The widespread belief kids with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) eventually outgrow it is wrong, new research has found.
Nine out of 10 kids diagnosed with the condition will continue to "experience residual symptoms into young adulthood", according to a new study.
"It's important for people diagnosed with ADHD to understand that it's normal to have times in your life where things maybe more unmanageable and other times when things feel more under control," said leader author Margaret Sibley, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
It's long been assumed by scientists that ADHD only persisted into adulthood only about half the time.
The latest research looked at 558 kids over 16 years, from when they were eight to age 25. They were assessed every two years, with researchers also talking to the family, friends and workmates.
What they found was ADHD symptoms wax and wane in adulthood - previous studies usually only did one follow-up, and missed the fact symptoms could come and go.
In adulthood, ADHD looks slightly different than it does in kids; in children it generally manifests as having lots of physical energy, while in adults it's verbal impulsivity, difficulty with decision-making, and not thinking before acting, the researchers said.
"The key is finding a job or a life passion that ADHD does not interfere with," said Dr Sibley. "You are going to see a lot of creative people have ADHD because they're able to be successful in their creative endeavors despite having ADHD, whereas people who might be required to do very detail-oriented work at a computer all day - that could be a really hard combination for a person with ADHD."
Just why symptoms come and go in adults isn't clear, Dr Sibley suggesting it could be stress, the wrong environment, not having a healthy lifestyle of proper sleep, not eating properly or exercising regularly.
The latest research was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.