Watch Out: How ADHD In Adults Undiagnosed Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It
ADHD in Adults Undiagnosed
Undiagnosed ADHD is a challenging condition to manage, and can cause years of self-doubt and low confidence. This can lead to depression as well as mental health issues and even substance abuse.
Adults are more difficult to diagnose than children. A thorough background is required, which may include a psychological evaluation and a discussion with the person's family members regarding their childhood behavior.
1. Focusing Problems
People with ADHD often have difficulty staying focused. Adult ADHD is also characterized by forgetfulness. If you don't remember where your keys are, or the meaning of a story you're telling this could have serious consequences in your interactions and work.
Adult ADHD symptoms are usually more severe than childhood ADHD symptoms, making the diagnosis a challenge. This is further complicated by the fact that women are more adept at hiding their inattentive symptoms and are more likely to come up with compensatory strategies to manage their ADHD.
These strategies and tools -- including drinking and using drugs, as well as relying on technology to help with organizational and time-management tasks can cover up or reduce the impact of their ADHD symptoms, which can cause the misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. They also can hinder the effectiveness of treatment.
A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the person's past particularly during childhood. This involves a thorough discussion with the individual and, often, with family members who can give a perspective on the person's behavior during the early years of their life.
The CDC states that in order to fulfill the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have trouble managing their attention span in at least two life domains. This means they must have difficulties in school, at work and with social relationships.
A doctor will use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether an individual meets the criteria of a diagnosis. They may also conduct psychological tests to evaluate working memory, executive function abilities (abilities like planning and decision-making) and spatial and visual abilities (related to space).
2. Making adhd diagnosis in adult can be difficult.
When people have ADHD, their executive functions (the parts of the brain that allow them to plan and organize) are usually impaired. They may be unable to make the right decisions when faced with a variety of options or a deadline. This may manifest in certain cases as "mental paralysis", or the feeling of being overwhelmed by information.
This could result in missing opportunities or a lack of progress on crucial tasks. In some instances it can cause anxiety as people rethink their choices and be concerned about making the wrong decision. In both cases this symptom, it could result in negative effects on relationships with others.
As they age, people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD typically develop coping strategies that assist them in managing their symptoms. This could include avoiding certain situations (e.g. waiting in line or going to the cinema), developing a schedule to minimize impulsivity and/or using alcohol or other drugs to control symptoms. While these strategies can provide some relief, they can also mask the effects of ADHD and delay the appropriate treatment.
In some instances, this can contribute to an incorrect diagnosis of ADHD because symptoms can be misinterpreted as signs of a different disorder. For example, trouble controlling emotions can give the perception that someone is bipolar, when they actually suffer from ADHD.
This is why many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD have difficulty talking about their concerns with healthcare professionals. Many adults are concerned about the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, while others are concerned that medication may have negative adverse effects. Adult ADHD symptoms are typically different from those of children, which could delay diagnosis.
3. The difficulty of organizing
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for adults to maintain an organized routine, prioritize tasks, and keep their home or job in order. This is especially true for those with hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms that can interfere with emotional regulation. People suffering from ADHD are often unable to control their emotions, including self-criticism and frustration. This can make it difficult to motivate them to finish their tasks.
Adults with ADHD also have difficulty organizing their thoughts and communicating these thoughts verbally. These difficulties result from neurological and cognitive factors, such as disorganized internal "filing" systems, a shortened working memory capacity and difficulties managing emotions. The difficulties they face in communicating their thoughts and ideas could lead them to miscommunications, which can frustrate others or result in delayed appointments, incomplete projects or financial problems.
Adults with ADHD typically employ compensatory strategies to overcome their behavioral and cognitive challenges. These include the use of physical objects like fidget toys and stress balls to manage excessive energy, relying upon internal repetition or paraphrasing while listening, or practicing or rehearsing speech. However, these compensatory behaviors can mask a person's ADHD symptoms which makes them harder to identify and treat.
When there is stress, like during the pandemic, ADHD symptoms may become more apparent. This is why it is crucial for adults to talk with their health care providers about the possibility of having ADHD and seek out treatment for mental health issues when appropriate. A primary care doctor can determine ADHD or refer a patient to a mental health professional who can offer special assessments and treatment. Adults who have a history of ADHD might be disappointed that they were not diagnosed and treated for their ADHD or being denied on school or career opportunities. They may also regret lost relationships due to a lack effective communication.
4. Trouble Keeping Routines
ADHD symptoms can make it hard to keep up with daily tasks. Having trouble with organization can lead to missed appointments or forgetting to take medication. These issues can lead you to a poor performance at work, financial problems, and a feeling of not being achieving. They can also cause health issues, such as poor nutrition and chronic anxiety, stress and substance abuse.
ADHD symptoms are persistent and can last a lifetime. This can cause feelings of despair or frustration, especially when a person is unable to pinpoint the root cause of the problem.
Experts advise medication and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which helps people learn how their thoughts and emotions interact. Medications may include stimulants, such as Adderall, Vyvanse and Ritalin.
Some people with ADHD have compensatory strategies to manage their symptoms. These aren't necessarily harmful however they can mask the underlying disorder and cause a variety of long-term health and social problems. Strategies for avoid situations where symptoms are more apparent for example, like standing in line at the grocery store or going to a movie theatre. They might also include self-medication with substances like alcohol, tobacco and caffeine -- which can have long-term negative health effects.
It is essential that primary care physicians are comfortable diagnosing and screening for ADHD in adults. Without the proper diagnosis and treatment, adults can be denied the chance to live happier, more productive lives.
5. Problems in managing Stress
People with ADHD might have a harder time dealing with stress and emotions. They may find it difficult to control their moods which can cause problems with relationships and work performance. They may also be having difficulty managing their daily routines and activities, especially when major transitions occur. These issues can be made worse due to the presence of an associated mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety.
Executive functioning (EF) which is a characteristic of ADHD can trigger certain symptoms. For example forgetfulness, procrastination, as well as mood swings are all linked to impairments in executive function. EF is the cognitive process involved in self-regulation, interaction with the environment planning, organizing, and managing alertness.
Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD might experience a broad range of issues. These include relationship difficulties as well as loss of employment and financial instability. In addition, research indicates that those suffering from untreated ADHD are more likely to be involved in crime and car accidents than those without it.
Symptoms of ADHD manifest differently in adults which makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. This is partly because many of the symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are similar to those of other disorders, such as depression or anxiety. In addition, some people may not be aware of the possibility of getting an diagnosis or think that their symptoms are serious enough to warrant a medical assessment.
Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD. Psychotherapy can assist adults in learning to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. This includes various types of cognitive behavioral therapy, in addition to couples and family therapy. Additionally, medications can be used to treat adults with ADHD. Patients should discuss with their doctor if medications are appropriate for them. They should also discuss any other health concerns, since certain medications can interact.