Most people assume ADHD is only a childhood condition and diagnosis. In reality, many people don’t find out they have ADHD until adulthood. Early identification is great, but it is never too late to start making improvements for your future.
Isn’t ADHD Just a Childhood Diagnosis?
When people hear ADHD, they often get visions of 6–7-year boys in school running around the classroom making a mess of things. Childhood is a very typical time when children are identified. Teachers have a keen sense of what is developmentally appropriate for a given age. When behavior is not consistent with the age and behavior of peers it may be a sign of possible ADHD. When kid’s grades are lacking and suffering, this can also be a sign that something is interfering with learning and retention. Because school and teachers are constantly evaluating kids’ progress and development, many people with ADHD end up getting identified in childhood.
Does ADHD Look Differently in Girls than Boys?
ADHD does often manifest differently between boys and girls. Young boys often display more hyperactive and impulsive symptoms and often stand out behaviorally and are more easily identified. Young girls, on the other hand, will often manifest more of the inattentive symptoms. They more often struggle with distractibility, organizational issues, and forgetfulness. Because they have fewer behavioral issues and are not as disruptive, they often go unnoticed. Young girls also have better coping skills and social skills, so they are sometimes better at masking issues and blending in. Because of this, many girls are not identified and continue to struggle into adolescence and even adulthood.
Why do Adult Get Tested for ADHD?
As noted above, many young girls are able to fly under the radar and may not get tested until adulthood. Similarly, there is a percentage of young people with ADHD who are higher functioning and higher IQ and are able to zone out during lessons and lectures and just sit down and perform on tests and do well. If grades are good, parents and teachers may have no reason to suspect ADHD. Some of these people run into issues when the work gets difficult enough. This often happens in college where the work is more complex, and they can no longer just sit down and figure it out anymore. Some adults realize they may have issues as their plate fills up with responsibilities and they get spread too thin. Starting a career, trying to climb the ladder, starting a relationship, a family, and household is a lot to juggle for anyone. Those with ADHD find it overwhelming. In sum, many people, for a variety of reasons discussed here, end up getting tested in adulthood.
If you are interested in interested in getting tested for ADHD, feel free to contact IPC so you can schedule an appointment with one of our psychologists. Please call us now at 763-416-4167, or request an appointment on our website: WWW.IPC-MN.COM so we can sit down with you and complete a thorough assessment and help you develop a plan of action that will work for you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find the peace of mind you deserve.
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