How Many Adults Think They Have Undiagnosed ADHD?

The neurodevelopmental form of ADHD is never outgrown, even if it gets missed in childhood.

An increasing number of adults are recognizing that their difficulties with attention, focus and restlessness might stem from undiagnosed ADHD.

A survey by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that 25% of American adults suspect they may have undiagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Only 13% of these individuals have discussed their concerns with a healthcare provider.

Conditions like anxiety, depression and ADHD can share similar symptoms, and misidentifying the problem may lead to inappropriate treatments that could worsen a person’s situation.

Psychologist Justin Barterian emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

ADHD affects an estimated 4.4% of adults 18 to 44, with many individuals remaining undiagnosed until adulthood.

Increased awareness about the disorder’s persistence into adult life, often triggered by parental diagnoses, has led to more men and women recognizing symptoms in themselves.

Younger adults are particularly proactive about seeking help compared to older generations.

For those who suspect they may have ADHD, Barterian recommends consulting a primary care provider, who can refer them to mental health specialists for a thorough evaluation.

This process is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of the condition.

Watching social media videos might spark recognition of ADHD traits, but professional evaluation is best for effective treatment.

What Adult ADHD Is Like

Adult ADHD can manifest in various ways, including challenges with attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, which can disrupt daily life at work, home and in social situations.

Symptoms often originate in childhood and can persist or become more pronounced under stress or increased demands.

There are three main types of ADHD:

1. Inattentive ADHD: Characterized by difficulties in maintaining attention and a tendency to be easily distracted. This type is often referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD).
2. Hyperactive and Impulsive ADHD: Involves significant hyperactivity and impulsivity.
3. Combined ADHD: Features a blend of inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive symptoms.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be tricky due to overlapping symptoms with other mental health conditions or with the neurodevelopmental condition of autism spectrum disorder.

In fact, many women and men who’ve been diagnosed with ADHD are eventually diagnosed with ASD.

Or, they may receive the autism diagnosis at the same time as the ADHD diagnosis.

What the Survey Involved

The survey, conducted by SSRS, involved over 1,000 respondents across the U.S.

Data collection took place via web and telephone, ensuring a representative sample of adults 18 and older.

ADHD Awareness

As awareness grows, it’s important for those who suspect ADHD in themselves to seek professional help.

Accurate assessment and treatment can significantly enhance quality of life, helping people manage symptoms and improve their functioning in everyday situations.

An assessment for ADHD should be done by a psychologist or neuropsychologist who has experience with ADHD evaluations.

Sleep Apnea Misdiagnosed As ADHD

Not all people with obstructive sleep apnea snore. You can’t rule out OSA if you don’t snore.

Sleep apnea can often be mistaken for ADHD because both conditions can lead to similar symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, trouble with focus, issues with mood regulaion, irritability and fatigue.

Many individuals with untreated  sleep apnea might experience disrupted sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness and cognitive challenges that resemble ADHD.

Testing for sleep apnea, especially in children and adults diagnosed with ADHD, would be a very smart undertaking.

Of course, it’s always possible for someone to have both OSA and ADHD, independent of each other.

Here is more on why sleep apnea in adults, even thin younger ones including women, can be misdiagnosed as ADHD.

Lorra Garrick is a former personal trainer certified through the American Council on Exercise. At Bally Total Fitness she trained women and men of all ages for fat loss, muscle building, fitness and improved health. 

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