Why Are More Adults Being Diagnosed With ADHD?

It’s not just kids getting diagnosed with ADHD anymore. Adult ADHD diagnoses have skyrocketed in recent years, and for good reason. Many people who struggled quietly for years are now recognizing their symptoms for what they are: signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Fortunately, at Moving Forward Washington, Nehemiah Zarate-Rourke, DNP, PMHNP-BC, ARNP, provides exceptional, evidence-based treatment for ADHD at any stage. So, what’s behind this surge in adult diagnoses? Let’s break it down.

The symptoms were always there

For decades, ADHD was considered a childhood condition. But ADHD doesn’t just magically disappear in adulthood. Instead, it often shows up differently:

Chronic forgetfulness
Disorganization
Restlessness
Trouble starting or finishing projects
Emotional dysregulation
Procrastination

Many adults grew up thinking they were just “lazy” or had poor time management skills. Now, with increased awareness and better education, people are recognizing that these patterns are legitimate signs of ADHD, not personality flaws.

Social media and mental health awareness

The rise in popularity of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube has made it easier for people to connect with others who share their experiences.

Mental health creators are talking openly about neurodiversity, and ADHD content has been especially popular. This exposure can be validating for people who never saw their symptoms reflected in traditional medical definitions.

By learning what ADHD looks like, sharing symptoms, and hearing stories that match their own, adults have more tools than ever to learn about it. However, it’s important to remember that self-diagnosis is never a substitute for professional help.

Increasing demands of life

Another reason adult ADHD is gaining recognition is simply because of the stress of adulthood. Whether it’s work, relationships, parenting, or bills, the demands of life can make previously manageable symptoms feel overwhelming.

You can get by in school thanks to structure or external support. However, in your day-to-day life, you might notice you struggle with:

Managing deadlines at work without reminders
Running a household with disorganization or time blindness
Parenting while managing your own executive function challenges

ADHD often becomes more noticeable during major life transitions, like starting a new job, having a child, or going back to school. It’s usually during these times that adults realize something else might also be wrong.

Getting diagnosed as an adult

Getting an ADHD diagnosis doesn’t just provide a label — it can offer clarity, relief, and new strategies for daily life. Without the right support, managing ADHD as an adult becomes less about trying harder and more about working with your brain, not against it. Treatment options may include:

Medication
ADHD coaching or therapy
Lifestyle changes like sleep, diet, and exercise
Organizational tools and techniques

Just remember, you’re not alone. It’s never too late to seek help.

So, why wait? If ADHD symptoms are affecting you later in life, it might be time to learn more about getting a diagnosis and treatment options. Call 425-407-2771 or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zarate-Rourke today.