One in 4 Adults Suspect Undiagnosed ADHD, Raising Concerns About Self-Diagnosis

Allison Burk takes medication to manage ADHD. She was diagnosed with the condition as an adult, resolving years of unanswered questions about issues with focus and impulsivity that affected every area of her life.

Allison Burk takes medication to manage ADHD. She was diagnosed with the condition as an adult, resolving years of unanswered questions about issues with focus and impulsivity that affected every area of her life.

A new national survey finds that 25% of American adults believe they may have undiagnosed attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but most have not discussed their concerns with a doctor.

Summary: A survey by Ohio State University shows 25% of adults suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD, but only 13% have talked to their doctor about it, raising concerns about self-diagnosis and incorrect treatment.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

ADHD, once considered primarily a childhood condition, is gaining increased attention among adults. A recent survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine reveals that one in four American adults now suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD. This surge in awareness is largely attributed to trending social media videos that have garnered millions of views.

However, the survey’s findings have raised concerns among mental health experts. While 25% of adults suspect they might have ADHD, only 13% have shared these suspicions with their doctor. This discrepancy has led to worries about the potential consequences of self-diagnosis and incorrect treatment.

The Risks of Self-Diagnosis

Justin Barterian, PhD, clinical assistant professor in Ohio State’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, warns about the dangers of self-diagnosis: “Anxiety, depression and ADHD – all these things can look a lot alike, but the wrong treatment can make things worse instead of helping that person feel better and improving their functioning.”

The complexity of diagnosing ADHD in adults stems from the similarity of its symptoms to other mental health conditions. Barterian emphasizes this point, stating, “Symptoms of ADHD can look different between different people. Some people might have more difficulty focusing on lectures or with organization, while others may have more social difficulties with impulsivity and trouble following along in conversations.”

Understanding Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD is characterized by persistent problems with paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that significantly impact daily life at school, work, and home. These symptoms are often traceable to childhood and can worsen with stress, conflict, or increased life demands.

The survey revealed that younger adults are more likely to suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD compared to older generations. They are also more inclined to take action based on their suspicions.

Barterian advises caution and professional consultation: “If you’re watching videos on social media and it makes you think that you may meet criteria for the disorder, I would encourage you to seek an evaluation from a psychologist or a psychiatrist or a physician to get it checked out.”

The Importance of Professional Diagnosis

While social media has played a significant role in raising awareness about adult ADHD, it’s crucial to understand that only a qualified healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. ADHD can manifest in three types:

  1. Inattentive ADHD (also known as ADD)
  2. Hyperactive and impulsive ADHD
  3. Combined ADHD

An estimated 4.4% of people ages 18 to 44 have ADHD, and some individuals aren’t diagnosed until later in life. Barterian notes, “There’s definitely more awareness of how it can continue to affect folks into adulthood and a lot of people who are realizing, once their kids have been diagnosed, that they fit these symptoms as well, given that it’s a genetic disorder.”

The survey’s findings underscore the need for increased education about adult ADHD and the importance of seeking professional help for accurate diagnosis and treatment. While social media can be a valuable tool for raising awareness, it should not replace professional medical advice.

Glossary of Terms

  1. ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
  2. Self-diagnosis: The process of diagnosing oneself with a medical condition without professional medical consultation.
  3. Inattentive ADHD: A subtype of ADHD primarily characterized by difficulty paying attention and distractibility.
  4. Hyperactive and impulsive ADHD: A subtype of ADHD primarily characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity.
  5. Combined ADHD: A subtype of ADHD that includes symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

Quiz: Test Your Understanding

  1. What percentage of adults surveyed suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD?
  2. According to the survey, what percentage of adults have shared their ADHD suspicions with their doctor?
  3. What are the three types of ADHD mentioned in the article?

Answers:

  1. 25%
  2. 13%
  3. Inattentive ADHD, Hyperactive and impulsive ADHD, and Combined ADHD

For more information, visit The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center website.

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