How Can I Tell If I Have Adult ADHD?

A growing number of adults are being diagnosed with the disorder, which causes distractibility, disorganization and forgetfulness

Adam Rosenbluth, M.D.,

AARP

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Published October 27, 2025

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James Yates

Is late-life ADHD a real thing? I feel more distracted than ever.

Let me be direct. It’s very unlikely that someone will develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, for the first time in their 60s or 70s. But it is possible that you’ve had the condition your whole life and only now are discovering or rediscovering it.

New ADHD diagnoses are surging among older Americans. An analysis conducted by health care and data analytics company Truveta and reported in The New York Times found that between 2021 and 2024 the rate of first-time diagnoses rose about 64 percent among those ages 45 to 64. But that doesn’t mean those men and women developed ADHD as adults.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that starts in childhood. The symptoms revolve around inattention, impulsivity and sometimes hyperactivity. What changes as we age is how these symptoms appear. While hyperactivity tends to fade, distractibility, disorganization and forgetfulness often become more obvious, especially as normal age-related changes in brain function kick in.

One of my older patients described it this way: “Dr. Adam, I’ve been distractible my whole life, but now it feels unmanageable.” That makes sense. Life’s transitions, like retirement, reduced structure or hormonal changes, can bring your symptoms to the forefront. Coping strategies that worked when you were younger, like relying on tight schedules or career accountability, may not work as well once those external supports disappear.

Being easily distracted is only one clue. ADHD in older adults often shows up in subtler ways. For instance, you may find yourself having trouble finishing projects or tasks on time, or experiencing difficulty keeping track of your belongings. Some people are even forgetful in ways that resemble early dementia, such as forgetting appointments or having a tough time following instructions. Rather than the classic physical hyperactivity symptoms, some experience restlessness or constant mental activity, or notice that they have to cope with emotional ups and downs like frustration or irritability.

I want to make one critical point here. Those symptoms overlap with many other conditions. I’ve had patients who were convinced they had ADHD when the real issue was depression, anxiety, a thyroid problem, a sleep disorder, cognitive effects of menopause, even side effects of a medication. It’s also true that sometimes early dementia is a concern. This is why I want to emphasize that if you suspect you’re dealing with ADHD, don’t self-diagnose.

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What should you do? First, speak with your primary care doctor. Describe your symptoms, and have medical causes ruled out. If your health care provider suspects ADHD, her or she may make a referral. A psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist with experience in adult ADHD can provide clarity. Also, be prepared to provide a full personal history. Since ADHD is a lifelong experience, your clinician might want to know about your childhood behavior, which may require you to speak with your siblings or friends you’ve known for years to get a fuller picture.

I’ve seen several of my patients thrive once they understood what was going on. Treatments for ADHD can be very effective, even later in life. For instance, stimulant and non-stimulant medications can help sharpen your focus and improve your daily function. But I’m extra cautious when prescribing these types of drugs to older patients, and usually start with a low dose while closely monitoring their heart and blood pressure.

Medications aren’t the only answer. Cognitive behavioral therapy and ADHD coaching can give you practical tools for staying organized, managing time and regulating your emotions.

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Lifestyle strategies, including regular exercise, a consistent sleep schedule and balanced nutrition, and simple aids like calendars, reminders and lists, can make a big difference.

The bottom line is this: Feeling more distracted than ever in your later years doesn’t necessarily mean cognitive decline. Whether it’s ADHD or another condition, in most cases, effective strategies and treatments are available. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward feeling sharper and in better control of your life.

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