In the early part of my career, we worked under the assumption that most people did outgrow ADHD. But over time, we began to realize that symptoms were more persistent than we imagined.
The human brain, wildly complicated as it is, takes around 25 years to completely mature. As such, we do see some improvement over time in ADHD symptoms, but after your mid-twenties, there simply isn't much change. The percentage of people who outgrow ADHD by adulthood varies, but about 50-60% of children diagnosed with ADHD continue to experience significant symptoms into adulthood.
It's important to note that ADHD can manifest differently as individuals age. Some may see a decrease in hyperactivity but continue to struggle with attention issues or impulsivity. Others may develop coping mechanisms that mitigate the impact of symptoms on daily functioning.
Whether or not ADHD persists into adulthood can be influenced by various factors, including the severity of initial symptoms, treatment, family support, and co-occurring conditions.
The good news is that even if symptoms persist, there are quite a few good treatments available in the adult population.
Dr. Mefford treats ADHD and related disorders across the state of South Carolina via telemedicine. His office is located in Mount Pleasant, SC. He sees people from all areas of South Carolina including Charleston, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Rock Hill.