1 in 4 American Adults Suspect They Have Undiagnosed ADHD; Signs And Symptoms To See If You Might

A recent study of 1,000 American adults, commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, reveals that one in four adults suspects they may have undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), yet only 13% of respondents have discussed their suspicions with a doctor.

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. According to KidsHealth, “It is a medical condition. A person with ADHD has differences in brain development and activity that affect attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control. ADHD can impact a child’s performance at school, home, and in friendships.”

“Anxiety, depression, and ADHD can appear quite similar, but inappropriate treatment may worsen the condition instead of helping the person feel better and improving their functioning", explains Psychologist Justin Barterian, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor in Ohio State’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health.

Although ADHD is commonly diagnosed in children, some people are not diagnosed until adulthood, according to Barterian. It’s estimated that only 4.4% of people aged 18 to 44 have ADHD.

Signs and symptoms

There are three types of ADHD:

• Inattentive
• Hyperactive-Impulsive
• Combined

“Many children may struggle with sitting still, waiting their turn, paying attention, or acting impulsively. However, children who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, disorganization, and/or inattention that are noticeably more severe than expected for their age or developmental level. These symptoms lead to significant distress and cause issues at home, school, work, and in relationships. The symptoms are not due to defiance or misunderstanding tasks or instructions,” states the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatments

Videos of ADHD self-diagnosis have been increasingly circulating on social media, to which Barterian advises, “If you're watching videos online and believe you may meet the criteria for ADHD, I encourage you to seek an evaluation from a psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician to get an accurate assessment.”