Brief
Experts outline how adults can recognise and manage ADHD
During ADHD Awareness month, specialists detail adult symptoms, diagnostic procedures and recommended therapies.
By Felo News Desk · Published
ADHD, one of the most common brain disorders, now affects an estimated 15.5 million American adults, according to the Independent. The outlet notes that high‑profile figures such as Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim, pop star Justin Timberlake, actor Tom Holland and socialite Paris Hilton have spoken publicly about their experiences.
What happened
The Independent reports that adult ADHD diagnoses have risen, with U.S. rates climbing more than four percent over the past two decades, based on University of Utah Health data. Symptoms in adults can include difficulty organising tasks, sustaining attention, and maintaining healthy habits like diet and exercise.
What the reports add
The article explains that the condition manifests in three primary forms – inattentive, hyperactive‑impulsive and combined – and that symptom expression differs between children and adults, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diagnosis involves a multi‑step process that may require input from friends or family and a medical‑psychological examination to rule out other conditions, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
What was said
Chloe Kim said on Instagram, "For years, I was struggling. But once I finally opened up to my doctor, it was like everything suddenly clicked." Paris Hilton recalled in a 2024 Teen Vogue essay that she was "always told that I was too energetic, too distracted, too talkative – just too everything."
How it came about
ADHD Awareness month prompted the Independent to compile expert guidance, linking the rising adult prevalence to broader diagnostic trends and encouraging readers to seek professional evaluation.
Key facts
- 15.5 million U.S. adults are estimated to have ADHD (independent.co.uk)
- Adult diagnosis rates have risen over 4% in the last 20 years (independent.co.uk)
- ADHD symptoms in adults include disorganisation, attention lapses and unhealthy lifestyle habits (independent.co.uk)
- Diagnosis may involve input from friends or family and a medical‑psychological exam (independent.co.uk)
- Treatment typically combines behaviour therapy with medication (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Think you have ADHD? This is what the experts say – and what to do about it”
