Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), often diagnosed during childhood, has become more recognized in adults than many might expect. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 15.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD, with nearly half of these diagnoses occurring in adulthood. However, a recent survey has shed light on the fact that a significant number of U.S. adults suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD but have not sought medical advice for it.
The Ohio State University conducted a study that surveyed over 1,000 participants in mid-August 2024, revealing that 25% of respondents suspected they had ADHD. Despite these suspicions, only about 13% had spoken to their doctors about the possibility of the condition. This disconnect points to broader concerns about self-diagnosis and the potential lack of proper medical evaluation for these individuals.
Dr. Jasmin Dao, a neurologist not involved in the study, commented that these findings align with the increased awareness of ADHD brought on by pop culture and social media. However, she warned of the misinformation circulating about ADHD, which can mislead individuals into misidentifying symptoms. ADHD symptoms can often overlap with other conditions, such as anxiety and depression, making self-diagnosis or even professional diagnosis tricky without proper attention to detail.
Many adults may avoid discussing their symptoms with their doctors due to the stigma surrounding ADHD or fear of being judged. This hesitancy can lead to untreated conditions or even misdiagnosis, further complicating treatment. Dao also pointed out that ADHD can mimic other conditions, and there are concerns about the side effects of medications, which might deter individuals from seeking help.
Researchers involved in the study have also raised concerns that many adults might be missing out on necessary treatments, either due to self-diagnosing or because physicians misdiagnose them. Psychologist Dr. Justin Barterian noted the risks of incorrect treatment plans for conditions that share similar symptoms, such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression. This is crucial because the wrong treatment could worsen the symptoms rather than improve the individual’s quality of life.
Dao emphasized that while hyperactivity might lessen with age, inattentiveness often persists in adulthood. With age, many adults develop coping mechanisms to manage their ADHD symptoms, further complicating diagnosis. This, along with coexisting conditions like anxiety and depression, can make it challenging for physicians to identify adult ADHD. Consequently, ongoing awareness and thorough diagnostic processes are necessary to ensure proper treatment.
