Think you have ADHD? This is what the experts say – and what to do about it

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, known widely as ADHD, is one of the most common brain disorders in childhood, affecting peoples’ ability to focus or sit still.

Some 15.5 million American adults live with ADHD and high-profile figures like Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim, pop singer Justin Timberlake, Spider-Man actor Tom Holland and socialite Paris Hilton have long reported suffering from related symptoms.

“Growing up, I was always told that I was too energetic, too distracted, too talkative – just too everything,” Hilton wrote in an essay in Teen Vogue in 2024, recalling her “constant need” for stimulation.

Diagnoses are rising in adults, too, with U.S. rates climbing by more than four percent over the last two decades, according to the University of Utah Health.

So, how do you know if you have ADHD this ADHD Awareness month? Experts say there are signs to look out for and steps to take when you are diagnosed.

What are the symptoms?

There are three primary forms of ADHD: a form that makes it hard to pay attention to details, a form that makes people fidget and a combination of the two.

But signs of ADHD also vary between children and adults and can change over time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Kids with ADHD might daydream a lot, forget or lose things, squirm and fidget, talk too much and have difficulty taking turns or getting along with others.

In adults, ADHD can make people struggle with organization, impact completing lengthy tasks, affect attention span and hamper healthy behaviors, such as diet, exercise and avoiding substances that pose health risks.

How are people diagnosed?

Diagnosis for ADHD is a multi-step process in both kids and adults.

Doctors assess symptoms and how many different age groups may experience.

In a child age 4-17, more symptoms must be identified than in teens older than 17, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

This is because younger children change very rapidly and it’s more difficult to diagnose ADHD in teenage years as the brain matures, per the CDC.

In adults, ADHD diagnosis also involves a check for symptoms and a person’s behavioral history. That may require input from friends and family.

A medical and psychological examination may be needed to rule out other health problems as well.

“For years, I was struggling. But once I finally opened up to my doctor, it was like everything suddenly clicked,” Chloe Kim said in an Instagram post last month.

Is there treatment?

In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication.

Parents recommend therapy in kids age 4-5 before medication is tried.

There are multiple kinds of medication to help control symptoms. These include stimulants, non-stimulants and antidepressants, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The medications are prescription only and are typically covered by health insurance plans.

Can you live a good life with ADHD?

Celebs say you can.

American singer and rapper Will.i.am says he’s found a way to keep his ADHD under control,

“Those traits work well for me in studios and in meetings about creative ideas,” the former Black Eyed Peas member told The Daily Mirror in 2013. “If you listen to the songs I write, they are the most ADHD songs ever. They have five hooks in one and it all happens in three minutes. I figured out a way of working with it.”

Hilton also credits her ADHD for her business sense.

“ADHD is the reason I’ve been able to anticipate trends, it’s given me the creativity to build an empire, the drive to keep pushing the limits, and the empathy to connect with people on a deeper level,” She explained.