Do You Outgrow Adhd?

ADHD changes over time, but it's rarely outgrown
Though ADHD is chronic in nature, symptoms may certainly present in differing ways as a person moves through life stages. These symptoms may even diminish as that person grows older—for example, ​hyperactivity and fidgetiness may decrease with age.

Does ADHD get better with age?

A person with ADHD will also become better at self-regulating over time, but will typically remain delayed compared to other people of the same age. For example, a 16-year-old with ADHD will have more self-control than he did when he was 5, but probably won't have as much self-control as the next 16-year-old.

Does ADHD ever go away?

“ADHD doesn't disappear just because symptoms become less obvious—its effect on the brain lingers.” Some adults who had milder symptom levels of ADHD as children may have developed coping skills that address their symptoms well enough to prevent ADHD from interfering with their daily lives.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.