ADHD Through the Lifetime
ADHD is now diagnosed at all ages.
What was once thought to be purely a childhood condition that disappeared in the late teenage years is now known to persist for most to some degree throughout the lifespan.
Pre-School (ages 0-5)
A formal diagnosis of ADHD in the UK is rarely given before a child enters primary school unless symptoms and impairment are severe.
Diagnosing ADHD in children younger than six is difficult for the following reasons:
It is difficult to distinguish genuine ADHD symptoms from the typical behaviour of preschool children, such as:
fidgeting/squirming, interrupting, easily distracted/short attention span, tantrums, impulsive behaviour
Young children develop rapidly, and to achieve a diagnosis a child must display the ADHD behaviours for at least 6 months
A key criterion for an ADHD diagnosis is that the symptoms are present in more than one setting (e.g. home and another place)
Certain symptoms have been identified in toddlers which, if excessive and intense, may be warning signs of ADHD, and distinguish them from normal toddler behaviours, such as:
Aggressive or overly bold behaviour
Temper tantrums or meltdowns
Sleep disruption
Generally slowed development
Fearlessness, resulting in endangering themselves or others
Lack of caution with strangers
Children
(ages 6-11)
ADHD can disrupt learning in school and social development, and can cause significant tension within families.
Most children have the combined type of ADHD, with hyperactivity/impulsivity is the most predominant symptom. Children who only have the inattentive type of ADHD are more likely to be missed, as their behaviours tend to be less difficult for caregivers and education professionals to manage.
When children reach school age, their impulsivity, and difficulty paying attention and sitting still becomes more of an issue in their new learning environment. This can result in disruption of their learning (as well as the learning of others) and therefore can lead to difficulties academically, with discipline, and with social interactions. Children with ADHD can develop low self-esteem from a very early age unless well-supported.
Adolescents (ages 12-18)
This period can be particularly difficult in terms of schooling, sustaining relationships, avoiding risks, mental health and family life in general.
Life demands increase, school becomes a bigger priority, puberty brings its own myriad stressors, and social acceptance becomes increasingly important.
There are also typical adolescent issues to manage, such as establishing their own independence, extra-curricular activities, the pressure of the future, learning to drive, and developing sexuality. Young people who detach from the safety of the family can become extremely vulnerable.
Adults (ages 19-64)
ADHD is thought to persist into adulthood to some degree in 46%-66% of cases.
(link to presentation)
Now that much of the scaffolding that was in place during childhood has gone, young adults are often on their own and at an increased risk of social isolation and poor mental health. They may also find it extremely difficult to sustain employment and long-term relationships. Without support, they may turn to gambling and self-medicating with drugs and alcohol to manage their daily symptoms.
The greatest challenge that many of us will face is in raising our own children. This can place a huge strain on partnerships and on family dynamics in general.
Older adults and the elderly (ages 65+)
There is very little research on ADHD in the latter years. Despite this, an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with ADHD over the age of 50.
Retirement is not always a welcome stage to reach in life. Without the structure of work, older adults with ADHD may struggle to fill their time. For others, it is a relief from the pressure of having to keep to a routine and meet deadlines.