Can You Outgrow ADHD or Does It Go Away?

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that involves difficulty staying focused and sitting still.^1,2 ADHD falls along the neurodiversity spectrum, and everyone experiences symptoms of ADHD differently. 

The types of ADHD include:

• Inattentive ADHD: Inattentive ADHD (formerly ADD) results in difficulties sustaining attention, focus, and concentration. Those experiencing these symptoms may frequently forget things or make seemingly careless mistakes.
• Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD: Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD contributes to restlessness, heightened energy, or hasty decision-making.
• Combined ADHD: Individuals with combined ADHD experience symptoms of both inattentive and hyper-impulsive ADHD.

Can You Grow Out Of ADHD?

Many people may ask themselves, “Does ADHD go away?” In short, the answer to that question is “No”. ADHD is a lifelong condition, meaning the symptoms exist in some manner throughout life.³ These symptoms can change as a person ages, which some may view as evidence they could outgrow ADHD.

Moreover, people with ADHD can learn skills to reduce the impact of their symptoms, sometimes reducing their need for ADHD medications as they age. Because of this, some people think their ADHD has “gone away.”⁴ Still, ADHD is incurable in children and will continue to affect them into adulthood.

Does ADHD Get Better With Age?

ADHD may improve with age if people learn positive skills for managing their symptoms. Medication can help keep certain symptoms from interfering with functioning, and therapeutic interventions can assist clients in adopting tools to support focus and impulse control. Research shows neurological changes associated with psychotherapy can improve executive functioning, including organizing and self-monitoring during tasks.⁵

Below are ways ADHD symptoms may change with age:

Symptoms of ADHD in Children

ADHD in children often becomes more noticeable in elementary school, where children must meet expectations to stay focused, but it is possible to see signs of ADHD in toddlers. During this time, an inability to stay seated, attentive, or calm can impact their academic functioning.

However, a child with ADHD can have a normal life with opportunities for personal growth and development. While symptoms can lead to challenges for the child and their caregivers, support can help children learn healthy ways to adapt to a neurotypical-based world. Parents should consider requesting accommodations if their child struggles with the traditional academic setting.

Common symptoms of childhood ADHD include:

• Difficulty listening to others: Children with ADHD may struggle to pay attention when others are talking. However, this behavior is not due to an unwillingness to follow the rules or accept guidance. These difficulties likely stem from executive dysfunction and distractibility.
• Disruptive behaviors: Children with hyperactive ADHD may struggle to wait their turn or sit still. While unintentional, these behaviors may cause disruptions at school.
• Comprehension difficulties: ADHD interferes with learning and comprehension because of difficulties focusing and retaining information.
• Memory difficulties: Similar to comprehension, children with ADHD often have problems with memory recall.
• Disciplinary problems: Children with ADHD may face frequent discipline from authority figures because of their symptoms. For example, they may inadvertently break the rules because they misheard or overlooked instructions.

Symptoms of ADHD in Teens & Adolescents

As children with ADHD reach adolescence, hyperactive symptoms tend to decrease slightly. ADHD in teenagers often relates to peer acceptance, risky behavior, and extracurricular activities.⁶ They may struggle with staying on task at school or preparing for college. Some teens may be more likely to engage in early substance use due to impulsivity or dopamine-seeking behaviors.

Common symptoms of ADHD in teens include:

• Impulsivity and poor decision-making: Most teenagers struggle with impulsivity, but those with ADHD may have an even more difficult time considering how their actions will impact their short and long-term futures.
• Risky behaviors: Due to their tendency toward impulsivity, some teens with ADHD engage in risky behavior, such as experimenting with substances or reckless driving.
• Social issues: Teenagers with ADHD are not necessarily better or worse at making friends. However, their difficulties with impulsive behaviors and restlessness can interfere with how peers relate to them. 
• Academic difficulties: Paying attention in class and completing assignments on time are success factors in high school. Teens with ADHD may struggle to adhere to these neurotypical-based standards, contributing to poor academic performance.

Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

Because people cannot outgrow ADHD, they will continue experiencing symptoms into adulthood. By this time, hyperactivity generally decreases and gives way to inattentive symptoms. Adult ADHD can cause work, home life, and relationship problems.⁷

Unfortunately, many adults with ADHD pass childhood without getting a formal diagnosis or receiving treatment.⁸  In some cases, missed or incorrect diagnoses can cause childhood trauma because individuals attribute disruptive behaviors to being “dumb” or “bad” rather than having a neurological condition. Additionally, untreated ADHD can worsen with age, exacerbating these issues.

Common symptoms of adult ADHD include:

• Low frustration tolerance: Individuals with ADHD can develop low frustration tolerance due to difficulties following directions, paying attention, or retaining information. Additionally, emotional dysregulation can exacerbate these challenges as adults struggle to manage frustration.
• Racing thoughts: Hyperactive behaviors can translate to ADHD racing thoughts. Adults with ADHD often develop a pattern of rapid thinking, jumping from one thought to another.
• Co-occurring mental health conditions: Facing ADHD-related challenges throughout life can often lead adults to develop negative self-talk, sometimes giving way to comorbid ADHD and depression, anxiety, or anger. 
• Relationship difficulties: ADHD symptoms can cause problems for adults in relationships, as friends and romantic partners may become frustrated with their trouble staying focused, remembering important dates, or following through on promises.
• Work problems: Most jobs require attention to detail and sustained motivation or focus when completing tasks. These expectations can cause problems for someone with ADHD, especially those with untreated symptoms.
• Social anxiety: Others may negatively react to those with ADHD because they do not understand the diagnosis and associated difficulties. Peer rejection often leads adults with ADHD to doubt their social abilities, sometimes resulting in social anxiety.

Can You Develop ADHD As an Adult?

As a lifelong neurological condition, ADHD does not develop in adulthood. Individuals may exhibit “high-functioning ADHD” that has allowed them to hide or manage symptoms throughout life more so than others with the condition.

This ability to “compensate” for symptoms through ADHD masking in childhood and adolescence may contribute to adults believing they developed ADHD later in life. However, what they considered typical childhood challenges may have actually been undetected ADHD.

Does Treatment for ADHD Change With Age?

Various treatments are effective for addressing ADHD, such as behavioral therapy and medications. Treatment for children and teenagers differs from that of adults because support often involves caregivers or teachers. Adult treatment tends to be more individualized.

Starting treatment for ADHD at a younger age increases the likelihood of symptoms improving with time. While growing out of ADHD is unlikely, adults can learn to cope with associated challenges to achieve success and embrace their uniqueness.

Treating ADHD in Children & Teens

Treatment for children and teens with ADHD often involves collaboration between the individual, their family, and the institutions that play significant roles in their lives. Having adults involved in treatment can help ensure they use interventions consistently and effectively to promote positive symptom management in these children.

Treatment options for ADHD in children and teens may include:

• Behavioral therapy: This approach focuses on helping children develop new skills to keep ADHD symptoms from interfering with functioning. For example, CBT for kids can help shift negative thought patterns contributing to disruptive behavior.
• Parental training: Parent training can help caregivers learn effective ways to support their children through treatment and symptom management. Psychoeducation can also ensure they recognize the strengths and benefits of ADHD in their children.
• Medication: ADHD medications for kids can help decrease symptoms, such as hyperactivity and inattention. However, these medications can cause side effects, and parents should weigh the pros and cons with a physician before considering this treatment approach.
• Physical activity: Regular physical activity may improve some symptoms of ADHD in children, like hyperactivity.⁹ Exercise and movement offer opportunities to release pent-up energy so children feel calmer throughout the day.
• Music therapy: Music therapy for ADHD can lessen the severity of ADHD symptoms and help increase stress management skills.¹⁰

Treating ADHD in Adults

Treating ADHD in adulthood often requires a comprehensive plan that combines psychotherapy and medication. Consider finding a neurodiversity-affirming therapist who understands the emotional and mental challenges associated with ADHD. These providers recognize the importance of individualized care based on your neurotype and can help you explore ADHD-specific coping skills. Online therapy platforms are also available if you have limited time or access to care. 

Remember, while ADHD does not go away with age, professional support can be invaluable when navigating life with this diagnosis. You can learn positive ways to address problems as they arise to create the life you want. Practice self-compassion and acceptance as you explore what works best for your needs.

Treatment options for ADHD in adults may include:

• Behavioral therapy: Adults learn better skills for handling difficult situations. As with behavioral therapy for children, older clients can explore and replace negative thought patterns that influence their decisions and behavior.
• Natural remedies: Some studies show natural remedies for ADHD may benefit adults with ADHD.¹¹ These methods may include supplements, diet changes, or physical activity.
• Medication: Medications for ADHD in adults can help individuals manage impulsivity and trouble concentrating.
• Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes can help reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms in adults, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and managing stress.¹²
• Neurofeedback: Neurofeedback uses specialized computer equipment to help adults with ADHD learn to control their brain wave patterns. Neurofeedback for ADHD helps to lessen the severity of ADHD symptoms.¹³
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): TMS is a medical procedure where a trained neurologist uses EEG equipment to help stimulate specific brain activity. While professionals rarely recommend this treatment method, some research shows improvement in ADHD symptoms.¹⁴
• Aerobic exercise: Daily aerobic exercise for at least thirty minutes can help reduce symptoms of ADHD in adults.¹⁵