Dating as far back as the late 1700s concerns with attention and impulse control were focused on behaviors in children and the subsequent impact in the classroom. In 1798 a Scottish physician observed individuals who were easily distracted and unable to focus on their activities the way other people could. He noted that these symptoms began in early life. A century later these symptoms were described by Sir George Frederic who noted “mental conditions in otherwise healthy children of normal intelligence, who were more impulsive, and had problems with attention and self-control.” It wasn’t until the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1994 that it was reported that these symptoms do not always go away in adults. Current research indicates that even when adults report a reduction in symptoms of inattention and inhibitory control challenges, structural differences are still present in the brain, indicating sustained differences in brain connectivity.
ADHD is one of the most highly researched topics in childhood medicine, and it is only in the past decade that this research has begun to expand into studying the impacts and interventions to support adults with ADHD. This condition is no longer described as a childhood disorder, but a lifespan condition. The symptoms and challenges of ADHD can vary across different ages and life stages. However, for most adults who experienced ADHD symptoms in childhood, the impact tends to persist, regardless of whether they were formally diagnosed.
ADHD is generally characterized by challenges with focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Naturally, we expect adults—after years of practice—to focus, maintain impulse control, and control their emotions. However, structural differences throughout many brain regions have demonstrated that practice alone is not always enough to improve one's attentional and regulation abilities. Adults often have a better awareness of their struggles and may have more coping strategies to help mitigate the challenges. This can make it harder to detect the condition. It is important to note that implementing these additional strategies can take a toll, requiring additional awareness, effort, and consistency to be successful. Understanding the persistence and complications of ADHD as a lifespan disorder is key for providing opportunities for help in not only managing but minimizing the effects of the condition. Given the differences in how ADHD can present across the lifespan, it is important to know what to look for in adults to provide the best opportunities to thrive.
Let's start with what we know.
ADHD in Childhood
ADHD often becomes noticeable in early childhood, typically manifesting itself as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty staying on task. Most notably in school settings where long-term focus and appropriate behaviors are required and any deviation is easily noticed. While boys are frequently and more easily identified, girls may pass unnoticed, as they often exhibit symptoms of inattention or heightened emotional sensitivity. This discrepancy can lead to a lack of support for girls who need it, making early recognition critical.
ADHD is not an indicator of a child’s intelligence, and high intelligence can mask challenges in other areas. Many parents observe an imbalance in a child’s skills and abilities—the child may excel in some areas while presenting immaturity or being behind in others. For example, ADHD students may be ahead of grade-appropriate students in math, while they may seem immature in how they handle frustrations and upsets.
Children with ADHD may struggle to follow directions, complete homework, and regulate their emotions, resulting in challenges at home and in social interactions. These difficulties can lead to frustration, affecting their self-esteem and relationships with peers.
ADHD in the Teenage Years
As children transition into their teenage years, ADHD symptoms can evolve. Just about the time you and your child begin to establish a routine and understand how to best cope and succeed, you meet entirely new and increased academic demands and social pressures that often exacerbate ADHD challenges. As the executive function demands of school increase, you may notice your child struggling to meet the increased demands. Your child may experience challenges with organization, time management, and completing assignments on time. This can lead to increased frustration and feelings of inadequacy.
At this age, students can be very aware of how they compare to their peers, and feelings of falling short of expectations or letting parents and teachers down can contribute to lower self-esteem.
Time management and choices can become a sensitive topic during this stage of life at home. Parents understand the need for adequate sleep and to minimize screen time, social media, and gaming. For the ADHD teen, the temptation for the fun and distraction that gaming and screen time provide can interfere with other life priorities such as completing homework, studying for exams, and getting adequate sleep. The result can be friction and frustration for both parents and teens.
Social dynamics also become more complex during this stage, and teens with ADHD may find it difficult to maintain friendships or navigate peer relationships. Young children's impulsivity characteristics can translate into risky behaviors, poor decision-making, and difficulty with self-control, further complicating their teenage experience.
ADHD in Young Adulthood
How ADHD affects young adults compared to teens and younger children will once again evolve and your young adult will face another set of challenges. As the demands on time, and the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities at once increase, this can be another time where executive function abilities are tested. Whether transitioning to college or the workforce, many young adults find it difficult to manage time, stay organized, and meet deadlines. These challenges can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed as they juggle responsibilities in work, school, and social settings.
Relationships may become strained, as individuals with ADHD can struggle to manage conflicts and stay focused during conversations. The pressure to balance various demands can lead to a profound sense of inadequacy and frustration, particularly when they feel they are not meeting expectations.
Adults with ADHD experience higher rates of addiction, underemployment, and unemployment as they face challenges with time management and execution of tasks. Developing healthy coping strategies, and a support system during this time of life is critical.
ADHD in Adulthood
Certainly, as you get older, wiser, and more mature those outward symptoms will be something of the past. Right? While hyperactivity will likely subside in adulthood, the challenges of ADHD will continue to persist and once again, begin to look different. As young adults transition into the workforce, struggles might include productivity issues, procrastination, financial management, and maintaining relationships.
Daily responsibilities can feel overwhelming, and many struggle with executive functioning tasks, such as planning, organizing, and prioritizing work projects. This can lead to feelings of frustration and low self-esteem, as well as difficulty maintaining a healthy work-life balance. ADHD can also lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
When choosing how to spend your time, or what tasks to tackle, the brain is always essentially asking the question, “Is the effort worth the outcome?” For the adult with ADHD, the perceived effort in accomplishing a task may seem more daunting, resulting in task avoidance or procrastination.
As you might imagine, if left untreated, ADHD can have dramatic and dire consequences. Especially if you continue to misunderstand and mistreat it. It's easy to pass off ADHD symptoms as laziness and resolve yourself to just work harder and to be more productive.
ADHD is NOT Laziness
While we accept ADHD as a "real" thing for kids, when it comes to being an adult, we seem to have created a dangerous misconception that ADHD is nothing more than a diagnosis for perpetual laziness, emotional reactivity, or a lack of effort. In other words, it's not a brain issue, only a motivation issue.
In reality, individuals with ADHD have distinct structural differences in their brains - even as adults. These differences make it harder to direct and sustain attention, regulate mood and emotions, control impulses, and manage tasks effectively. Understanding this distinction is vital in recognizing that ADHD is a genuine developmental disorder, not a character flaw.
People with ADHD do not simply "grow out" of their symptoms; rather, they can reduce the challenges through specific interventions designed to target affected regions of the brain and learn to manage various symptoms through appropriate support and strategies.
How Brain Balance Can Help Individuals of All Ages
The Brain Balance Program offers a comprehensive, brain-based approach to maturing brain connectivity to improve attention, inhibitory control, emotional regulation and executive functions. By maturing the key brain functions that support higher-level brain abilities program participants of all ages can benefit from stronger, faster brain connections to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. By targeting ADHD root causes, Brain Balance employs exercises and activities designed to enhance focus, emotional regulation, and executive functioning skills.
The program develops personalized plans tailored to the unique needs of children, teens, and adults. It supports brain development and helps individuals cultivate the skills necessary to thrive in school, work, and everyday life. Success stories and testimonials from families highlight the transformative impact of the Brain Balance program on individuals living with ADHD.
Get the Support You Need
If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD symptoms, consider reaching out to Brain Balance for more information. Their tailored programs can help individuals of any age improve focus, behavior, and emotional regulation, fostering a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Understanding ADHD through the ages is crucial for awareness and support. By recognizing its impact and seeking effective strategies, individuals can navigate their ADHD journey with confidence.
Ohnishi T, Toda W, Itagaki S, Sato A, Matsumoto J, Ito H, Ishii S, Miura I, Yabe H. Disrupted structural connectivity and less efficient network system in patients with the treatment-naive adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Front Psychiatry. 2023 Mar 16;14:1093522. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1093522. PMID: 37009101; PMCID: PMC10061975.
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