If you’re feeling scattered, forgetful, or overwhelmed, you might wonder if you have ADHD. And now that ADHD is far more widely recognized than it used to be, it’s a more commonly asked question. But can ADHD actually develop later in life? Can ADHD Appear in Adulthood? ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition, which means it begins in childhood as the brain is developing. Because of this, most experts agree that ADHD doesn’t suddenly appear out of nowhere. Instead, an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood means you had ADHD as a child—it simply went unrecognized for years. Or in some cases, you may suspect ADHD, but symptoms may be attributed to other causes, such as increasing anxiety. But this is why testing may be important; it can help determine why you may be experiencing certain symptoms and the next best step forward.