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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD?

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    Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Children's Health
    I am a 29 year old wife, and mum of three. All of my life I have felt different and slightly less competant to those around me. I have had a rough childhood and have always blamed this for how I feel. In my early 20's I was diagnosed with post-natal depression and am currently taking 100mg Pristiq. My 6 year old son was recently diagnosed with ADHD and it has made me think maybe I have had ADHD my whole life and not realised it.

    When I told my father about my son's diagnosis, he told me it was rubish and that my teachers had tried to get my parents to have me assessed and he told them where to go.

    I have huge organisational and memory difficulties and people always comment how I'm always on the go and doing a million things at once. I think that I mask my weaknesses well as people seem to think that I am quite competant.

    How do I find out if I do have ADHD?
    • 2 answers
    • Dr Laurie Lumsden
    • Dr Tim Edwards-Hart
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    Dr Laurie Lumsden

    Psychologist

    Life Resolutions Kenmore is located in the business suits on the first floor of Kenmore Village. The office is discretely located near similar businesses and … View Profile

    Adults can have ADD/ADHD.  It was once expected that children would grow out of ADD/ADHD with and without treatment.  We now know this is not true.  A psychologist who specialises in adult ADD/ADHD can use a number of tests to diagnose the problem.  You can use the APS Find a Psychologist service to find someone near you.  There is no way of knowing from your post whether or not you have ADD/ADHD but please be assured it is not “rubbish” and CBT and medication can help.

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    Dr Tim Edwards-Hart

    Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist

    Dr Tim Edwards-Hart is a clinical psychologist working with adults, young adults and adolescents (age 15+). He has expertise assessing and managing ADHD, anxiety, and … View Profile

    As Dr Lumsden said in his reply, adults can have ADHD. In fact, it is estimated to affect 3-5% of adults. Given your son has been diagnosed, and that there is a strong genetic component to ADHD, there is an increased chance that you (&/or his father) may also have ADHD. Compared to the general population, adults with untreated ADHD experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, and other health concerns, so it is worth asking for a referral to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who specialise in assessing adult ADHD. Even if you don't have ADHD, a full assessment can help identify what is contributing to your organisational and memory difficulties and so develop more effective ways of addressing them.

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