In brief
We asked 117 adults attending meetings of the support group ADDults with ADHD about their diagnosis and their medication. Almost all had had symptoms of ADHD since childhood, but the average age at diagnosis was 32. Three-quarters were on medication, and those who were reported significantly less impairment in their daily lives, in their work and in their emotions.
Abstract
Objective: Survey of ADHD-affected adult participants attending educational meetings of ‘ADDults with ADHD’, to ascertain age of diagnosis and treatment effects of psychostimulant medication on symptoms across functional and emotional domains.
Method: From 2016 to 2019, self-assessments of functional impairment were collected from ADHD-affected adults attending educational meetings of an Australian community support organisation (ADDults with ADHD). Participants were asked to rate their functioning on and off medication. Some demographic and treatment details were also collected.
Results: Questionnaires were collected from 117 attendees of five meetings. Their mean age was 42.5 (SD 15.0) years; their age of diagnosis and of starting treatment were 31.9 (SD 16.6) and 32.8 (SD 16.4) years, respectively, with no significant differences between men and women. Most (93%) reported symptom onset before age 18. Ninety (77%) had been treated medically, with self-ratings indicating significantly less impairment on treatment (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Adults with ADHD reported substantial impairment but significant benefit from medication. Despite a mean age of over 30 at diagnosis, most recalled being symptomatic in childhood. This suggests many may experience a prolonged period of impaired function before starting treatment.