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ADHD is thought to exist in approximately 4% of adults. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 30-70% of children with ADHD will continue to have residual symptoms of ADHD and functional impairment into adulthood. Adults do not develop ADHD. Symptoms must have childhood onset and have been persistent in some form over the years, though there may never have been a diagnosis. Adults with ADHD often self-refer to a doctor when their symptoms are disruptive in their lives. They may have difficulty at work or home with the following:

• Organization
• Prioritizing tasks
• Completing tasks
• The feeling of living life at a very hectic pace
• Missing deadlines, appointments, or social obligations which impacts relationships
• Losing things
• Forgetfulness
• Cooperating with coworkers
• Difficulties with time management
• Procrastination
• Difficulty managing long-term projects
• Paying attention to details
• Frequently changing jobs either due to quitting or being fired
• Problems with day-to-day tasks such as paying bills

In addition, if the adult suffers from impulsivity, they may experience social isolation as their behavior may be perceived by others as offensive and annoying. Hyperactivity in adults may manifest itself as feeling restless, always being busy, and having a hard time relaxing.

Adults may be unaware that they have ADHD, especially if they were never diagnosed as children. Some may seek help for depression or anxiety only to find out after a diagnostic evaluation that they actually have ADHD. They often report having feelings such as restlessness, difficulty accomplishing tasks in a timely manner, completing tasks, getting along well with coworkers, varying degrees of difficulty managing in general. A diagnosis of ADHD may help them first understand some of the character traits they remember as youths, such as impulsivity, distractibility, boredom, restlessness, and social isolation.

There is wide variability in adults regarding the symptoms they experience and the severity of functional impairment. While some may adapt to their employment setting, lifestyle or social setting to accommodate their condition any may function very well by choosing environments that are compatible with their needs, others may continue to suffer to a much greater degree. However, even when adults are able to compensate for their disabilities, quality of life for many is still strongly affected by impaired social interactions and other consequences of ADHD. If they are able to compensate well enough, some adults are able to terminate treatment.