Welcome to our nationally recognized center. We are pleased that you are trying to help yourself or someone you know who may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Our specialty center that focuses on people ages 16 and older who have had chronic symptoms of this disorder since childhood. On this site, you will find descriptions of our distinguished staff and valuable resources to assist you. This site and our approach to diagnosis and treatment relies on evidence-based psychiatric research in order to provide state-of-the-art care to our patients.

We have updated and expanded our site located at: www.hopkinsmedicine.org/addadult
 

MYTHS about ADHD in adults

"I'm just stupid"
ADHD or ADD (without hyperactivity) is a neuropsychiatric disorder having strong genetic influence. Intelligence is a separate issue. Often, ADD people are creative and highly intelligent. ADHD occurs in a broad range of intellectual levels.

"Everybody has some of these symptoms."
Yes, everyone has a few of these symptoms and the symptoms come and go during their life or day. People with ADD have most of the symptoms and they have had them chronically since childhood.

"My pediatrician told me I'd grow out of it."
Although ADD was once thought to be limited to childhood and early teens, we now know that ADD persists into adulthood. Up to 50% of ADD children will be affected as adults.

"I think I have ADD but maybe it's something else?"
This question is very important and needs to be answered by an experienced clinician who will provide a comprehensive initial evaluation. The evaluation focuses on a broad range of psychiatric disorders in addition to the presence of ADD.

"If not ADD, then what's wrong?"
Often, ADD nadults occurs simultaneously with other disorders. For example, depression and bipolar disorders may occur in up to 30%, alcohol and substance abuse in 50%, panic disorder in 25%, and personality difficulties are common.