Version July 2025
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What is ADHD? —
This is a condition that can make it hard to sit still, pay attention, or complete tasks. ADHD can run in families. It often begins in childhood, but some people learn they have it as an adult.
ADHD stands for "attention deficit hyperactivity disorder." Some people call it just ADD, or "attention deficit disorder."
What are the symptoms of ADHD? —
Adults with ADHD can have any of these symptoms:
●Executive dysfunction – This means having trouble setting goals and working toward them. People might struggle with remembering things, starting a new task, time management, or switching between activities.
●Trouble paying attention – Adults with ADHD often have trouble staying focused on a task, especially for a long time. This can make it hard to complete tasks or do things on time.
●Acting impulsively – A person might do things or make decisions without thinking them through. Examples include things like quitting a job or ending a relationship suddenly.
●Restlessness – Adults with ADHD might fidget, feel restless, or have trouble sitting still. They might talk a lot or interrupt others.
●Trouble controlling emotions – This can include sudden mood changes, outbursts of anger, or getting frustrated easily. People with ADHD might have a hard time coping with their feelings.
All these things can affect a person's relationships, social life, and work.
Not everyone with ADHD has the same symptoms. Some people have more trouble paying attention. Others are more likely to act impulsively or recklessly.
Is there a test for ADHD? —
No. If you think you might have ADHD, talk to your doctor or nurse. They will ask questions about your symptoms and behaviors.
Sometimes, it can help for your doctor to talk to another person who spends a lot of time with you, like a partner, parent, or friend. This can be a good way to learn more about when your symptoms started, or other things you might have trouble remembering.
Your doctor might diagnose ADHD if you have multiple symptoms that:
●Last at least 6 months
●Started before age 12 years
●Happen in more than 1 place, for example, at home and at work
●Affect your relationships, work, or school
●Are not caused by another condition, like depression or anxiety
Other conditions, like depression and anxiety, can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Some people have 1 of these conditions in addition to ADHD.
How is ADHD treated? —
Most adults are treated with both medicines and therapy:
●Medicines – Doctors can prescribe different medicine to help with concentration and focus.
●Cognitive-behavioral therapy ("CBT") – You talk with a psychologist or counselor about what you think and do. Then, they help you change how you think about your situation and how you react to it. Therapy for ADHD is usually focused on executive functioning. This means working on skills like organization, planning, and completing tasks.
If you have depression or anxiety in addition to ADHD, your doctor will talk to you about how best to treat it.
What else can I do on my own? —
It's important to follow your treatment plan and take your medicine as instructed.
Your doctor will want to see you regularly to check how treatment is working, so they can make changes if needed. Tell them if you feel like your symptoms are getting worse, or if your medicine causes side effects that bother you.
It can also help to:
●Try to get enough sleep. Most adults need 7 to 8 hours each night. Rest during the day if you are tired.
●Try to eat and sleep at the same times every day.
●Move your body. Even gentle forms of exercise, like walking, are good for your health.
●Keep your home organized, and keep things in the same places. Use checklists and reminders. It might help to keep a list of where you store important things.
●Keep a space you only use for work or homework so you are better able to pay attention. This might be an office or a desk facing a wall. Try using headphones so you are less likely to get distracted by other noises.
●Do 1 thing at a time. It might help to use a timer to keep track of how long things take. Keep a checklist of future things you need to do.
●Break large jobs or things you have to do into smaller jobs. This will make them easier to finish. Reward yourself along the way.
●Avoid doing too many things that might cause stress.
What if I want to get pregnant? —
If you take medicine to treat ADHD, talk to your doctor before you start trying to get pregnant. Some of these medicines can cause problems for a developing baby. You might need to switch medicines before you get pregnant.
Patient education: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Psychotherapy (The Basics)
Patient education: Depression in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Generalized anxiety disorder (The Basics)
