11 Things That Make Adult ADHD Worse (2024)

FAQs

What makes ADHD in adults worse? ›

Other things that can make ADHD symptoms more difficult as you get older include: Stress. A busy schedule and feeling overwhelmed can trigger an episode of ADHD symptoms. But it's a circular relationship: Your ADHD itself may also cause stress because it's harder to filter out stressors around you.

Consuming a western diet full of sugary sodas, candy, pastries, doughnuts, cookies, cakes, white bread, crackers, and pasta will exacerbate ADD/ADHD symptoms. Maintaining healthy and stable blood sugar levels is key for managing symptoms.

Usually, the most difficult times for persons with ADHD are their years from middle school through the first few years after high school. Those are the years when students are faced with the widest range of tasks to do and the least opportunity to escape from the tasks that they struggle with or find to be boring.

Fidgeting, interrupting, losing homework, daydreaming — these are all common signs of ADHD. However, they can also have other causes. Whenever it looks like a child might have ADHD, it's important to rule out other issues.

These adults may feel it is impossible to get organized, stick to a job, or remember to keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with undiagnosed ADHD.

A MELTDOWN CAN SEEM TO COME OUT OF NOWHERE.

It's one of the challenging or explosive behaviors we see in those who have ADHD. Sometimes it appears as poor self-esteem, yelling, rage, or tears.

The core symptoms of ADHD, like impulsivity and inattention, might lead children to behave in ways that can put their health at risk or cause them to forget healthy and protective behaviors. Over time, if not addressed, these risks can lead to injury, disease, or even an earlier-than-expected death.

Many children with food sensitivities can exhibit ADHD symptoms after they are exposed to certain foods. Some of the common foods that can cause ADHD reactions include milk, chocolate, soy, wheat, eggs, beans, corn, tomatoes, grapes, and oranges.

Does adult ADHD get worse with age? ›

ADHD does not get worse with age if a person receives treatment for their symptoms after receiving a diagnosis. If a doctor diagnoses a person as an adult, their symptoms will begin to improve when they start their treatment plan, which could involve a combination of medication and therapy.

We often use the “Rule of Thirds” to break down the potential outcomes of ADHD cases: 1/3 -> complete resolution. 1/3 -> continued inattention, some impulsivity. 1/3 -> early Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder, poor academic achievement, substance abuse, antisocial adults.

Someone living with ADHD also can't successfully focus and filter out excess stimuli. This increases stress levels. Anxiety, which can stem from approaching deadlines, procrastination, and the inability to focus on the work at hand, can raise stress levels even more. Unmanaged stress can aggravate ADHD symptoms.

ADHD does not get worse with age if a person receives treatment for their symptoms after receiving a diagnosis. If a doctor diagnoses a person as an adult, their symptoms will begin to improve when they start their treatment plan, which could involve a combination of medication and therapy.

Some emotional triggers to look out for include relationship conflicts, criticism, rejection, or personal failure. Everyday struggles like misplacing your belongings or forgetting an appointment can also trigger anger, disappointment, or frustration.