What causes ADHD in adults?

The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, but research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of ADHD are more likely to develop the condition. Additionally, research has identified specific genes that may contribute to the development of ADHD.

Recent research has also suggested that disruptions in the brain's dopamine and norepinephrine pathways may play a role in the development of ADHD. These neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating attention, motivation, and reward-seeking behavior.

It's important to note that ADHD is a complex disorder, and there is no single cause that can explain why someone develops the condition. Rather, it is likely that a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of ADHD.

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity (ADHD) is a condition with symptoms that include excessive restlessness, poor attention, and impulsive acts. There are three major presentations of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, in which children and adults have problems concentrating and focusing; predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, in which children and adults experience impulsivity and excess activity; and combined type, in which children and adults experience symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

More than 60 percent of children with ADHD continued to experience symptoms into adulthood. Untreated ADHD in adults can have a significant negative impact on many aspects of life. Symptoms such as difficulty managing time, forgetfulness, and impatience can cause problems at work, at home, and in all types of relationships.

Symptoms of inattention

• Often makes careless mistakes and lacks attention to detail. Example: messy, disorganized work.
• Often has difficulty paying attention to tasks. Example: difficulty staying focused during meetings, lengthy readings, or conversations.
• Often seems to not listen when spoken to directly. Example: mind seems somewhere else, even in the absence of obvious distraction.
• Often fails to follow through on instructions, chores, or appointments. Example: starts tasks, but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked.
• Often easily distracted. Example: often thinking of unrelated thoughts
• Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities. Examples: difficulty prioritizing; failure to meet deadlines; poor time management.
• Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to participate in tasks requiring sustained mental effort. Example: avoids work, school, or home tasks (procrastinates) in favor of activities with immediate rewards. Often loses things Example: loses or misplaces things like keys, glasses, wallets, and cell phones
• Often forgetful in daily activities. Example: forgets regular activities like paying bills on time, returning phone calls, keeping appointments, and running errands

Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity

• Often fidgets with or taps hands and feet or squirms in seat. Example: may also need to hold or fiddle with an object.
• Often leaves the seat when remaining seated is expected. Example: frequently leaves their workspace to complete “other” tasks.
• Often unable to participate in leisurely activities quietly. Example: family tension due to constant activity.
• Often acts as if “on the go” or “driven by a motor”. Example: uncomfortable being still for an extended time at restaurants or meetings.
• Often talks excessively. Example: wants to “say it” or risk forgetting a thought.
• Often blurts out an answer before a question has been fully asked. Example: completes people’s sentences; cannot wait for turn in a conversation.
• Often has difficulty waiting for his or her turn. Example: trouble waiting in lines or waiting rooms.
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others. Examples: intrudes on conversations, games, or activities; may start using other people’s things without asking or getting permission.

How ADHD may appear in different settings

Symptoms must be present in two or more settings for a diagnosis of ADHD to be made.

Home

• Forgets regular activities like paying bills on time, returning phone calls, keeping appointments, and running errands
• Loses or misplaces things like keys, glasses, wallets, and cell phones
• Avoids tasks (procrastinates) in favor of activities with immediate rewards such as watching TV or surfing the internet

Work or school

• Trouble getting organized, i.e. trouble prioritizing or getting started; often missing deadlines; poor time management skills; often late to appointments
• Trouble sitting still with a frequent need to leave meetings or classes
• Fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes

Social

• Often failing to follow through with commitments
• Difficulty staying on topic during discussions
• Avoiding social activities in favor of staying home
• Changing personal relationships frequently
• Frequently interrupting conversations or speaking without thinking of the consequences

ADHD symptoms may appear differently in adulthood

ADHD can be a lifelong condition yet symptoms in adults may be less noticeable than those in children (ages 6-17), though they are just as important to identify. For example, symptoms of hyperactivity in children, such as climbing or running excessively, may appear in adults as a feeling of restlessness.