Adult ADHD: How Do You Know If You Have It? (& 9 More Questions, Answered)

You might make jokes about your scattered thoughts and tendency to procrastinate, but if issues like these are becoming more frequent and starting to disrupt your productivity or relationships, you may find yourself wondering whether you have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

"A lot of negative thoughts can surround an ADHD diagnosis," says Dr. Alexander Doan, a primary care physician at Houston Methodist. "People feel like these are issues they should be able to control or fix on their own. But there should be no stigma here. ADHD has nothing to do with mental strength or fortitude."

So what is ADHD? And how do you know if it's playing a role in how you feel? Dr. Doan answers these questions and more.

ADHD vs. ADD: What's the difference?

You may still hear people refer to attention deficit disorder, or ADD, but the term is actually outdated.

"This is an old term, one we used before we understood that it's all the same problem in the brain," explains Dr. Doan. "We used to think ADHD was hyperactivity without inattention issues, and that ADD was inattention without the hyperactivity problems. Now, we know that it all falls on a spectrum of symptoms that can include both hyperactivity and inattention."

The official diagnosis today is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD — which can then be classified by the type of symptoms experienced: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive or a combination of both.

"The same medications are used to treat both, so this gives us a better way of making sure everyone gets access to the treatments that can help improve symptoms," adds Dr. Doan.

What causes ADHD, and how does it affect the brain?

Despite what you may hear, ADHD has nothing to do with willpower or intelligence. "People tend to think something is inherently wrong with their mental capabilities, but it's not about that at all," Dr. Doan emphasizes. "ADHD happens when the brain has trouble communicating its executive functions — things like prioritization, organization and impulse control."

He stresses the point that these executive functions themselves aren't impaired. Instead, the problem is with how the brain relays messages about these functions to the rest of the body. "The brain isn't communicating this information in the usual way, which explains why this isn't something a person can just push through using willpower," Dr. Doan adds.

What are the signs of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms in adults can show up in many ways. The common signs of ADHD include:

• Difficulty sustaining attention
• Disorganization
• Poor time management
• Frequently losing things
• Impulsivity
• Restlessness
• Irritability or mood swings
• Increased sensitivity to stress
• Procrastination
• Difficulty focusing or following through

Dr. Doan points out that time management challenges may not be what they seem. "It's not that people with ADHD are bad at managing their time," he explains. "Their perception of time is just skewed. They may think a task took them just a minute or two, only to check the clock and realize it's actually been 15 minutes."

Working memory (how we keep track of our tasks) can also be affected with ADHD. Issues with this executive function can look like having trouble initiating tasks, staying on task and shifting between tasks or multitasking. "They know what they should be prioritizing," explains Dr. Doan. "The struggle lies in controlling which task their brain fixates on."

It's also worth noting that women with ADHD often experience symptoms differently from men. While men are more likely to show hyperactivity and impulsivity, women tend to struggle more with inattention.

This can look like having trouble staying focused, being easily distracted and finding it hard to organize tasks. These symptoms often lead to women internalizing problems — causing anxiety and depression — rather than the externalization of behaviors often seen in men. ADHD diagnosis is women may be delayed, partly due to the adoption of compensatory strategies to hide their symptoms.

Can ADHD symptoms mimic other problems?

Yes — and this is what makes identifying ADHD yourself so tricky. "Anxiety, depression and substance abuse are the more common causes of ADHD-like symptoms," says Dr. Doan. "It's important to also note that someone can have anxiety and depression because of uncontrolled or undiagnosed ADHD, especially when the person struggles to keep up with everyday demands."

That's why it's important to consult your doctor and work together to understand the full picture. "There's no blood test or brain scan we can do to diagnose ADHD," Dr. Doan adds. "It's largely a subjective condition, but we do have objective tools to use for diagnosis."

The most common ADHD test is called the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, which your doctor will work through with you to assess whether your symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria, as well as rule out other underlying issues that could be causing symptoms.

How many people have ADHD?

Globally, about 6% of people are thought to have ADHD, though many people are likely to go undiagnosed.

In truth, some level of ADHD is fairly universal.

"The reality is that almost everyone has ADHD to some degree, it's just a matter of symptom severity and how much the symptoms disrupt their daily life," says Dr. Doan. "We're seeing more recognition of adult ADHD, now that we understand it's not a binary issue — where you either have it or you don't. The symptoms exist on a spectrum and can be exacerbated by external pressures."

Does ADHD get worse with age?

ADHD doesn't necessarily worsen with increasing age, but it can become more noticeable as responsibilities accumulate over time.

"Diagnosis occurs most often in childhood, since symptoms are usually most obvious at that time," explains Dr. Doan. "But as life and society has shifted to become less labor-intensive and more mentally demanding, we're seeing symptoms show up in adulthood more and more."

Some people manage their mild ADHD symptoms just fine earlier in life — but as work and life responsibilities grow more complex, those same symptoms start to cause disruptions. "As mental strength gets spread thinner and thinner, it becomes harder for these adults to cope," adds Dr. Doan.

Who treats adult ADHD?

If you're wondering where to start, your primary care provider (PCP) is a great first step. There are tools and assessments that your doctor can use to help figure out whether your symptoms point to ADHD or another condition.

"Your PCP can begin the assessment process and help determine if a referral to a psychiatrist is needed," says Dr. Doan. "They can also prescribe ADHD medications if they deem them necessary and that's an option you want to consider."

Can ADHD be cured?

No cure exists for ADHD, but, for many, treatment can be life changing. "For people with severe symptoms, medications can help them focus and really improve their lives," Dr. Doan explains.

ADHD medications have come a long way. "There are now options, like Strattera or Wellbutrin, that aren't traditional stimulants," says Dr. Doan. "These can be options for people concerned about addiction or side effects of stimulant-based medications."

Can ADHD be treated without medications?

Whether your symptoms are only mild or you're just hesitant about taking ADHD medications, it's important to know that other options exist, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). You can work with a therapist to learn behavioral techniques that can help you manage symptoms.

"For some, behavioral strategies are enough," says Dr. Doan. "But a combination of therapy and medication may be needed for others, depending on symptom severity. It's always your choice on how you want to start, though."

What should I do if I think I have ADHD?

Start by having an honest conversation with your primary care doctor. You don't need to have all of the answers, that's what your care team is for.

"There is no shame in having ADHD," says Dr. Doan. "It's not a statement of your mental strength or discipline, and it shouldn't be something you try to ignore or hide. Getting the support you need to function and feel your best can make a huge impact on your life."