Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is usually considered a childhood condition. However, more and more adults are realizing that their difficulties with attention, concentration and restlessness could actually be undiagnosed ADHD, in large part because of viral videos on social media that are garnering millions of views.
A new national survey of 1,000 American adults, commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine, shows that 25 percent of adults now suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD. But what worries mental health experts is that only 13% of respondents discussed these suspicions with their doctor.
This raises questions about the consequences of self-diagnosis, which may lead to inappropriate treatments.
A quarter of adults believe they have undiagnosed ADHD. But do they really have?
“Anxiety, depression and ADHD, all of these conditions can look very similar, but the wrong treatment can make the situation worse instead of helping the person feel better and improve their functioning,” said psychologist Justin Barterian, a clinical assistant professor in within the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at Ohio State.
An estimated 4.4 percent of people ages 18 to 44 have ADHD, and some aren’t diagnosed until adulthood, Barterian added.
“There is certainly a greater awareness of how ADHD can continue to affect people into adulthood, and many people realize once their children have been diagnosed that they too have these symptoms, given that it is a genetic disorder,” explained Barterian, Eurek Alert quote.
Young people are more likely to believe they have undiagnosed ADHD
The survey found that young adults are more likely to believe they have undiagnosed ADHD than older generations, and are also more likely to act on it.
Barterian emphasized that people should talk to a medical specialist, usually their family doctor, to receive a referral to a mental health expert to be properly assessed, accurately diagnosed and effectively treated.
“If you watch videos on social media and they make you think you may meet the criteria for this disorder, I encourage you to seek an evaluation from a psychologist, psychiatrist or physician to verify this,” Barterian said.
Adults with ADHD experience problems with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are severe enough to create constant challenges at school, work, and home. These symptoms are persistent and disruptive, and can often be traced back to childhood.
ADHD in adults occurs in two scenarios: adults diagnosed in childhood but whose symptoms persist into adulthood; and adults diagnosed for the first time, although they have had symptoms since youth, which have been ignored or misdiagnosed.
Hyperactivity is usually less present in adults than in children. Many adults with ADHD experience difficulty with memory and concentration. ADHD symptoms can worsen under conditions of stress, conflict or increased demands in everyday life.
A difficult condition to diagnose
The three types of ADHD are: inattentive ADHD, which presents with difficulty concentrating and being easily distracted, also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD); ADHD of the hyperactive and impulsive type, characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity; and combined ADHD, this type causing both lack of concentration and 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.
“ADHD symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may have more difficulty concentrating in class or being organized, while others may have social problems, such as impulsivity and difficulty following conversations,” Barterian said.
The study was conducted by SSRS on its Opinion Panel Omnibus platform. This is a national probability survey, conducted twice a month. Data collection took place between August 16 and 18, 2024, on a sample of 1,006 respondents.
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Source: www.descopera.ro
