and can offer personalized treatment, focusing on your specific needs and goals. With the right therapist and the support they provide, you can develop effective strategies, improve self-confidence, and ultimately live your brightest life.
Holistic Methods
Finally, holistic lifestyle changes are likely a part of all adult ADHD treatment plans. Until their diagnosis, many adults with ADHD were trying to live like their neurotypical peers. Therapy can teach them that their brains are wired differently, but that doesn’t mean they are wired wrong. Instead, finding workarounds for common ADHD difficulties can make your life a lot more manageable and fulfilling.
For example:
- Get plenty of exercise: research shows that people with ADHD who exercise regularly report less distressing symptoms.
- Get in nature: Green spaces can have a positive effect on ADHD.
- Have good sleep hygiene: Around 70% of people with ADHD also have a sleep disorder, which can exacerbate symptoms
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness does not have to be sitting and meditating. Instead, go for a color scanning walk, do some yoga, or journal.
- Try alternative medicines: Things like acupuncture and key supplements for ADHD can go a long way.
- “Hack your brain”: Sometimes we waste a lot of energy doing things we don’t actually have to do. Put a laundry basket near that chair where all your half-clean clothes go. Hang your keys and wallet on the door itself, so you have to look at them when you leave. Schedule a standing phone call with your friend once a week where you chat and clean the house together. Instead of focusing on being “normal”, find creative solutions to the symptoms that bother you the most.
A good therapist can help you find the right solutions to your ADHD symptoms. ADHD treatment for adults can be complicated, so it’s important to find a therapist you trust and who understands you.
Lifebulb has over a hundred therapists across the U.S., offering both online and in-person therapy at select locations. Browse our therapist directory to find an ADHD therapist near you, or give our team a call and we’ll match you with a therapist who can meet your needs. We accept most major insurances.
