Understanding ADHD in Adults vs. Children: Key Differences

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly diagnosed and treated during childhood, but some people continue to struggle with the condition into adulthood. Understanding the key differences in ADHD in adults vs. children is vital to diagnose and treat the condition.

In this guide, we will go over the meaning of ADHD, adult and child ADHD symptoms, and treatments.

What Is ADHD?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines ADHD as a developmental disorder that has an ongoing pattern of one or more of the following types of symptoms:

• Inattention. Difficulty paying attention, staying on task, or staying organized.
• Hyperactivity. Moving around or constantly fidgeting (even in inappropriate times), feeling restless, and talking excessively.
• Impulsivity. Frequently interrupting, intruding on others, trouble waiting for their turn

Everyone shows these behaviors from time to time, but people with ADHD struggle with these behaviors frequently in multiple spheres of life. Their home, work, relationships, hobbies, medical needs, and other aspects of their lives are all affected.

Causes of ADHD in Children

While ADHD is widely studied, researchers have not pinpointed specific causes and triggers for ADHD in children. Studies suggest that genes play a large role, but other possible factors under heavy study include:

• Brain development
• Head and brain injuries in early childhood
• Physical and social environments
• Nutrition

ADHD in adults is a continuation from childhood, and it can often go undiagnosed until later in life due to not being tested as a child.

Why Do So Many Adults With ADHD Go Undiagnosed?

This could be due to a variety of factors. For example, if they had another disorder or condition as a child, their ADHD symptoms might have been assumed to be a part of that condition. Or they could have had an environment that naturally managed their symptoms and let them thrive until they faced the stress, unpredictability, and demands of adulthood. The reasons are many, and knowing the symptoms is necessary to help diagnose and treat those struggling with ADHD.

Adult ADHD Symptoms vs. Childhood Symptoms

ADHD starts in childhood, and the symptoms that characterize the disorder remain the same. However, the way the symptoms manifest changes with age and environment. The same core challenges with attention and impulsivity remain, but they appear in different ways.

Common Childhood ADHD Symptoms:

• Constant fidgeting or talking
• Difficulty staying focused on schoolwork
• Impulsively blurting out answers or interrupting
• Trouble following instructions or routines
• Emotional outbursts or frustration over small issues
• Constantly forgetting curfews, homework assignments, and school deadlines
• Often loses things that are necessary for tasks and activities like backpacks, shoes, school supplies, and library books.
• Unable to play or take part in activities quietly, when necessary.

A child up to age 16 needs to have at least six symptoms listed in the DSM-5 and a thorough examination of their educational and medical history to be diagnosed with ADHD, along with clinical interviews and psychological testing to rule out other causes.

Common Adult ADHD Symptoms Include:

• Disorganization and missed deadlines or medical appointments
• Difficulty completing lengthy tasks if they do not find them interesting
• Forgetfulness and misplacing items
• Restlessness and trouble relaxing
• Impulsive decisions or spending
• Difficulty maintaining relationships or consistent work performance
• Wearing people around them out with their constant activity
• Reckless behaviors like ignoring infections and injuries

Adults also need a thorough exam, tests, and interviews to determine if they have ADHD. However, they only need five symptoms if they are age 17 or older, and their history needs to show several signs of ADHD activity before age 12.

Why Understanding These Differences Matters

ADHD is not about willpower, and it is not always immediately obvious that ADHD is in play. It is a disorder that affects how the brain processes attention and impulse control. Countless adults who go undiagnosed blame themselves for struggles and shortcomings in work, relationships, and other spheres, wondering why they can’t “do better” with effort. They never realize these struggles stemmed from an untreated condition.

Knowing the differences between adult and childhood ADHD allows you and healthcare professionals to identify these behaviors as a possible sign of ADHD. Understanding these differences allows for more accurate diagnoses and better support at every stage of life.

ADHD Treatment for Kids and Adults

ADHD treatment usually combines medication, behavioral strategies, and lifestyle adjustments. The approach varies based on age, symptoms, and personal goals.

For children, behavioral therapy is often the first step. Parents learn how to set consistent routines, use positive reinforcement, and minimize distractions. If needed, ADHD medication for kids, like the stimulant drugs methylphenidate or amphetamine-based drugs, can help improve focus and impulse control. Some children respond better to non-stimulant medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv).

Adult ADHD treatment often combines a comprehensive approach that could include ADHD medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), lifestyle changes, and organization tools to help cope and manage their condition.

ADHD affects people of all ages, but the symptoms and challenges change over time. In children, ADHD often appears as visible hyperactivity and impulsivity. In adults, it tends to involve restlessness, disorganization, and emotional strain.

Healthy U Offers Comprehensive Treatment for Adult ADHD

Living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We can help diagnose and create a custom treatment plan that helps you build focus, manage emotions, and improve your daily life. Contact us today to start your journey.