Summary: A new survey reveals that 25 % of adults in the U. S. suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD, though just 13 % have consulted a physician. Social media has driven greater knowledge, particularly among younger people, but experts warn of the dangers associated with self-diagnosis. Adult ADHD presents unique challenges and is often confused with anxiety or depression, which is usually undiagnosed in children.
To avoid diagnosis and poor treatment, experts encourage those with concerns to seek health evaluations. A reliable examination is necessary to manage ADHD symptoms, particularly since stress can only make its effects worse. Researchers emphasize the value of conducting a thorough examination as opposed to simply relying on social media insights.
Major Information
- 25 % of adults suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD, but only 13 % have consulted a physician.
- ADHD symptoms in adults may seem different than in children, usually with less restlessness.
- ADHD stocks symptoms with other problems, highlighting the importance of expert analysis.
Origin: Ohio State University
Interest deficit/hyperactivity disorder – also known as ADHD – is usually thought of as a childhood condition. However, more adults are beginning to realize that their struggles with attention, concentration, and restlessness may be untreated ADHD, in large part due to popular social media videos that have received millions of views.  ,
A new national poll of 1, 000 American parents commissioned by , The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center , and , College of Medicine , finds that 25 % of people now suspect they may include undiagnosed ADHD. However, just 13 % of poll respondents have shared their concerns with their doctor, which worries mental health experts.  ,
That’s raising fears about the implications of self-diagnosis leading to inappropriate treatment.
” Anxiety, melancholy and ADHD – all these things may seem a bit alike, but the wrong treatment can make things worse instead of helping that person feel better and improving their functioning”, said psychologist , Justin Barterian, PhD,  , clinical associate professor in Ohio State ‘s , Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health.
An estimated 4.4 % of people ages 18 to 44 have ADHD, and some people are n’t diagnosed until they’re older, Barterian said.  ,
” There’s absolutely more knowledge of how it can continue to affect people into age and a lot of people who are realizing, once their children have been diagnosed, that they fit these indicators when well, given that it’s a genetic problem”, Barterian said.
Younger adults are also more likely to take action in the poll, which revealed that they are also more likely than older generations to think they have undiagnosed ADHD.  ,
According to Barterian, the first step should be to see a medical professional, typically their primary care provider, to be completely evaluated, diagnosed, and treated successfully.  ,
I would advise you to get an assessment from a psychologist, a physician, or a doctor if you’re watching videos on social media and it makes you think that you might meet the disorder’s conditions, said Barterian.
What is Adult ADHD?
Adults who have ADHD may struggle with attention-paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity because they will have problems that will continue to be difficult at work, home, and school. These signs are consistent and destructive, and they frequently date back to childhood.
Child ADHD occurs in the following ways:
- People who were diagnosed as children, but indications continue into adulthood.
- People who have been diagnosed for the first time, despite having previously experienced undiagnosed or ignored indicators since they were younger.
Hyperactivity is normally less prevalent in adults than it is in children. Some adults with ADHD have trouble with memory and focus. Ad signs frequently get worse as a result of conflict, stress, or life needs getting worse.
What types of ADHD are prevalent?
What are the three kinds of ADHD:
- Inattentive ADHD , – Inability to pay interest and distractibility. This also is known as attention-deficit disorder ( ADD).
- Hyperactive and aggressive ADHD , – Hyperactivity and aggression.
- Combined ADHD ,– This form causes inattention, hyperactivity and aggression.
ADHD can be difficult to detect in individuals, because some of the symptoms are identical to those in other mental health conditions, like as , depression , or , stress.
According to Barterian,” Indicators of ADHD may vary depending on the person. Some people may struggle with concentration during lectures or with business, while others may struggle with social interaction and impulsivity.
Survey Methodology
This study was carried out by SSRS using its Opinion Panel Omnibus system. The SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus is a nationwide, twice-per-month, probability-based study. Data set was conducted from August 16 – August 18, 2024, among a specimen of 1, 006 responders.
The survey was conducted via web ( n=975 ) and telephone ( n=31 ) and administered in English. At the 95 % confidence level, the margin of error for all respondents is + / -3.8 percentage points. All SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus files are weighted to fit the intended sample of U.S. people who are 18 or older.
About this information from ADHD studies
Author: Allison Matthews
Source: Ohio State University
Contact: Allison Matthews – Ohio State University
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
