How ADHD Affects Adults

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was once thought of as a condition that affects only children. The belief was that children would grow out of it, but research has shown that the condition often persists throughout life. In fact, ADHD is the second most prevalent psychiatric disorder in adults, but many misconceptions still exist about it. 

On this episode, host Sara Frueh is joined by David Goodman, an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and director of the Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Center of Maryland. Goodman has treated adults with ADHD for over 40 years. Goodman explains how ADHD affects adults, the complexities in how it’s diagnosed and treated, and open questions for research in the field. 

Resources: 

Visit the Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Center of Maryland’s website to learn more about adult ADHD, and find links to more of David Goodman’s research, interviews, and publications. 

The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders will release guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in late 2025. Check out their website to learn more. 
Read the New York Times article “Have We Been Thinking About ADHD All Wrong?,” which was discussed during the podcast episode.