Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is gaining attention as more adults, including public figures like Simone Biles, Trevor Noah, and Howie Mandel, openly discuss their experiences with the disorder. Social media posts on ADHD have skyrocketed, and videos like neuroscientist Andrew Huberman’s ADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus have millions of views.
While ADHD was historically associated with children, it has now been formally recognized in adults since the early 2000s. Dr. Sally Cubbin, a neuropsychiatrist and founding member of the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN), explains that many adults with ADHD were likely missed in childhood. Some children may appear to “grow out” of the condition, but for most, ADHD remains. Rather than “outgrowing” it, they may adapt by focusing on activities they enjoy, which minimizes their symptoms.
ADHD is often misunderstood, with persistent myths suggesting it only affects disruptive boys or is synonymous with laziness. In reality, ADHD affects both genders, and women are especially likely to be undiagnosed due to differing symptom presentation. This can lead to misdiagnoses of other mental health disorders before ADHD is identified. Cubbin explains that women are generally more likely to seek help for mental health issues, often leading to initial diagnoses of anxiety or depression instead of ADHD. Studies show that those diagnosed with multiple mental health conditions are at a higher risk of also having ADHD. Singaporean actress Chen Yixin, for example, struggled with inattention for years before her ADHD diagnosis at 21, which she later shared publicly to help reduce stigma.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means the brains of individuals with ADHD develop differently, affecting areas responsible for executive function, focus, and self-control. According to Cubbin, about 80% of ADHD cases are genetic, though environmental factors like exposure to pollutants or trauma can also play a role.
Treatment for adult ADHD ideally combines medication and coaching. Medications can improve neurotransmitter function, including dopamine and serotonin, in regions of the brain related to attention and impulse control. However, Cubbin emphasizes that “pills don’t build skills.” Skills training or coaching helps adults with ADHD develop effective organizational strategies and improve executive function.
Those who finally receive an accurate diagnosis often experience a profound sense of relief, as the disorder’s symptoms had previously been dismissed as personal failings. Chen Yixin described her diagnosis as an “immense relief,” finally understanding that her struggles weren’t due to rebellion or laziness. By raising awareness, mental health professionals and public figures alike are helping to destigmatize ADHD and promote more understanding for those navigating life with the condition.
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