Assessment
Questionnaire
Have a symptom?
See what questions
a doctor would ask.
See what questions
a doctor would ask.
Adult ADHD, (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a common neurobehavioral developmental disorder with an onset in childhood that continues into adulthood. Children do not simply grow out of ADHD, as is often believed. Just the opposite is commonly true - the symptoms of ADHD often get worse as a child grows into adulthood, especially if they have not been treated. The predominant behaviors of adult ADHD are the same as in children and include inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These behaviors result in difficulties with an adult's executive functioning, such the abilities to prioritize, organize, focus, and problems with short-term memory, self control and emotion regulation. Complications of adult ADHD can include difficulties with jobs and relationships. On the other hand, people with ADHD can be very creative, intelligent, adaptable, and excel in some areas. For more information about symptoms and complications, refer to symptoms of adult ADHD. The cause or causes of adult ADHD are not yet known, although researchers believe that genes may be one factor in the development of the disease. It is most likely that the disorder is the result of a combination of elements, including environmental factors, traumatic head injuries, nutrition, and social influences. Making a diagnosis of adult ADHD begins with taking a thorough medical history, including symptoms, and completing a physical examination and mental health evaluation. There is no single test for adult ADHD. Only a full assessment by a health care professional, usually a team that includes primary care and mental health professionals, can truly diagnose or rule out adult ADHD. A complete evaluation includes testing and assessing for other medical causes that might be affecting an adult's behavior, such as diabetes, anxiety, and petit mal seizures. It is not uncommon for adults with ADHD to have struggled most of their lives with the disorder without a diagnosis. It is possible that a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be missed or delayed because symptoms can be similar to symptoms of other disease and conditions. For more information on misdiagnosis and diseases, disorders, and conditions that can mimic adult ADHD, refer to misdiagnosis of adult ADHD. The symptoms of adult ADHD can be treated, but there currently is no cure for the disorder. Most people with ADHD can be successfully treated so that they can lead normal, productive, even exceptional lives at home, work, school and with friends and family. Treatment may include a combination of medication and a variety of forms of psychotherapy. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of adult ADHD. ...more »
Adult ADHD: Adult ADHD, (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a common neurobehavioral developmental disorder with an onset in childhood that continues into adulthood. Children do not simply grow out of ADHD, as is often believed. Just the opposite is commonly true - the symptoms of ADHD often get worse as a child grows into adulthood. The predominant behaviors of adult ADHD are the same as in children and include:
These behaviors result in difficulties with:
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be treated, but there currently is no cure for the disorder. Most people with ADHD can be successfully treated and lead normal, productive lives at home, work, school and with friends and family. The cause or causes of ADHD are not yet known, although researchers believe that genes may be one factor in the development of the disease. It is most likely that the disorder is the result of a combination of elements, including environmental factors, traumatic head injuries, nutrition, and social influences. ...more »
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is based partly on symptoms, which typically change somewhat as childhood ADHD develops into adult ADHD. Often the symptoms of hyperactivity become less prominent while problems with concentration and organization increase.
Symptoms of adult ADHD are categorized into those of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ...more symptoms »
Treatment plans for adult ADHD are multifaceted and can include medications. The first line of medication treatment for adult ADHD is prescribed stimulants, which actually work in reverse in people with ADHD and produce a calming effect in them.
The two stimulants most commonly used are methylphenidate and amphetamines. Currently, stimulants are not approved by the Food and Drug ...more treatments »
It is common for a diagnosis of adult ADHD to be delayed or missed because symptoms can be similar to other diseases, disorders and conditions. They include petit mal seizures, in which a person appears to daydream excessively, blank out, or is "spaced out". Symptoms can also mimic symptoms of diabetes, learning disabilities, and diseases and conditions that affect ...more misdiagnosis »
See full list of 27 symptoms of Adult ADHD
Read more about treatments for Adult ADHD
Home medical testing related to Adult ADHD:
Test for Adult ADHD in your own home
Click for TestsSee full list of 12 diagnostic tests for Adult ADHD
Read more about complications of Adult ADHD.
Read more about causes of Adult ADHD.
Research the causes of these diseases that are similar to, or related to, Adult ADHD:
Commonly undiagnosed diseases in related medical categories:
Mild worm infections undiagnosed in children: Human worm infestations, esp. threadworm, can be overlooked in some cases, because it may cause only mild...read more »
Undiagnosed stroke leads to misdiagnosed aphasia: BBC News UK reported on a man who had been institutionalized and treated for mental illness because he suffered from sudden inability to speak. This was initially...read more »
Dementia may be a drug interaction: A common scenario in aged care is for a patient to show mental decline to dementia. Whereas this can, of course, occur due to various medical conditions, such as a stroke or ...read more »
Mesenteric adenitis misdiagnosed as appendicitis in children: Because appendicitis is one of the more feared conditions for a child with abdominal pain, it can be over-diagnosed ...read more »
Blood pressure cuffs misdiagnose hypertension in children: One known misdiagnosis issue with hyperension, arises in relation to the simple equipment used...read more »
ADHD under-diagnosed in adults: Although the over-diagnoses of ADHD in children is a well-known controversy, the reverse side related to adults. Some adults can remain undiagnosed, and indeed the condition has usually been overlooked...read more »
Bipolar disorder misdiagosed as various conditions by primary physicians: Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder) often fails to be diagnosed correctly by primary care physicians. Many...read more »
Eating disorders under-diagnosed in men: The typical patient with an eating disorder is female. The result is that men with eating disorders...read more »
Depression undiagnosed in teenagers: Serious bouts of depression can be undiagnosed in teenagers. The "normal" moodiness of teenagers can cause severe medical depression to be overlooked. See misdiagnosis of depression or ...read more »
Children with migraine often misdiagnosed: A migraine often fails to be correctly diagnosed in pediatric patients. These patients are not the typical migraine...read more »
Undiagnosed anxiety disorders related to depression: Patients with depression (see symptoms of depression) may also have undiagnosed ...read more »
Vitamin B12 deficiency under-diagnosed: The condition of Vitamin B12 deficiency is a possible misdiagnosis of various conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (see symptoms of...read more »
Read more about Misdiagnosis and Adult ADHD
Research related physicians and medical specialists:
Other doctor, physician and specialist research services:
Research quality ratings and patient safety measures for medical facilities in specialties related to Adult ADHD:
Hospital & Clinic quality ratings »
Choosing the Best Hospital: More general information, not necessarily in relation to Adult ADHD, on hospital performance and surgical care quality:
Rare types of diseases and disorders in related medical categories:
Medical research articles related to Adult ADHD include:
Click here to find more evidence-based articles on the TRIP Database
Prognosis for Adult ADHD: ADD/ADHD is a lifelong disorder but may improve with treatment. Although it may be damaging to mental/social health, it is not fatal nor degenerative.
More about prognosis of Adult ADHD
Visit our research pages for current research about Adult ADHD treatments.
Read about other experiences, ask a question about Adult ADHD, or answer someone else's question, on our message boards:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2011 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved. Last Update: 7 May, 2013 (2:34)
