ADHD in Adults: Why So Many Pakistanis Are Diagnosed Late

Most people think of ADHD as a childhood condition. But a significant proportion of adults have ADHD that was never identified — and are struggling unnecessarily because of it.

Why is adult ADHD underdiagnosed in Pakistan? ADHD was not widely recognised in Pakistani schools a generation ago. Children who struggled to focus were labelled lazy, naughty, or simply not academic. Many of those children are now adults who have developed sophisticated coping mechanisms — but are still fundamentally impaired.

Common signs of ADHD in adults: - Chronic disorganisation and difficulty finishing tasks - Impulsivity in decisions, spending, or relationships - Difficulty sustaining attention during conversations or reading - Emotional dysregulation — intense frustration over small things - A pattern of underperforming relative to your own intelligence - Restlessness or an inability to relax

How is it different from childhood ADHD? Hyperactivity tends to decrease in adulthood but does not disappear — it often internalises as racing thoughts or emotional turbulence. Inattention and impulsivity tend to persist.

What does treatment look like? Adult ADHD is highly treatable. A combination of medication (when appropriate), behavioural coaching, and environmental adjustments can produce dramatic improvements in functioning, relationships, and quality of life.

At Mindincare, Dr. Usman Tariq specialises in adult ADHD evaluation and management — a thorough process that typically spans two to three sessions before a formal diagnosis is made.