ADHD through the years: How symptoms change from childhood to adulthood
Dubai: A child keeps getting out of their seat in class. Another stares out of the window, seemingly lost in thought, while the rest of the class follows the lesson. Years later, a teenager struggles to organise revision for exams, or an adult repeatedly misses deadlines despite trying hard to stay on top of work. These situations may seem unrelated. But for some people, they can reflect…
ADHD, a condition impacting attention, impulse control, and task management, can manifest in various ways from childhood to adulthood. In young children, signs typically surface between ages three and six, such as difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and acting before thinking. However, these behaviours can be mistaken for typical childhood restlessness. Girls might display subtler symptoms, like concentration or social challenges, without the hyperactivity more commonly linked to ADHD.
As children mature, ADHD can manifest differently. Teenagers might struggle with planning, organising, and meeting deadlines while adults often face challenges in managing daily routines, such as household tasks, appointments, finances, and work-life balance. Physical symptoms like restlessness may become less noticeable, replaced by disorganisation and emotional regulation issues.
Despite these changes, ADHD does not typically emerge in adulthood. Any new diagnosis would likely stem from similar underlying issues, not the condition itself. However, getting a diagnosis can be challenging due to concerns over cost, stigma, and potential repercussions. Families should observe persistent difficulties, communicate with schools, and seek professional help to understand and support their loved ones effectively.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
