Adult ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that persists from childhood into adulthood, though it’s often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in adults. It’s characterized by difficulties with attention, impulse control, and/or restlessness that are inconsistent with someone’s age and can interfere with daily life—work, relationships, or personal goals.

Symptoms in adults tend to look different than in kids. Instead of bouncing off the walls, you might see chronic procrastination, trouble focusing on tasks (especially boring but perhaps important ones), impulsivity like interrupting people or making snap decisions, or feeling restless internally. Some adults describe it as a brain that’s always “on”—racing thoughts, forgetting stuff, or losing track of time. Emotional dysregulation can also pop up, like quick frustration or mood swings.

It’s estimated about 4-5% of adults worldwide have ADHD, but many don’t realize it because they’ve adopted coping mechanisms or because it was missed in childhood. Diagnosis usually involves reviewing your history, symptoms, and how they impact you. There’s no single test; it’s more about patterns over time.

Behavioral treatment involves executive skills coaching, which can help with organization and impulse control. Lifestyle tweaks—exercise, sleep, routines—can make a dent, too. Not everyone needs meds; it depends on the severity of your ADHD and personal preference. Dr. Volpe has evaluated and treated adults with ADHD for 30 years.  Call today for a consultation!