Why are more adults being diagnosed with ADHD? With Russell Ramsay, PhD
Feb 26, 2025
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Russell Ramsay, PhD, a leading clinician and researcher in ADHD, unveils the rising trend of adult diagnoses. He discusses how heightened awareness and unique symptom presentations, especially in women, contribute to this surge. The impact of ADHD on work and relationships is examined, along with the effectiveness of treatment options like medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. Ramsay also emphasizes the importance of professional evaluations over self-diagnosis, stressing the need for guidelines in adult ADHD assessments.
The rise in adult ADHD diagnoses is significantly driven by increased awareness and changes brought about by the pandemic, which exposed underlying challenges.
Adults with ADHD experience distinct symptoms that impact their work and relationships, often requiring tailored treatment strategies combining medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Deep dives
The Rise in Adult ADHD Diagnoses
The increase in adult ADHD diagnoses can be attributed to several factors, primarily a heightened awareness and understanding of the condition. The pandemic has played a significant role by stripping away the typical structures of daily life, forcing individuals to confront challenges that had long been masked. For many, this has become a realization of living with ADHD, leading to more individuals seeking assessment and support. Additionally, changes in telepsychology regulations have made it easier for adults to access mental health professionals skilled in diagnosing and treating adult ADHD.
Symptoms of ADHD in Adults vs. Children
ADHD symptoms manifest differently in adults compared to children, although the diagnostic criteria remain the same. In adults, inattentiveness, distractibility, and difficulty sustaining focus are prevalent symptoms, often leading to procrastination and impulsivity that affects decision-making. Unlike children, adults may not display hyperactivity outwardly but rather experience internal restlessness that surfaces through fidgeting or being easily distracted during tasks. Recent research also highlights gender differences, suggesting that women may frequently be diagnosed later due to the subtler presentation of symptoms.
Impact of ADHD on Adult Life
ADHD can significantly affect various aspects of adult life, including relationships, work performance, and physical health. Individuals may struggle with managing finances, sustaining personal relationships, and maintaining their health due to impulsivity and poor self-regulation skills. Longitudinal studies have even indicated that adults with ADHD may face lower life expectancy correlating with behavioral profiles established from childhood. Addressing ADHD proactively through behavioral interventions and treatment can mitigate these negative outcomes and improve overall functioning.
Treatment Options for Adult ADHD
When it comes to treating adult ADHD, a combined approach of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often the most effective. Stimulant medications help manage core symptoms, while CBT provides strategies for improving executive functioning and performance. However, not all individuals respond well to medication, leading many to explore alternative therapies like ADHD coaching or mindfulness-based interventions. Ultimately, treatment should be tailored to the individual's unique needs, emphasizing that living with ADHD is not merely a knowledge issue but a challenge in implementation.
For many years, ADHD was seen as a disorder of childhood. But in recent years, an increasing number of adults have been diagnosed with it as well. Clinician and researcher Russell Ramsay, PhD, discusses what’s driving the rise in adult diagnoses, what ADHD looks like in adults, how it affects people’s lives – including their work, relationships and health -- and what treatments are available.