Does ADHD Go Away?

ADHD is often diagnosed during childhood, so if you had it as a kid, you might wonder if it will go away as you get older. In most cases, ADHD does not go away. While it doesn't just go away, it does change over time. Characteristics can change, but so do your surroundings and coping skills. ADHD traits that used to be hard to manage in an academic environment may not be as challenging in the working world.

Does ADHD Change With Age?

It was once thought that children would grow out of ADHD as they developed and matured. We now know that ADHD traits can continue into adolescence and beyond—throughout a person's life. While some kids may seem to outgrow the disorder (or no longer have symptoms that result in impairment), in most cases, kids with ADHD grow up to be adults with ADHD.

Though ADHD is chronic in nature, characteristics may present in differing ways as a person moves through life stages. These characteristics may even diminish as that person grows older—for example, ​hyperactivity and fidgetiness may decrease with age.

As well, teens and adults whose ADHD has been addressed over the years will have a range of resources and strategies to turn to when ADHD traits become problematic.

ADHD Persists Into Adulthood

Research suggests that while symptoms may change as people grow older, people who have ADHD in childhood are often still affected by the condition in adulthood. However, estimates vary as to how many people still have persistent symptoms and impairment in adulthood.

Research looking at people who were diagnosed with ADHD in childhood found that:

• At least 15% continue to meet the full diagnostic criteria for ADHD at age 25.
• Another 50% continued to meet partial criteria, along with subthreshold symptoms that continued to cause impairment.
• Other research has found that 80% of children with ADHD continue to have the condition in adulthood.

Common co-occurring disorders seen in adulthood included substance use disorders, anxiety, and depression. Research also suggests that people with ADHD have higher rates of incarceration and suicide as adults.

Another study published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that 60% of kids with ADHD still had symptoms as adults, and 41% had symptoms that created impairment.

Research conducted by the National Human Genome Research Project found that ADHD does not go away for between 20% and 30% of people with the condition. While the study found that the condition persists for many, it also showed that around half of adults experience fewer or less severe ADHD characteristics in adulthood.

Diagnosed at a Later Age

While ADHD tends to be diagnosed during childhood, doctors and parents sometimes don't spot the signs. Kids may mask their ADHD traits to fit in or the adults in their lives may not recognize that their characteristics are a sign of ADHD.

Undiagnosed ADHD isn't uncommon, which means many people with ADHD may not be diagnosed until their teenage or adult years. This is particularly true of those with predominately inattentive traits, which are less disruptive and overt as compared to impulsive/hyperactive characteristics.

Girls and women, in particular, are more likely to experience the inattentive type of ADHD. This often means that they are diagnosed later in life. Research suggests that because these traits are less noticeable, girls develop coping strategies to help hide their symptoms. 

Though children may be able to successfully manage symptoms, the teenage and adult years bring on increased demands for sustained attention, planning, organization, and self-management that can make coping with ADHD more and more difficult.

It can be particularly helpful to learn that there are both medical treatments and strategies that can make a positive difference. In addition, having a diagnosis can open the door to helpful conversations with parents, friends, and partners. 

Teens With ADHD

Teens with untreated ADHD have few tools and resources for managing their ADHD traits. As a result, they are more likely than their typical peers to have difficulty juggling multiple classes and extracurricular activities.

Like other teens, teens with ADHD are separating from family and becoming more independent—but with fewer internal restraints, teens with ADHD are more likely to get involved in risky behavior. All these challenges can lead to injury and/or lowered self-esteem.

Adults With ADHD

Researchers have also found that structural differences in the brain persist into adulthood, even in cases where people previously diagnosed with ADHD no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for the condition.

Such findings suggest that while ADHD traits may become less apparent as someone grows older, they may still experience a variety of neurological differences that can influence behavior in a variety of ways.

Traits in adulthood can be more varied and present in more subtle ways—some examples include:

• Disorganization
• Impulsive decision-making
• Internal restlessness
• Wandering attention
• Procrastination

Though characteristics may be less visible, they can be just as impairing. For example, adults with ADHD may have difficulty managing work tasks or respond impulsively in situations requiring self-restraint and tact. This can lead to more frequent job changes or unemployment. They may also have a difficult time maintaining long-term friendships and romantic relationships.

Takeaways

While characteristics of ADHD often change with age and may become less severe in adulthood, the condition does not necessarily go away. While researchers are still learning more about why ADHD persists for many people, the evidence does suggest that getting a diagnosis and treatment as early as possible can improve outcomes.

Whether you were diagnosed in childhood or recently learned that you have adult ADHD, talking to your doctor and getting appropriate treatment can help you manage your traits and improve your ability to function in your daily life.