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How ADHD Symptoms Change As You Age

Jul 01, 2025
How ADHD Symptoms Change As You Age
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with children and teens, but it often persists into adulthood. In this blog, you’ll learn how the symptoms can change as you age.

More than 22 million Americans have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that makes it hard to focus, stay on task, and manage impulses. 

Many people with ADHD are diagnosed during their childhood or teens, but symptoms can continue well into adulthood. As a result, it’s important to know how symptoms change with age and how to manage them so you can excel at work, in your relationships, and in life.

At CareStop Behavioral Health in Warner Robins, Georgia, Terrill Cooper, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, CMNCS, ADHD-CCSP, and our team regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in people of all ages. While based in Warner Robins, Georgia, the practice serves patients throughout the state of Georgia via telehealth.

Read on to explore how ADHD symptoms evolve over time and what you can do to keep them from interfering with your quality of life. 

ADHD in childhood: Hyperactivity and impulsivity dominate

ADHD often appears in childhood after you’ve enrolled in school. While symptoms differ from child to child, telltale signs include fidgeting, trouble sitting still, and being loud or speaking out of turn. 

Sometimes, these behaviors are subtle, but more often than not, they’re flagged by teachers or during school assessments. 

Although ADHD affects children and teens of all gender identities, it’s most commonly diagnosed in boys.

ADHD in adolescence: Emotional dysregulation and disorganization

As you get older, the hyperactivity caused by ADHD tends to decrease. However, it often manifests in other ways, such as impulsivity and emotional outbursts. 

Since adolescence is a time of growing independence and self-discovery, it can lead to poor decision-making, difficulty keeping track of homework, and poor time management. 

Over time, these factors can take a toll on self-esteem, making it challenging to maintain friendships and romantic relationships.

ADHD in adulthood: Internal restlessness and executive dysfunction

Many children and teens start taking medication to help manage their symptoms. This can be an effective way to keep impulsivity and trouble focusing in check, but these challenges never fully go away.  Instead, they begin manifesting differently, which can result in racing thoughts, difficulty relaxing, and poor time management.

Because not everyone is diagnosed at a young age, many adults attribute these symptoms to stress or personality traits. After meeting with a professional and learning their struggles stem from untreated ADHD, many adults find it easier to connect the dots. 

Request an ADHD consultation

ADHD affects people in many different ways. However, with the right support, you can lead a fulfilling life at any age. After discussing your symptoms and completing a physical exam and psychiatric evaluation, we can make personalized recommendations. Depending on your needs, we may suggest healthy lifestyle changes, medication, counseling, or a combination of these.

Don’t wait to get the support you deserve. Request an appointment by calling our office today at 478-324-8216 or using the online booking tool. Small changes can make a big difference!