For many adults diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the story doesn’t end in childhood. Instead, it becomes more complex—shaped by shifting identities, workplace challenges, coping strategies, and reflections on missed diagnoses.
A growing body of research suggests that listening to adults with ADHD in their own words may reveal insights that traditional clinical approaches overlook.
A new study by Emily A. Rosenthal and colleagues, published in the Journal of Attention Disorders (2025), explores this idea through a sweeping review of 41 qualitative studies on adults with ADHD. Rather than relying on symptom checklists or behavioral scales, these studies gather rich, first-person accounts from individuals across diverse life stages, from college students to older adults.
The review found that adults with ADHD often describe the disorder as deeply context-dependent. A symptom that feels unmanageable in one setting—like disorganization at a desk job—may be far less problematic in an active, fast-paced environment.
Participants in several studies reported that ADHD-related impairments eased when their work or daily routines matched their interests and strengths.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition typically identified in childhood, but symptoms frequently persist into adulthood.
In adults, the disorder can impact not only focus and impulsivity but also emotional regulation, relationships, and long-term planning.
While quantitative studies have clarified many clinical patterns, qualitative approaches help illuminate how adults understand and navigate the condition in real-world contexts.
To map out the current state of this qualitative literature, Rosenthal and colleagues examined studies involving over 1,000 adults from the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Participants included individuals diagnosed in childhood, those identified during college or later in adulthood, and others whose age of diagnosis was unspecified. Most studies relied on interviews or focus groups, with some incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Across this varied sample, several consistent themes emerged.
Substance use was commonly discussed—particularly cannabis and nicotine—as participants described using these substances to manage ADHD symptoms or emotional distress. Those with persistent substance use often reported turning to marijuana for stress relief or mood stabilization, and some believed it enhanced their focus.
Medication decisions were another recurring topic. Adults reported mixed feelings about stimulant treatment.
Many acknowledged its benefits for attention and task completion, especially in academic settings, but some expressed discomfort about side effects or a perceived loss of authenticity while medicated. This ambivalence led to irregular medication use or periods of non-adherence.
Beyond symptom management, participants reflected on the emotional and identity-related aspects of living with ADHD.
Adults diagnosed later in life often expressed relief at finally understanding their challenges—but also regret over not having received support earlier.
For some, the diagnosis prompted a re-evaluation of past experiences or a reshaping of their self-concept. Others wrestled with stigma or hesitated to disclose their diagnosis to employers or peers.
College students with ADHD faced unique hurdles during the transition to independent living.
Difficulties with time management, emotional regulation, and academic pressures were common, and many reported low use of academic accommodations—often due to stigma, lack of awareness, or uncertainty about eligibility.
At the same time, students emphasized the importance of structured environments, supportive relationships, and personalized coping strategies, such as setting alarms or studying with peers.
Importantly, the review highlights how ADHD manifests differently across life stages and social identities.
For example, participants in stimulating jobs often experienced fewer symptoms, suggesting that environmental “fit” plays a key role in well-being. Some individuals embraced ADHD as a part of their personality, while others viewed it as a separate diagnosis that fluctuates in its relevance.
These findings suggest that understanding ADHD in adulthood requires more than a checklist of behaviors—it demands attention to personal narratives, environmental context, and identity formation.
Listening to lived experiences may guide more effective, tailored interventions.
The authors also identified important gaps in the literature. Few studies have explored how childhood-diagnosed individuals view their condition in adulthood, or how their identities evolve over time.
Women and gender-diverse individuals remain underrepresented, despite evidence that their ADHD experiences often differ from those of men. Racial and ethnic diversity was also limited, with most samples predominantly white.
Moreover, older adults with ADHD—those over 50—are rarely included in research, leaving a void in our understanding of how the condition affects later-life transitions such as retirement or caregiving.
Although the reviewed studies provide valuable insight, the authors caution that qualitative findings may not generalize to all adults with ADHD.
Many participants were actively engaged in treatment or support groups, which may influence how they describe their experiences.
More research is needed on those who do not seek treatment, as well as on the role of cultural and structural factors in shaping ADHD outcomes.
Still, the overarching message of the review is clear: adult ADHD is not a uniform experience. People’s perceptions, struggles, and strategies vary widely, influenced by when they were diagnosed, the environments they inhabit, and how they make sense of the label.
By prioritizing qualitative research alongside clinical measures, scientists and clinicians may better capture the full spectrum of ADHD across the lifespan—and, in doing so, develop more inclusive and responsive care.
Citation
Rosenthal, E. A., Mitchell, J. T., Weisner, T. S., Silverstein, N., Yi, C., Arnold, L. E., Hechtman, L. T., Hinshaw, S. P., & Jensen, P. S. What Can Adults With ADHD Tell Us About Their Experiences? A Review of Qualitative Methods to Map a New Research Agenda. Journal of Attention Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1177_10870547251352589
