1 in 4 adults suspect undiagnosed ADHD, research shows

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is usually thought of as a childhood disorder. But more and more adults are realizing that their struggles with attention, focus and restlessness could actually be undiagnosed ADHD, thanks in large part to popular social media videos that have millions of views.

A new national survey of 1,000 U.S. adults commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine finds that 25% of adults now suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD. But what worries mental health experts is that only 13% of respondents have shared their suspicions with their doctor.

This raises concerns about the consequences of self-diagnosis leading to incorrect treatment.

“Anxiety, depression and ADHD – all these things can seem a lot alike, but the wrong treatment can make things worse instead of helping the person feel better and improve his or her functioning,” says psychologist Justin Barterian, Ph. .D., clinical assistant professor. at the Ohio Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health.

An estimated 4.4% of people between the ages of 18 and 44 have ADHD, and some people are not diagnosed until they are older, Barterian said.

“There is certainly more awareness about how it can continue to affect people into adulthood and many people realize, once their children are diagnosed, that they too have these symptoms since it is a genetic condition,” Barterian said.

The study found that younger adults are more likely to believe they have undiagnosed ADHD than older generations, and are more likely to do something about it.

Barterian said this should include going to a medical professional, usually their primary care provider, to get a referral to a mental health professional who will be thoroughly evaluated, accurately diagnosed and effective is being treated.

“If you are watching videos on social media and you think you meet the criteria for the disorder, I would encourage you to seek an evaluation from a psychologist, a psychiatrist or a doctor to get it checked out,” said Barterian. .

What is Adult ADHD?

Adults who struggle with ADHD will have problems paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are severe enough to cause ongoing problems at school, work, and home. These symptoms are persistent and disruptive and often trace back to childhood.

Adult ADHD occurs in:

• Adults who were diagnosed as children, but symptoms persist into adulthood.
• Adults who are diagnosed for the first time despite having experienced symptoms since childhood that have been ignored or misdiagnosed.

Hyperactivity as a symptom is generally less present in adults than in children. Many adults with ADHD suffer from memory and concentration problems. Symptoms of ADHD often worsen with stress, conflict or increased demands in life.

What are common forms of ADHD?

The three types of ADHD are:

• Inattentive ADHD – Inability to pay attention and distractibility. This is also called attention deficit disorder (ADD).
• Hyperactive and impulsive ADHD—Hyperactivity and impulsivity.
• Combined ADHD—This type causes inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adults because some symptoms are similar to those of other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.

“Symptoms of ADHD can look different in different people,” Barterian said. “Some people may have more difficulty concentrating on lectures or with organization, while others may have more social problems with impulsivity and difficulty following conversations.”