How Does ADHD Change with Age?

ADHD is often associated with childhood, the typical “naughty” schoolboy in the classroom who can’t sit still, however, when we think of ADHD in adults, it’s harder to bring an image to mind. Thankfully, we now understand that ADHD extends far beyond those formative years, influenced by life circumstances and age-related factors, and understanding how ADHD changes with age and experiences, is highly important in management and support.

ADHD Symptoms and Their Changes Over Time

Without proper understanding, it can seem that your ADHD or your child’s ADHD has changed over time, however, the biggest influencing factor in this is that their age and environment have impacted in some way. Growing up brings a broader sense of social awareness, which can mean an individual notices their differences from others and may start to mask their symptoms, making them appear less noticeable. 

Childhood: Spotting the Early Signs of ADHD

The schoolroom tends to be the place where most children are found to have ADHD. When children go through this major life adjustment, sticking to routines and following with ADHD can become difficult as well as time management, sitting still, sustaining focus, and keeping their mind on a task. ADHD can significantly impact a child’s well-being and performance at school, therefore adequate support is crucial. Leaving school and entering higher education means they are responsible for their timekeeping, planning, organising, and completion of work, which is where ADHD symptoms can intensify. 

Transitioning into Adolescence

Transitioning to adolescence tends to shift and change ADHD symptoms. Sometimes hyperactivity may diminish but inattention and impulsivity may persist or even intensify with increased academic demands, peer pressure, and gender-related physiological changes such as menstrual cycles. During this time, an increase in oestrogen occurs which has been reported to improve ADHD symptoms. 

Coping Strategies in Adulthood

Leaving the structure of the education system can be a difficult change. Starting a working life, home life, having children, and running a house can become very difficult for those with ADHD. Struggling with focus, planning, organisation, and timekeeping with a job and children to get to school can quickly become overwhelming, making ADHD symptoms appear more severe. Masking can become a coping mechanism at this stage, where individuals hide ADHD symptoms to appear like their peers. Masking for any length of time highly increases your chances of anxiety, depression, and in some severe cases, suicide. This is where support with ADHD, if not sought before, is highly recommended, either in the form of talking therapy, CBT, medication, or a combination of all.

Getting Older

Some individuals with ADHD may find that the intensity of symptoms decreases, whilst others may find that they change yet again and face new challenges with cognitive decline. Around perimenopause and menopause, when oestrogen levels drop, symptoms can become more severe and at this stage in life, it also becomes difficult to manage ADHD alongside other age-related illnesses and ailments so adjusting approaches to ADHD symptoms and managing support is important.

Life Changes at ADHD Diagnosis

 Another factor that could make ADHD symptoms appear worse is when you receive a diagnosis. If ADHD is not diagnosed or treated during childhood, then you could reach adulthood not understanding the condition or knowing how to manage it, which in turn could make ADHD seem worse in adulthood. Also, as mentioned previously, the increase in responsibility and pressures of being an adult can cause the development of other conditions like anxiety and depression, which can also intensify certain ADHD symptoms. A 2012 study found that 62% of those with ADHD had at least one other disorder such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.  

Managing ADHD at any age

The condition itself does not change, what does change is the individual and how the symptoms manifest. To think of this and all the changes that you must navigate throughout your life seems daunting but a huge positive to this is that ADHD can be managed at any age.

Closely monitoring your symptoms is crucial and speaking with a specialist ADHD clinic can help. Throughout the lifespan, individuals with ADHD benefit from adaptive strategies, therapeutic interventions, and a supportive environment. Early intervention and tailored treatment plans can mitigate the impact of ADHD on academic, occupational, and social functioning. Additionally, cultivating self-awareness, building resilience, and fostering a sense of community can empower individuals with ADHD to navigate life's complexities with confidence and resilience.

  No Matter Your Age, A Private ADHD Clinic in Manchester can help

It’s understandable to worry about what the future holds having just received an ADHD diagnosis, at Beyond Clinics, we understand these worries and we are here to help. We are a specialist ADHD clinic in Manchester offering a comprehensive, multi-professional ADHD assessment for adults and children.

Private ADHD clinics such as Beyond understand that individuals can struggle to live full and happy lives because of undiagnosed ADHD, and for that reason, long NHS waiting lists are just not an option. This is why private ADHD clinics aim to provide rapid access to ADHD assessment.

If you would like to speak to Beyond Clinic’s friendly team about obtaining an ADHD assessment, you can get in touch here.