Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that often begins in childhood but can persist into adulthood. While commonly associated with children, ADHD in adults is a significant yet frequently misunderstood experience. Adults with ADHD may struggle with inattention, impulsivity, or restlessness, though these symptoms can manifest differently than they do in children. For many, the challenges of ADHD have been present for years but were overlooked or misunderstood, often labeled as personality traits or general difficulties. As a result, many adults with ADHD do not realize the issues they face are neurological in nature – instead, they may feel shame, fear, and anger towards their own perceived weakness.
ADHD in adults is easily misunderstood and is not just about being easily distracted. It can involve a pervasive difficulty in organizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and managing time effectively. These can additionally lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, missing wonderful personal or professional opportunities, and strain in relationships. Impulsivity might show up as speaking out of turn, making hasty decisions, or struggling to regulate your emotions, which can sometimes result in frustration or conflict with the people who might otherwise be best positioned to provide support. Restlessness, a hallmark of hyperactivity in children, often evolves in adulthood into an inner sense of unease or a constant need to stay stimulated, even when ‘resting.’ These symptoms can disrupt professional lives, personal relationships, and self-esteem, particularly when compounded by co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.
If you suspect you might have ADHD, know that seeking a diagnosis is a brave and empowering step toward understanding yourself better. Diagnosis often begins with reflecting on your experiences and recognizing patterns of difficulty that extend beyond occasional forgetfulness or distraction. Consulting a healthcare professional familiar with adult ADHD is critical to long-term success. This may involve discussing your challenges, completing symptom checklists, and, sometimes, exploring your past with the input of family members or others who know you well. Finally receiving a diagnosis may even feel validating, offering a framework to make sense of your struggles and a path forward!
Treatment for adult ADHD often involves a combination of strategies tailored to the individual. Medication, such as stimulants or nonstimulants, may help manage core symptoms by improving focus and reducing impulsivity. However, medication is just one piece of the puzzle. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can provide tools for managing time, setting goals, and addressing negative thought patterns.
If you have tried CBT therapy in the past and found it ineffective, have no fear! Many clients find that CBT alone is insufficient due to the emotional strain of having spent years without external support. Other psychotherapy modalities such as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and internal family systems (IFS) may be helpful for treating any shame or trauma associated with the experience of having ADHD. Once the emotional experience of having been a child with ADHD who did not receive additional support has been addressed, behavioral strategies like creating routines, using planners, and breaking tasks into smaller steps become far more effective. Additionally, support from family, friends, or support groups can help foster understanding and encourage growth.
Living with ADHD is not about fixing a flaw but about recognizing your unique brain patterns and finding ways to thrive. Many adults with ADHD find that, with the right support and strategies, they can harness their creativity, energy, and resilience in powerful ways. If you’re considering pursuing an evaluation or treatment, take heart: seeking help is not only a step toward improving your quality of life but also an act of self-compassion and courage.
If you suspect you have ADHD, you do not have to navigate this journey alone. I have experience working with both children and adults who either suspect they have ADHD or have already received an ADHD diagnosis. In working with me, we will review your unique experience of struggling with focus and organization, develop coping strategies to better handle the demands of life, and discover external resources that can encourage and envision you for a better way of living. In working within the CARESPACE Health + Wellness clinics, you will also have access to nutritionists, fitness trainers, and other practitioners who can provide targeted care to support your mental health journey. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time to book an appointment!
With the right tools and support, it is entirely possible to build a life that feels more manageable, rewarding, and authentically yours. Let’s do this.
