The prevalence of ADHD in late adolescence and early adulthood ranges from 4-6%. It is estimated that 60% of children diagnosed with ADHD persist into adulthood. However, the evolution of the core symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity and Impulsivity) into adulthood is different.
Hyperactivity symptoms diminish in adolescence and may disappear in early adulthood, while Attention Deficit symptoms are maintained and impulsivity symptoms, although maintained longer than the former, may diminish and cause less interference in adult life than in childhood and adolescence.
At the onset of adulthood, deficits in emotional self-regulation and in the planning and organization of their daily activities in an autonomous manner (with flexibility and/or assuming adequate strategies for adapting to change) become predominant.
This fact in the daily life of the young adult will mean, in most cases, difficulties in maintaining a stable job or in following their academic responsibilities due to the difficulty in maintaining a routine and following through to the achievement of a goal (“step by step”). Similarly, in adolescents with ADHD, in addition to their difficulties in adapting to change and frustration, there is less cognitive and emotional flexibility already at this stage, therefore, they are more likely to have conflicts in their social relationships and instability.
in their social relationships and instability in their romantic relationships towards adulthood. In addition, due to impulsivity, the capacity for emotional self-regulation is further diminished and they are more likely to engage in risky behaviors.