Can a Child Outgrow ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that occurs in both children and adults.

ADHD is not a condition most individuals “grow out of”.

In this article, I’ll explain if a child can outgrow ADHD and if the condition “peaks”. I’ll also walk through ADHD diagnosis, treatment, and how to manage the disorder.

So Can a Child Really Outgrow ADHD?

It was once thought that children could grow out of ADHD. What we now know is that this appears to be relatively uncommon. Instead, what most likely goes on is that symptoms shift and change as individuals with ADHD move up in age.

One study that followed 558 children with ADHD from the age of 8 to 25 years old found that only 10% of children grow out of ADHD. For the other 90% of individuals, symptoms persist.

So, when it comes to the question "can a child grow out of ADHD?" the answer is that it is possible in some cases for symptoms to dissipate to the extent that they're no longer clinically significant. However, it is far more probable that a person will continue to meet criteria for ADHD as an adult.

With that said, here's what ADHD can look like in adulthood - and how to manage it.

ADHD and Adulthood

In the context of adult ADHD, symptoms of ADHD can look very different. While brain development is certainly a relevant component, it is also very true that young adults lead different lives than children do. ADHD symptoms in an adult will impact their adult daily life, including impairments with relationships and work. Knowledge of social norms can also be part of why an adult's symptoms might shift.

How symptoms change

Here are a couple of examples of how ADHD changes with age:

• Young kids with ADHD may run about or climb when they're supposed to remain seated. In adolescents or adults, however, this may be limited to feeling restless and fidgeting.
• Other hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms might change. For example, impulsive actions that a teen or adult makes (e.g., substance use) could be very different from what impulsivity looks like in a child.
• Misplacing items frequently and to the point that it negatively impacts a person's life is a common symptom of inattention and forgetfulness. In an adult, this can refer to items that are crucial for adult life. For example, diapers for your child or your car keys.
• Executive dysfunction can have increasingly negative consequences for adults. After all, adult responsibilities are often greater than the responsibilities we have as a child. For example, it may result in a messy home, finishing work late, or challenges with distractibility and self-care.

Does ADHD "Peak"?

Some people find that ADHD symptoms peak at a certain age. More specifically, hyperactivity may peak in elementary school years for some but could start to either alleviate or shift in the way it presents during puberty.

This is likely due to an increase in awareness of social norms, finding ways to manage symptoms, other changes that come in or close to puberty (both internal and external), and so on. It is also worthwhile to note that specific regions of the brain of a person with ADHD may mature later and that this is most apparent in the part of the brain that controls attention and action.

One of the reasons why ADHD is sometimes overlooked is that symptoms of inattention may not be viewed as "disruptive behaviors" the way that hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms are at times. For some, this can explain late diagnosis or detection.

Adult Diagnosis

We talked about a study where individuals with ADHD were followed from childhood through adulthood, but what about those who realize that they have ADHD later in life? Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult is possible, and it has become more and more common as we continue to research and better understand ADHD.

A diagnosis can open the door for an individual to get the help they need. A number of different medical professionals can diagnose ADHD. If you are an adult who believes that you may meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, you may look for an ADHD center or psychiatry clinic in your area that offers assessments, talk with your health care provider and ask for a referral to someone who can test you, or work with a professional who can diagnose ADHD in a private practice setting, such as a psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD.

There are clinics and ADHD specialists who work with adults. It may be more advantageous and comfortable for adults to seek care from those who not only specialize in ADHD but also work with the adult population. This is a question you can ask when you first contact a provider. If you want to use your health insurance to pay for the cost of your assessment or treatment, you may contact your insurance company directly to see what they cover.

Sometimes, ADHD is misdiagnosed at first. Depression, autism spectrum disorder, substance use disorders, and anxiety disorders are all also more likely to co-occur in individuals who live with ADHD. Proper treatment can help both children and adults with their health condition.

ADHD Treatment

A treatment plan for someone who lives with ADHD may include a collection of different components. This is to make sure that treatment is cohesive and as beneficial as possible. The two most common treatments for those who live with ADHD are medication and therapy, which may be used together. In fact, it is recommended that those aged 6+ who have ADHD use a combination of medication and therapy.

Medication

Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are the first-recommended prescription treatment for ADHD. CNS stimulants are effective in helping 70-80% of people with ADHD reduce their symptoms, and some are approved for children as young as three years of age. There are also non-stimulant medication options that can help treat ADHD, such as Strattera. Talk with your or your child's doctor to explore ADHD medication options and find the right fit.

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