Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly nuanced neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of individuals across the country. Its multifaceted nature has motivated researchers to conduct comprehensive studies and reviews, providing greater insight for individuals and mental health professionals.
Today, our understanding of ADHD has significantly advanced, highlighting its effects on daily life, particularly in adults. For many years, ADHD was primarily recognized as a childhood condition, but recent research highlights its complexities in adults and the state of diagnoses and treatment for these individuals. This article will outline everything you should know about the latest ADHD research and its implications for adults with the condition.
Rise in Adult Diagnoses From 2020
A recent study following the incidence of ADHD diagnoses in adults and adolescents from 2016 to 2023 observed a steady increase in diagnoses, specifically in adults from 2020 to 2023. The study followed over 144,000 individuals aged between 10 and 50 throughout the research timeline in the same healthcare system across four US states. Although an increased incidence rate was observed in adults, the rate of ADHD diagnosis in adolescents remained mainly stable from 2018 to 2023 after a sharp decline from 2016 to 2018.
The study’s discussion states that a variety of factors can influence varied incidence rates, including increased ADHD awareness and a destigmatization of the condition. A greater understanding of ADHD symptoms and greater access to healthcare can lead to more adults and adolescents seeking treatment for inattentive or hyperactive symptoms associated with the condition.
The Majority of Individuals Receive Diagnoses in Adulthood
Contrary to the notion that ADHD is primarily a childhood condition, recent research indicates a large proportion of diagnoses occur in adulthood. A 2024 survey found that 55.9 percent of surveyed adults with reported current ADHD were diagnosed by a doctor or other mental health professional at or over the age of 18. This shift has been attributed to changes in diagnostic criteria, as well as growing awareness among mental health professionals about how ADHD presents differently across age groups.
Other survey findings highlighted the amount of adults seeking treatment for ADHD and those who faced challenges receiving treatment due to unavailable prescriptions. This highlights a continued need for increased support and resources for adults with ADHD. Adults receiving diagnoses and adequate treatment earlier in life can lead to improved symptom management and reduce long-term health risks associated with ADHD.
Undiagnosed ADHD is More Prevalent in Women
Some of the latest ADHD research supports the recent advocacy of increased ADHD diagnoses in women and girls for these individuals to receive the proper treatment and accommodations. In a 2025 study with 200 participants taking a survey using questions from the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, 28 participants were discovered to fit the diagnostic criteria for ADHD yet lacked a diagnosis. Of these individuals, 55 percent were women, making women more statistically likely to be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
While adults of both sexes may receive diagnoses later in life due to irrelevant diagnostic criteria and social stigma, women are more likely to be underdiagnosed for several reasons. Symptoms in women often present differently or are less obvious, and societal expectations can pressure them to mask or hide their struggles. These patterns indicate a critical need for greater awareness and refined diagnostic tools that account for gender differences in ADHD presentation.
Understanding the Effects of ADHD Diagnoses in Women
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be life-changing for women, as it can potentially reduce the likelihood of academic underachievement or relationship difficulties. However, late ADHD diagnoses can have lasting negative repercussions for women and their overall well-being. A recently published systematic review of literature on women previously undiagnosed with ADHD discovered four major themes of how a late diagnosis negatively impacts a woman’s mental health.
Challenges undiagnosed women may face include low levels of social emotional functioning, relationship difficulties, and perceived low control over their lives. However, many women also eventually experience a sense of relief and self-acceptance after receiving an ADHD diagnosis, highlighting the importance of early detection and closing the gender gap for ADHD treatment. With increased awareness and support, women with ADHD can thrive, embracing their strengths and living more empowered lives.
ADHD Symptoms May Fluctuate Based on Life Circumstances
Emerging research on ADHD has sought to provide insight into how key symptoms evolve over time with significant life transitions. A 2024 long-term study observed 483 children diagnosed with ADHD between seven and 10 years old over 16 years to better understand how key symptoms persist or resolve themselves in adulthood.
Of the researchers’ observed patterns for the trajectory of ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents, nearly 65 percent of participants experienced fluctuating symptoms between remission and persistence. On average, this group faced three and a half major transitions in symptom recurrences over 16 years
The study also found that participants were more likely to experience symptom remission during periods associated with challenging environmental demands, such as those caused by work, school, or interpersonal relationships. The results of this study suggest that some individuals with ADHD may thrive in demanding settings and illustrate how a person’s environment can shape their well-being.
High Co-Occurrence of ADHD in Autistic Adults
The intersection between ADHD and autism has come into sharper focus, with studies showing significant rates of co-occurrence. A 2025 cohort study with 3.5 million adult participants enrolled in Medicaid divided individuals into four groups: those with autism, those with autism and an intellectual disability (ID), those with only an ID, and a general sample with no claims to either condition.
The percentage of co-occurring ADHD across both groups of participants with autism was 33.2 percent. Comparatively, the adults with an ID only had a rate of co-occurring ADHD diagnoses of 19 percent, and the general population had an ADHD rate of only 2.7 percent.
Adults with autism are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD compared to the general population, which can have crucial implications for how healthcare professionals create treatment plans for these individuals. Being diagnosed with one condition while experiencing symptoms of another is worth discussing with a medical professional, as it could lead to more effective care.
Seek Support for Your ADHD Today
In conclusion, the latest research on ADHD highlights significant advancements in understanding the condition, from gender gaps and the effects of a late diagnosis to symptom patterns and understanding the co-occurrence of autism. This research also underscores the importance of recognizing ADHD as a lifelong experience, not just a childhood challenge.
If any of these insights resonate with you, take the next step to improve your quality of life. Consulting with an adult ADHD psychiatrist at Envision Mindcare can provide clarity, support, and tailored solutions that align with your needs. Begin your path to resilience by contacting our team of mental health professionals to schedule an appointment today.