Can ADHD get worse with age?

When we think of a child with ADHD, we typically think of the “naughty” schoolboy who can’t sit still in class, won’t listen and is constantly being put into detention for not doing as he’s told. When we think of ADHD in adults, it is harder to summon up an image. Due to the immature nature of a child's brain, coupled with possible ADHD tendencies, symptoms in children can seem much more pronounced, but over time, with a change in environment, support structures and situations, ADHD symptoms tend to change.

Why do symptoms of ADHD appear to change over time?

 It may appear to some that a person's ADHD symptoms have gotten worse or better but mostly it is down to the person's age and environment. Growing up brings a broader sense of social awareness, which can mean a person notices their differences from others and may start to mask their symptoms, making them appear less noticeable. Other factors that can make ADHD symptoms appear to change over time are…

 Childhood structures

A child with ADHD may find it difficult in the school environment, having to sit still, pay attention and focus on subjects that they find too difficult or have no interest in. Being on time, listening to instructions and organising workload are tasks that are typically difficult for a child with ADHD, but the structure of school can also be a huge help. Getting up and out of the house at specific times, working alongside classmates and being able to ask for help when needed are aids that are readily available to them. When a child comes out of the school system, enters higher education and is responsible for their own timekeeping, planning, organising and completion of work, can be where symptoms of ADHD intensify. 

Gender-related physiological changes

The menstrual cycle plays a big part in the change in ADHD symptoms for females. An increase in oestrogen has been reported to improve the symptoms of ADHD around the time they get their first period, particularly around pregnancy when there is a surge in oestrogen levels. Around perimenopause and menopause, when these oestrogen levels drop, symptoms may become more severe.

Increased responsibility

As we get older and leave the structure of the education system, working life, home life, having children, and running a house can become one big juggling act and one that becomes very difficult for those with ADHD. Struggling with focus, planning, organisation, and timekeeping when you have a job and children to get to school can feel like a huge amount of pressure and this is where ADHD symptoms can appear to get much more severe. 

ADHD symptoms are situational.

ADHD symptoms and their severity tend to be situational and age-related and although it may appear to the individual that the ADHD symptoms have changed, it is more like to be factors like where you are and what is happening at the time, that are impacting your symptoms.

Another factor that could make ADHD symptoms appear worse is when you received a diagnosis. If ADHD is not diagnosed or treated during childhood, then you could reach adulthood not understanding the condition or knowing how to manage the symptoms, which in turn could make ADHD seem worse in adulthood. Also, as mentioned previously, the increase in responsibility and pressures that being an adult brings can cause an individual to develop other conditions like anxiety and depression, which can also intensify certain ADHD symptoms. A 2012 study found that 62% of those with ADHD had at least one other disorder such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and bipolar disorder.  

ADHD can be managed at any age.

We know that ADHD symptoms are situational and that they can change over time depending on life experiences and environments and the severity of symptoms can change but the condition itself does not. A great takeaway from this is that ADHD can be managed at any age, no matter when you received a diagnosis or even if you are at the beginning and just starting to think about seeking an assessment. 

It's important to closely monitor your symptoms and how you feel and speaking with a specialist ADHD clinic can be a step on the right path. It is completely understandable to worry about what the future holds for you if you received an ADHD diagnosis, especially if it’s a new diagnosis, and you haven’t yet managed to fully understand all that ADHD is. At Beyond Clinic, we understand these worries and we are here to help. 

Specialist ADHD Assessment and Diagnosis Clinic

Beyond is a specialist ADHD clinic offering a comprehensive, multi-professional assessment for adults and children who may have ADHD. Beyond Clinic’s diagnostic team all have specialist experience in assessing and supporting individuals with ADHD.

Private ADHD clinics such as Beyond understand that individuals can struggle to live full and happy lives because of undiagnosed ADHD, and for that reason, long NHS waiting lists are just not an option. This is why private ADHD clinics aim to provide rapid access to assessment.

If you would like to speak to Beyond Clinic’s friendly team about obtaining an ADHD assessment, you can get in touch here