ADHD is often viewed as a childhood condition; however, it is very much a lifelong journey for many individuals. As we navigate new life stages—such as higher education, career progression, or starting a family—expectations increase, and we may notice that the strategies were have adapted throughout our lifetime, feel less effective. This article delves into ADHD in adulthood, why understanding and managing symptoms is crucial, and what you can do to support yourself or someone you care about through times of transition.
Does ADHD Get Worse With Age?
While ADHD symptoms do not inherently worsen with age, as the demands placed on an individual increase, the impact of symptoms may become more apparent. While the core symptoms of ADHD don’t suddenly escalate, their impact can become much more noticeable when an individual is expected to meet higher societal or personal standards.
Take entering post-secondary education or the workforce as an example. In these settings, individuals may struggle with organization, time management, or meeting deadlines—issues that were perhaps manageable during childhood or adolescence with parental support or a structured environment. Now, those same ADHD symptoms can feel overwhelming because the expectations are higher, and the strategies they had been using may no longer be sufficient.
During these transitional life phases, challenges associated with undiagnosed or unmanaged ADHD may may further affect self-esteem, social functioning, and interpersonal relationships. Many adults with ADHD may also experience comorbid mental health concerns, including anxiety or depression. When you’re constantly facing challenges—forgetting tasks, missing deadlines, feeling like you’re letting people down—it’s not uncommon for your mental health to be affected.
This is why a comprehensive assessment is so important. Identifying and understanding ADHD and working to manage core symptoms can be empowering, supporting individuals to navigate life transitions. I often emphasize that a diagnosis isn’t about labeling an individual—it’s about providing clarity, self-awareness and understanding.
The core symptoms of ADHD are considered neurodevelopmental, what will often change is how symptoms present at different ages, and life stages. For example, while we might see hyperactivity in a young child, that same hyperactivity might manifest differently in adulthood—perhaps through restlessness or difficulties with relaxation.
Expectations from society also play a significant role in how ADHD symptoms are experienced. In childhood, a six-year-old struggling with organization might not face serious consequences, but as that individual ages, and moves into adulthood, those same organizational challenges can start to impact their ability to succeed at work or in personal relationships.
Adolescence and early adulthood can be particularly challenging times for those with undiagnosed or unmanaged ADHD, as they coincide with major life transitions—graduating, starting a career, building relationships—all while dealing with a unique attention style, that may not be fully understood.
I often see clients who have developed excellent strategies and coping mechanisms that allow them to demonstrate their potential and achieve success in their personal and professional lives. When this happens, it can seem as though the ADHD is “cured.” However, if we were to remove those strategies—whether it’s structure, medication, or lifestyle adjustments—the underlying symptoms would still be there.
There’s a reason we talk about ADHD symptom management, rather than a cure. The goal is to reduce the impact or impairment of ADHD symptoms, not to erase the diagnosis. For some people, this can mean that their ADHD is managed in a way that is no longer impacting their daily life in challenging ways.
There are many factors that can contribute to attention regulation, and the presentation of ADHD symptoms. It can be helpful to think about this in terms of what affects executive function—the part of the brain responsible for planning, organizing, and regulating behavior.
Factors like poor sleep, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and high levels of psychosocial stress will affect executive functions and may compound challenges related to ADHD symptoms. Comorbid mental health diagnoses, such as anxiety and depression, can also impact executive functions. As part of a holistic approach to mental health and wellness, it is important to look at the whole person, not just their attention profile, when working to understand and manage symptoms effectively.
When it comes to managing ADHD as you get older, it’s really about understanding your ADHD diagnosis, and developing strategies that align with your attention style. The strategies that worked for you in your teens or twenties might not be as effective in your thirties or forties. It’s a matter of constantly reassessing and adjusting. This might include counseling, mindfulness techniques, organizational tools, or even medication. The goal is to minimize impairment so that ADHD doesn’t hold you back from living the life you want.
If you suspect ADHD is impacting your life, I offer a 15-minute consultation where we can discuss your concerns and determine whether an assessment is the right next step for you. This isn’t about rushing to a diagnosis but rather understanding what’s going on and how best to support you moving forward.
Managing ADHD is a lifelong process, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Together, we can develop a plan that works for you.
