ADHD in adults

Key points 

  1. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition. This means in people with ADHD, there are differences in the parts of the brain that control your ability to plan, organise and focus compared to those without it.
  2. ADHD affects around one in 20 adults, mainly men. Until recently, scientists thought that children outgrew ADHD during adolescence due to developmental changes in their brain chemistry. But now they believe that 7 out of 10 children with ADHD will mature into adults with ADHD.
  3. ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, but some people are not diagnosed until they are adults.
  4. ADHD can make it more difficult to manage your daily life, especially tasks that require organisation, planning and focus. 
  5. People with ADHD often have higher energy and creativity, and if channelled well, this can help you learn how to manage the more challenging aspects of adult ADHD.

ADHD in adults | Health Navigator NZ