Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects approximately 5–8% of Australians. While it has previously been thought the condition affects mainly men, many girls and women are now being diagnosed as we understand more about the condition and the many different ways it can present.

Until recently it was also thought that children outgrew ADHD during adolescence, due to developmental changes in their brain. It is now recognised that 7 out of 10 children will continue to experience ADHD symptoms as adults. A person with ADHD typically experiences differences in attention regulation, impulse control, executive functioning and energy levels.

Symptoms of ADHD

A person with ADHD may:

• experience emotional dysregulation or rapid changes in mood
• make careless mistakes at work
• find it hard to sustain attention in work or leisure
• not seem to listen when spoken to directly
• not follow instructions or finish tasks
• find it hard to organise tasks and activities
• avoid sustained mental effort in work
• lose things like keys, paperwork and things needed for tasks
• be easily distracted by other stimuli
• be forgetful in daily activities
• fidget with hands or feet, or squirm in their seat
• find it hard to remain seated
• feel restless or driven to stay busy
• be impatient
• have trouble doing things quietly
• talk more than intended or find it difficult to regulate conversational flow
• blurt out things without thinking
• have trouble waiting their turn in queues and other such situations
• interrupt conversations or speak before others have finished
• have sleep difficulties.

ADHD and quality of life

ADHD can affect a person’s quality of life. People with ADHD may find it difficult to maintain relationships or keep a job. If their condition was undiagnosed and untreated in childhood, they may not have done well in school or developed meaningful relationships.

Living with unsupported ADHD can affect confidence, wellbeing and participation in everyday life. Co-occuring conditions can include anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, learning differences, and autism. On the other hand, being neurodivergent can also have its advantages. Adults who receive appropriate support are often highly productive, skilled in their chosen endeavours, and often show great imagination and creative flair.

Causes of ADHD

ADHD is considered to be a neurodevelopmental disorder, with possible links to genetics, neurobiology, prenatal factors, and environmental influences affecting symptom expression. While we do not yet know exactly what causes ADHD, we do know that diet and parenting approaches are not linked.

Diagnosis of ADHD

It is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD so that appropriate therapies and supports can be accessed.

There is currently no single medical, laboratory or brain imaging test that can diagnose ADHD. Diagnosis currently involves a comprehensive assessment by a suitably qualified healthcare professional.

Diagnosis may include:

• ruling out psychological conditions that have similar presentations to ADHD
• ruling out alcohol or drug use that might be contributing to challenges you may be having
• investigating the impact of symptoms on your relationships, work, and other domains
• obtaining a comprehensive medical and family history
• interviewing your partner, family, friends, and others.

Read more about diagnosis of ADHD in children.

Treatment for ADHD

ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, but support and treatment can help you to:

• better understand your strengths and challenges
• develop practical strategies to improve participation in work, study, relationships and daily life.

Treatment should be tailored to the individual and may involve a combination of approaches.

Treatment for ADHD may include:

• Education and psychoeducation – to help you understand ADHD, how it affects you, and the supports available.
• Lifestyle strategies – such as regular physical activity, healthy sleep habits, balanced nutrition, and reducing alcohol and other drug use where appropriate.
• Medication – stimulant and non-stimulant medications can help improve attention, reduce impulsivity and support executive functioning for some people.
• Psychological support – including therapies that help with emotional regulation, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress management and coping skills.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – to help develop practical strategies for managing everyday challenges associated with ADHD.
• Coaching and skills-based supports – to assist with organisation, time management, planning, prioritisation, goal setting and maintaining routines.
• Workplace or study supports – including environmental modifications, assistive technology, flexible work practices, reasonable adjustments, and strategies to support productivity and wellbeing.
• Vocational support – to help identify career pathways, workplace strengths and strategies for success in employment.
• Family or relationship support – to help partners, family members and support networks understand ADHD and develop effective communication and support strategies.
• Peer support groups – which can provide opportunities to share experiences, learn from others and reduce feelings of isolation.

Emerging research is also helping healthcare professionals better understand the different ways ADHD affects individuals. This may lead to more personalised approaches to treatment and support in the future.

Better access to ADHD care

From September 2026, an initial 150 general practitioners will be able to undertake training to expand their scope of practice, so they can safely diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for ADHD in both adults and children 6 years and over.

These changes are part of statewide reforms to reduce costs and wait times to access ADHD care.

Top-up short-term prescriptions for adults with ADHD will also be available through the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (Virtual ED) from September 2026. This service is free and will be available to people with an existing ADHD diagnosis who urgently need a repeat prescription and can’t see their regular doctor. Ongoing ADHD care remains the responsibility of the patient’s regular treating doctor.

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Victorian Virtual Emergency Department - for urgent short-term prescription top-ups from September 2026
• ADHD Australia
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples may wish to access support through an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation or a healthcare provider experienced in delivering culturally safe ADHD assessment, treatment and support.