Approximately 15.5 million U.S. adults had a current ADHD diagnosis in 2023, according to a CDC analysis — and more than half of them weren’t diagnosed until adulthood. Adult ADHD frequently goes unrecognized or gets mislabeled as stress, anxiety, or a motivation problem, especially in women.

What Are the Symptoms of ADHD in Adults?

Adult ADHD looks less like a fidgety kid and more like a life that takes enormous effort to keep upright:

  • Persistent inattention and distractibility
  • Restlessness (the adult version of hyperactivity)
  • Impulsivity — decisions, purchases, interruptions
  • Chronic disorganization and forgetfulness
  • Low self-esteem built over years of “not living up to potential”

Common Challenges Faced by Adults with ADHD

Untreated ADHD shows up as time-management struggles, strained relationships, uneven job performance, financial instability, and a quiet, corrosive sense of underachievement. None of that is a character flaw — it’s a treatable condition.

How Adult ADHD Is Evaluated

Diagnosis starts with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation: a structured history of your attention and functioning going back to childhood, plus screening for conditions that can mimic ADHD — anxiety, depression, and sleep problems among them. An accurate diagnosis matters more than a fast one.

Treatment Options for ADHD in Adults

  • Stimulant medications such as Adderall and Vyvanse — prescribed when clinically appropriate after evaluation and compliant with federal and Connecticut law
  • Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera)
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for skills and structure
  • Lifestyle foundations — exercise, sleep routines, and mindfulness practices

The Role of a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

A PMHNP provides evaluation, diagnosis, and ongoing medication management — including careful dose titration and monitoring, and coordination with your therapist or primary care provider when helpful.

How to Get Help with ADHD in Connecticut

Suzanne Gallagher, PMHNP-BC, provides adult ADHD evaluation and treatment in person in New Canaan and by telehealth throughout Connecticut. She is in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Oxford, UnitedHealthcare, and Optum; out-of-network patients receive a superbill for reimbursement. Request an appointment to get started.