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ADHD in Adults: New Research Highlights Trends and Challenges

  • Writer: Stephen
    Stephen
  • Apr 28
  • 3 min read


Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often considered a condition of children and youth, but also impacts many adults. New research is highlighting a number of issues relating to adults with ADHD, including trends in diagnoses, the extent of underdiagnoses and differing experiences among women with ADHD.


An estimated 6% of U.S. adults have an ADHD diagnosis and about half of those adults received their diagnosis in adulthood. (Staley 2024)


ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder involving inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that interferes with a person’s functioning and ability to perform daily activities, including at school or work. ADHD symptoms start in childhood and can continue into adulthood.


ADHD symptoms can change over time and may look different in adults. For example, impulsivity and hyperactivity may decrease or may appear as extreme restlessness. Inattention may persist and some symptom challenges may increase with the demands of adulthood increase. Adults with ADHD may face challenges with:


  • Managing their attention.

  • Completing lengthy tasks unless interesting.

  • Staying organized.

  • Controlling their behavior.

  • Hyperactive symptoms, such as feeling internally restless and fidgety.


Sleep problems are especially common, affecting up to 70% of adults with ADHD.”(NIMH)


Treatment for ADHD can include medication (typically stimulant medication), psychotherapy or a combination. Primary care physicians are the main source of care for adults with ADHD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurses also provide ADHD care to adults. About 1 in 4 adults with private insurance receive ADHD care from a psychiatrist. About half of adults with ADHD have used telehealth for ADHD services. (Staley 2024) An estimated one in three adults with ADHD take stimulant medication and in 2023 more than two-thirds of them had difficulty filling their prescription because of a shortage of medication. (Staley 2024)


New diagnoses of ADHD among adults increased from 2020 to 2023, following a downward trend from 2016 to 2023, according to a recent study in the APA journal Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice. (Paul 2024) Many factors may have contributed to the increase, the authors suggest, such as more awareness and destigmatization of ADHD, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have contributed to worsening symptoms.


Yet many adults may not receive a diagnosis. A recent small study found that an estimated 14% of adults are undiagnosed with ADHD and women were more likely to be undiagnosed than men. (Du 2025) Other research has identifies several differences between men and women in symptoms and experiences of ADHD. (Attoe 2023) For example, women are more likely to have inattentive symptoms than hyperactive symptoms, which may be less likely to lead to a referral and diagnosis. Women with ADHD are more likely to experience decreased self-esteem, more difficulty in peer relationships, increased likelihood of anxiety, and more likely to develop coping strategies that mask symptoms of ADHD.


How to Help – Dos and Don’ts

Here are some suggestions if you want to support someone with ADHD, adapted from MedlinePlus, ADHD Support Toolkit, April 2024


Do:

  • Educate yourself. Take some time to learn about ADHD symptoms and challenges.

  • Offer practical help such as giving them a hand with tasks like cleaning and organizing. Simply being present and engaged while the person works, a practice known as body doubling, can help a person with ADHD stay focused and on task.

  • Be patient and understanding. ADHD can be frustrating both for those who have it and for the people in their lives. Try to be patient, flexible, and empathetic.

  • Encourage breaks. If a task requires sustained attention, short breaks during the task can be helpful.


Don’t:

  • Blame or criticize. This means their brain works differently than others, and they may struggle with certain tasks or behaviors and use different strategies to succeed.

  • Make assumptions. Everyone’s experience is different, and they may use different strategies to cope. Ask questions about their challenges.

  • Try to “fix” them. The best thing you can do is be there for those with ADHD by offering support and encouraging them to learn how to manage their symptoms.


In addition, people with ADHD can request workplace accommodations from their employer. For example, to address challenges with focus and concentration, minimizing distractions, such as providing a quiet workspace or allowing use of noise cancellation or white noise devices, might help improve performance. Read more about workplace accommodations from the Job Accommodation Network.


If you are concerned about ADHD, talk with a healthcare professional or mental health clinician.

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