ADHD throughout the lifespan

Children affected by ADHD might behave younger than their peers due to delays in independent functioning. This can also include slight delays in motor skills, language, and social development. Although these symptoms are not caused by ADHD, they often occur in conjunction with it. Affected children can have difficulty controlling their emotions, which can lead to regular mood swings. They also tend to get frustrated a lot more easily.

These children are also prone to the possibility of serious issues through their teens and into adulthood. They can fail at school, have problems while driving, and be socially awkward. They can also partake in risky sexual behaviour, and substance abuse.

There are other disorders that co-exist with ADHD. These include conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder. This could cause even more severely negative behaviour. When adolescent girls have ADHD, they are more likely to have eating disorders than boys. Although hyperactivity might diminish over time, other ADHD symptoms will persist from childhood into teens. As previously stated, 50-80% of ADHD sufferers will continue to have their symptoms into adulthood.

As children become teens, ADHD will become more difficult to handle. The individuals have increased demands on them including senior school years, transitioning into adulthood, dealing with their sexuality, dealing with peer pressure, learning to drive, and learning to be independent.

As young adults, ADHD could be associated with depression, substance abuse, and moor or conduct disorders.

Adults with ADHD can be inconsistent with their work or career performance, have relationship problems, and have problems managing their day-to-day responsibilities. They might also have chronic feelings of guilt, blame, or frustration.

There might also be difficulty maintaining attention, working memory, or executive function. Executive function is the ability of the brain to prioritise and manage thoughts and actions. If the brain can’t complete this function normally, the individual might forget important things, or have difficulty completing required tasks.