If you’ve ever wondered whether ADHD is “just for kids,” you’re not alone. For years, ADHD was thought of as a childhood condition that faded with age. But the latest global research tells a different story: ADHD is not only present in adults, it’s far more common than many people realize. Roughly 6% of adults meet the criteria for ADHD, with about 14% going undiagnosed; meaning even more experiencing significant attention, organization, or impulse-control challenges that affect daily life but may not fit a textbook definition.

Many adults spend years wondering why things feel harder for them: why deadlines are missed, relationships feel strained, or small tasks balloon into overwhelming projects. Often, they chalk it up to stress, personality quirks, or “just how I am.”

The truth is, adult ADHD can look different than childhood ADHD. Hyperactivity may fade, replaced by mental restlessness. Women, in particular, are more likely to show inattentive symptoms (ie. brain fog, forgetfulness or zoning out) rather than the “classic” fidgety picture, which means they’re more often missed or misdiagnosed.

One reason ADHD in adults slips under the radar is that many people develop clever workarounds: elaborate to-do systems, late-night “catch-up” marathons, and some even feel like they are thriving in high-pressure bursts. But these coping strategies can be exhausting. Left unchecked, ADHD can quietly erode confidence, increase anxiety, and even lead to burnout.

In my work with adults, I’ve seen how transformative it can be when someone finally understands what’s been happening beneath the surface. Treatment isn’t about “fixing” you, it’s about finding strategies and structures that fit you, not forcing you into systems that never worked in the first place. Whether that means cognitive behavioral strategies, ADHD coaching, or therapies focused on building up interpersonal skills, the plan is always personalized.

So when is it time to reach out for help? If your attention struggles are getting in the way of your work, relationships, or wellbeing, and especially if you’ve been blaming yourself, it’s worth talking to someone. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to benefit from support. Sometimes the most important step is simply starting the conversation.

(This article draws on findings from “The prevalence of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A global systematic review and meta-analysis” published in 2021, along with a review of recent high-impact psychology research, 2019–2024.)