Imagine battling constant distractions, impulsivity, and restless energy without knowing why. This could be due to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects concentration, impulsivity, restlessness, and organization throughout life.
Like many people think, ADHD is not just a childhood disorder. It affects the way the brain grows and develops, often persisting into adulthood. In adults, it may go unrecognized and undiagnosed, with symptoms masked or mistaken for other issues. This can lead to misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and strained relationships. Left untreated, adult ADHD can also result in mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
Dr. Liz Slonena, a licensed psychologist in North Carolina specializing in adult ADHD, sheds light on this condition that impacts millions globally. Her insights reveal how ADHD continues to affect lives beyond childhood, influencing daily routines, relationships, and career paths.
According to Slonena, the symptoms of ADHD in adults are similar to those in children, but with graver consequences. "Forgetting to turn in an assignment isn't as detrimental as forgetting to pay your electric bill or file your taxes," Dr. Slonena explains.
"Because the stakes are higher in adulthood, there's more symptom masking and overcompensating to minimize the appearance or impact of ADHD. Masking is inherently exhausting and a recipe for burnout, self-criticism, and self-loathing. ADHDers are working against their brain's natural wiring to act as if they don't have ADHD and pretend to be neurotypical," Dr. Slonena told Medical Daily.
Adults with ADHD might struggle with perfectionism, imposter syndrome, indecision, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, people-pleasing, overworking, impulsive shopping or risky investments, money problems, frequent job changes, substance use, process addictions like doom scrolling or excessive video gaming, relationship problems, difficulty "adulting," clutter, incomplete chores, chronic lateness, and an overwhelming sense of burnout.
However, diagnosing adults is more challenging because they often mask or compensate for their symptoms, making them less noticeable.
"A loud, fidgety, bouncing leg kid in school may be an outgoing adult who uses a standing desk at work and runs marathons for fun. We also don't have great adult measures or sensitive assessments to detect hidden or inattentive ADHD symptoms when there are high masking or compensatory strategies. This is why women are diagnosed much later in life than men because their symptoms are internalized and are often "a pleasure to have in class." Women get diagnosed on average 4 years later than men," Dr. Slonena added.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can stir up a mix of emotions — grief for missed chances, relief from understanding long-standing struggles, and frustration with the symptoms. Dr. Slonena encourages embracing these feelings and allowing yourself to grieve the support you might have missed in childhood.
"There's nothing wrong with you, you just never received the environment or accommodations you needed to thrive with your neurodivergence. Find yourself a psychologist or therapist who specializes in ADHD and has lived experiences with being neurodivergent. A neuro-affirming therapist can help you unpack your grief, and identity shift, and learn effective coping strategies to work with your brain, not against it. Follow ADHD therapists on social media like @dr.lizlistens for helpful tips and enjoy blogs and webinars from ADHD organizations like CHADD or ADDA for free support," she added.
