Can adults have ADHD?

    Written by:
    Nick Milazzo, Brady Holmer

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Kamal Patel
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Adults can have ADHD, with symptoms that may persist from childhood and affect daily functioning, and often the individual does not realize that they have the condition. The prevalence of persistent adult ADHD is approximately 2.5%, the prevalence of symptomatic adult ADHD is approximately 6.7%, and symptoms may differ from those seen in children, including challenges with task prioritization, planning, time management, and emotional regulation.

    While symptoms of ADHD often begin early in childhood, adults can continue to have symptoms of ADHD that interfere with their daily functioning, and some adults with ADHD may not even know they have the condition. It is estimated that the prevalence of persistent adult ADHD (with the onset in childhood) is around 2.5% and the prevalence of symptomatic adult ADHD is around 6.7% globally.[1]

    The symptoms of ADHD may present differently in adults compared to children. For example, hyperactivity in children may manifest as running, jumping, or making noise while in adults, hyperactivity may take the form of restlessness or scattered thoughts.[2] There are other ADHD symptoms that are more specific to adults including:[3][4]

    • Difficulty prioritizing tasks
    • Difficulty planning
    • Poor time management (e.g., missing or double-booking appointments)
    • Difficulty regulating emotions
    Can adults have ADHD? - Examine