Everyone’s experience with ADHD is different. For some, symptoms improve over time or become easier to manage. For others, their symptoms may last or change over long periods of time.
So, can you outgrow ADHD? It depends. Keep reading for a comprehensive overview of how ADHD symptoms and treatments change with age.
When is ADHD Typically Diagnosed?
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood when symptoms start to interfere with school or home life. However, some cases go unrecognized until adolescence or adulthood. Diagnostic criteria for ADHD is as follows:
- Children up to age 16 must show at least six symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or both.
- Teens 17 and older, and adults must show at least five symptoms in either or both categories.
In all cases, the symptoms must:
- Last for at least six months
- Be present in two or more settings (home, school, work, social)
- Impair functioning socially, academically, or professionally
Does Treatment for ADHD Change With Age?
ADHD is a lifelong condition, but treatment depends on a person’s age, lifestyle, and specific challenges. That being said, the goal remains the same: to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.
ADHD Treatment for Kids and Teens
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parent training in behavior management as the first treatment for children under 6. For children ages 6 and up, they recommend a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. As kids grow into adolescence, therapy may include individual skill building and emotions regulation skills.
Since children spend much of their time at school, their environment needs to support their needs:
- Behavioral Classroom Management has been shown to improve attention and academic performance.
- Organizational Skills Training reduces distractions and builds independence.
- IEPs and 504 Plans are for students who need additional accommodations like extra time on tests.
Your child’s doctor may also recommend stimulant or non-stimulant medication to help with symptoms like impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. The right medication and dosage may take time to find and may need adjustment as the child grows.
ADHD Treatment for Adults
ADHD treatment for adults may include a combination of medication and therapy, lifestyle changes, and coaching. Studies have found that adults who take ADHD medications are less likely to experience serious negative effects, including depression, car accidents, substance misuse, and suicidal events.
Other treatments may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
- Neurofeedback
In addition to these therapies, some adults may benefit from working with an ADHD coach. These professionals help with day-to-day challenges like scheduling, prioritizing tasks, managing time, and following through on commitments.
Others may find relief through:
- Regular physical activity
- Consistent sleep schedules
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Nutrition counseling
Will You Always Have to Take ADHD Medication?
Not necessarily. While ADHD can affect functioning throughout one’s life, many people stop taking medication within the first two years. This can be due to outgrowing their dose, developing tolerance, or switching treatments.
- Taking medication breaks
- Switching stimulant types
- Trying a non-stimulant
However, long-term use does carry risks. In fact, extended stimulant use has been tied to a higher risk of hypertension and arterial disease, especially in older adults.
Do ADHD Symptoms Go Away Completely?
For some, yes, but it’s rare. Research shows about 30% of children with ADHD experience full remission at some point. However, 60% of those have symptoms that return. Only about 9% fully recover from symptoms, while the majority experience recurring or fluctuating symptoms over time.
Manage Your ADHD Symptoms With Cura Behavioral Health
If you’re figuring out your ADHD symptoms for the first time or reevaluating them as an adult, the right support can make a big difference. At Cura Behavioral Health, we build personalized treatment plans that reflect your age and needs. From diagnosis to treatment, our team is here to help. Reach out to Cura Behavioral Health today.
Sources
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: What You Need to Know – National Institute of Mental Health
- General Prevalence of ADHD in Children – CHADD
- ADHD in Teenagers – Child Mind Institute
- Risky Behaviors Associated with ADHD – CHADD
- The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in adult ADHD compared with non-ADHD populations: A systematic literature review – PLoS One
- Treatment of ADHD – CDC
- ADHD in the Classroom: Helping Children Succeed in School – CDC
- ADHD in adults is challenging but highly treatable – a clinical psychologist explains – The Conversation
- ADHD medication – can you take it long term? What are the risks and do benefits continue? – The Conversation
- How Long-Term ADHD Med Use May Raise Cardiovascular Risk – Psychiatrist
- Variable Patterns of Remission from ADHD in the Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD – American Journal of Psychiatry
