Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how your brain develops and is often associated with childhood. In reality, it’s a lifelong condition. ADHD symptoms fall into one of three main categories: inattention, hyperactivity/impulsiveness, or a combination.
No matter your age, ADHD can contribute to executive dysfunction, which makes it difficult to manage time, stay organized, and regulate emotions. These challenges may look different at various life stages, but they can impact daily life in significant ways.
The good news is that with the right support — whether through therapy, coaching, medication, or lifestyle strategies — you can develop effective ways to manage your ADHD and improve your quality of life.
Below, Dr. Hadi Estakhri shares how ADHD symptoms can change as you age and how our Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health team in Newport Beach, California, can help.
For many children, ADHD symptoms are hard to miss. Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty paying attention often stand out in school and social settings.
Common signs include:
Parents and teachers often notice these behaviors early and initiate ADHD evaluations. The average age of ADHD diagnoses in children is six but can be as young as four.
At this age, the goal is to help children with ADHD learn strategies to improve focus and self-regulation. In addition to medication management, Dr. Estakhri may recommend dietary modifications, such as removing processed foods, excess sugar, and foods with artificial dyes.
As children grow into teenagers, hyperactivity often decreases, but other symptoms may become more challenging. Teens, in particular, can have more internal struggles than younger children.
Many teens with ADHD experience:
Because teens face greater demands for independence, ADHD can impact their ability to stay on top of assignments, relationships, and personal responsibilities.
At this stage, teens may particularly benefit from structure, coaching, and therapy. The same lifestyle changes that benefit kids — reducing processed foods and sugars, getting plenty of exercise, and practicing good sleep hygiene — can continue to help teens.
By adulthood, hyperactivity tends to be less obvious, but issues with attention, executive function, and emotional regulation can still cause daily challenges.
Adults with ADHD may experience:
Many adults develop coping mechanisms, but without proper treatment, ADHD can contribute to challenges in work, relationships, and self-confidence.
The good news is that strategies like therapy, coaching, medication, and lifestyle adjustments can continue to provide effective support.
ADHD doesn’t disappear with age — it simply shifts. Your environment can also mask certain symptoms. For example, a child who had a hard time sitting still may grow up and have a very labor-intensive job. You may not see the fidgeting as much in that environment.
Ultimately, understanding how symptoms change over time can help you find the right tools to manage them. Whether you were diagnosed in childhood or are just now recognizing the signs, help is available.
At Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health, Dr. Estakhri can help you manage your ADHD symptoms no matter your age through personalized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication, and lifestyle strategies.
Don’t let ADHD hold you back. Reach out today to take the next step toward better focus and balance in your life by calling our office at 949-945-0927 or booking an appointment online anytime.
