Diagnosis of
ADHD in Adults

The Challenges of Diagnosing ADHD in Adults

Now that your healthcare provider has determined that you have ADHD, you may have realized that making a diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be complicated and challenging.

The symptoms of ADHD are common; what makes these symptoms different in people with ADHD is that they are persistent and affect day-to-day life.¹

• Symptoms can range from mild to severe. For example, a lack of impulse control can manifest as impatience while waiting in line or driving in traffic, as well as mood swings and angry outbursts.²
• While some adults may have fewer symptoms as they age, others continue to have symptoms that interfere with their daily activities.²
• Over the years, adults may learn how to compensate for many of their ADHD symptoms. For example, they may rely on lists, use alarms on their smartphones, work longer hours, check things multiple times, etc.
• Adults often have additional psychiatric conditions (defined in the What Is ADHD? section) with symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD.