Many adults search for answers when they notice challenges with attention, organization, or impulsive behaviors. Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is more common than most people realize. According to recent data from the National Institutes of Health, about 4.4% of adults in the United States have ADHD. At Harmony Hills, we recognize how ADHD looks different for everyone, especially when other mental health conditions are present. Our treatment approach addresses both ADHD and dual diagnosis concerns, providing support and care for each individual’s needs.
Understanding ADHD in Adults
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person pays attention, controls impulses, and manages activity levels. ADHD in adults is grouped into three main types:
- Inattentive type: Trouble focusing, becoming easily distracted, losing things frequently.
- Hyperactive-impulsive type: Restlessness, difficulty staying seated, talking more than others.
- Combined type: Symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
ADHD in adults can look different from ADHD in children. Children often show more obvious hyperactivity, while adults may experience more subtle symptoms like restlessness, forgetfulness, or trouble finishing tasks. Many adults do not realize they have ADHD until later in life because symptoms can be mistaken for stress or other mental health issues. Common symptoms of ADHD in adults include:
- Difficulty focusing or staying on task
- Forgetfulness
- Disorganization
- Feeling restless or fidgety
- Trouble sitting still during meetings or conversations
- Talking excessively
- Interrupting others in conversation
- Making quick decisions without thinking
- Struggling with patience
At Harmony Hills, we recognize that each person’s experience is unique, especially when other mental health concerns are present.
How Adult ADHD is Diagnosed
Diagnosing ADHD in adults involves several steps. There is no single test that can confirm ADHD. Instead, clinicians use a combination of interviews, questionnaires, and medical evaluations to gather the necessary information. Accurate diagnosis is important because treatment plans for ADHD in adults depend on understanding the individual’s unique symptoms and challenges.
Clinical Interview And Symptom Assessment
The first step is a detailed clinical interview. A clinician asks about current symptoms and how they affect daily life. The interview often includes questions about childhood behavior, because ADHD symptoms usually start before age 12 even if they are not diagnosed until later. Standardized rating scales, filled out by the individual and sometimes by family members, help measure the type and severity of symptoms.
Medical And Psychological Evaluations
A medical and psychological evaluation is performed to rule out other conditions that can look like ADHD. Thyroid problems, anxiety disorders, depression, sleep disorders, and certain learning differences can cause similar symptoms. The clinician may order lab tests or refer to other specialists if another medical or mental health condition is suspected. Identifying co-occurring mental health conditions is part of this process, since these often influence how symptoms appear and how treatment is planned.
Functional Impairment Assessment
Clinicians evaluate how symptoms affect important areas of life. This includes asking about difficulties at work, in relationships, and in daily responsibilities like keeping appointments or managing time. The diagnosis of ADHD is only made if symptoms cause significant problems in at least two settings, such as home, work, or school. This step helps confirm that the symptoms are not only present, but also disruptive to everyday functioning.
