Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) describes enduring difficulties with attention, organization, restlessness, or impulsivity that begin in childhood and continue to interfere with work, relationships, or daily tasks.
Definition
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Symptoms must have been present before age 12 and cause impairment in more than one setting. Self-report screeners such as the ASRS help flag when a full clinical evaluation may be useful; they do not diagnose ADHD.
What it can feel like
- Chronic procrastination and difficulty finishing projects.
- Losing keys, appointments, or steps in a task.
- Feeling internally restless or talking over others.
- Difficulty sustaining focus during meetings, reading, or conversations.
Related screening tests on LuriaLab
Related glossary terms
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Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD if they were not diagnosed as children?
Yes. Many adults were missed in childhood. Clinicians look for a lifelong pattern of symptoms, not only current struggles.
What is the ASRS v1.1?
The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) is an 18-item WHO-supported screening tool for ADHD symptoms in adults.
Does a high ASRS score confirm ADHD?
No. ADHD diagnosis requires comprehensive clinical assessment, including history, impairment, and rule-out of other conditions such as anxiety or sleep disorders.
Sources
- Kessler RC, et al. ASRS v1.1 development and validation
- NICE / APA — adult ADHD clinical guidance
Last reviewed: 2026-07-02. Screening tools on LuriaLab are for education only and do not provide a diagnosis.