Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental condition in children and adolescents. More recently, ADHD has been diagnosed frequently in adults as well. Although the symptoms used for diagnosing ADHD are the same across the lifespan, it is common for ADHD to manifest differently in adults than in children. Thus, understanding the typical presentation of adult ADHD is important for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Overall, adults with ADHD typically present with cognitive and behavioral difficulties. From a cognitive perspective, the most prominent features of this condition are inattention and executive functioning difficulties. Executive functions include a wide array of higher-order cognitive functions including working memory, multitasking, cognitive inhibition, planning, reasoning, and judgment. In adults with ADHD, executive functioning difficulties can adversely impact their functioning in a variety of ways. For example, these individuals may be “time blind,” in which they are unable to manage their time efficiently (e.g., running late due to distractibility, underestimating the amount of time a task will take, and losing track of time once they become engrossed in a task).
Further, behavioral difficulties are a common feature of adult ADHD. Specifically, adults with ADHD often demonstrate cognitive impulsivity, which includes being prone to making decisions on a whim. Motivational impulsivity is also typical of this condition, in which the individual is unable to find the drive to complete a task when the reward is too far in the future. Finally, emotional impulsivity occurs when the individual demonstrates difficulty with regulating emotions (e.g., demonstrating irritability, low frustration tolerance, or mood swings).
Given the complex presentation of ADHD in adults, it is important this condition is diagnosed using a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation.
If you have concerns that you or your child might have ADHD, please contact Pathways Neuropsychology Associates at (732) 930-2242 to inquire about a neuropsychological evaluation.
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