This post is the first in a series of Q&A’s with Martha about ADHD.

Question:    Do people outgrow ADHD? 

Answer: Not really. However, as children’s brains mature, their symptoms and impairments may change.  They find ways to do life differently so that the challenges caused by ADHD are more manageable and socially acceptable.  A hyper or impulsive child will exhibit their energy much differently than a hyper or impulsive adult will. Whereas a child with ADHD may fidget, act hyper, or interrupt and intrude on others, adults channel their inner restlessness differently, possibly via thrill-seeking behaviors such as driving recklessly, drinking alcohol, or overspending. If left untreated, ADHD can disrupt life, whether the person who has it is a child or an adult.