A recent CDC report reveals that approximately 15.5 million US adults have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with many receiving their diagnosis after the age of 18.
The study, based on data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), highlights that while ADHD is commonly associated with childhood, a significant number of adults are being diagnosed later in life.
The report states that ADHD diagnosis in adults often occurs due to the increasing awareness of ADHD symptoms and how they manifest differently in adults compared to children [1]. Adult symptoms may include time management, organization and emotional regulation difficulties.
This has led to more adults seeking professional help and getting diagnosed, even if they were not identified as having ADHD during childhood.
Interestingly, the study found that ADHD diagnosis rates vary by gender. Women are more likely to be diagnosed later in life, while men are often diagnosed earlier, during childhood or adolescence. This difference may be due to differences in symptom presentation between the genders.
Boys often exhibit more hyperactive behaviors, making ADHD more noticeable, whereas girls may present with inattentiveness, which can be overlooked or misdiagnosed [2].
The CDC’s findings also indicate that adults diagnosed with ADHD are more likely to report other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These co-occurring conditions can complicate diagnosis and treatment, further emphasizing the importance of healthcare providers being attentive when assessing adults for ADHD.
While the study highlights the prevalence of ADHD diagnoses in adults, it also raises awareness of the need for improved support and treatment options for adults living with ADHD. The report calls for more research into the long-term effects of ADHD in adults and the development of tailored interventions to meet their needs better.
[1] CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis, Treatment, and Telehealth Use in Adults — National Center for Health Statistics Rapid Surveys System, United States, October–November 2023
[2] BMC Psychiatry. ADHD in girls and boys – gender differences in co-existing symptoms and executive function measures
