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- ADHD in adults causes long-standing difficulties directing attention, organising, controlling impulses and/or managing inner restlessness, with features that began in childhood.
- Difficulties may only become visibly disruptive when study, work, household responsibilities or parenthood demand more independent planning.
- A late diagnosis is possible, but concentration problems that truly begin only in adulthood often have another cause.
- Assessment considers several life stages and settings, as well as sleep, mood, trauma, autism, substances, physical health and medication.
- Treatment may combine information, practical adjustments, cognitive behavioural therapy or skills training, and medication.
- Medication requires assessment beforehand and monitoring of its effect, blood pressure, pulse, weight, sleep, mood and safe use.
- Plans for pregnancy, pregnancy, breastfeeding, heart disease and substance use need discussion before medication decisions.
- Suicide risk, psychosis, mania, a serious medication reaction or overdose require immediate help.
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