Symptoms of ADHD Undiagnosed in Adults
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is typically thought of as a child-like condition, but it may be present in adults as well. However, the symptoms may be more subtle as an adult, which may lead to a diagnosis of ADHD.
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults will involve asking permission to speak to family members and close acquaintances who know the individual well. It will also involve using standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists.
Problems with Time Management
If you are an adult with signs of ADHD that cause significant problems in your life, it's essential to consult an expert doctor about these symptoms. The stigma that surrounds mental health issues and the fear of being labeled and having side effects from medications can prevent people from seeking treatment. A diagnosis and the correct treatment can enhance your quality of life.
Adults with ADHD typically struggle with poor time management, impulsive and risky behaviors, and difficulty concentrating or paying attention. These issues can lead to academic problems, work-related challenges, and relationship issues. They may also have difficulties following directions and learning new concepts. ADHD symptoms could also be linked to addiction to substances such as gambling, reckless driving or risky sexual practices.
A thorough assessment of adults with ADHD usually involves at least two in-depth interviews with an expert in mental health or primary care physician, as well as standardized behavior-rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. A thorough evaluation also could include psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
A healthcare provider or a mental health professional should also look into the history of childhood ADHD symptoms, and school experiences. The doctor may inquire about other behavioral and emotional problems, like depression, anxiety bipolar disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities. The person may also be asked to list other medications they are taking, such as over-the-counter medications and complementary health treatments.
People who have ADHD frequently develop strategies to hide their symptoms, which makes it difficult to detect them. Research has shown that the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD tend to decrease as teens develop their neurodevelopment and only the inattention symptoms remain active. Many adults are not diagnosed until they are diagnosed as children.
Many people suffering from ADHD self-medicate with alternatives to health, like mineral and vitamin supplements to manage their symptoms. These alternative treatments have not been scientifically proven to improve symptoms or impairments that are associated with ADHD.
Problems with Emotional Regulation
Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to emotional instability. This can result in a negative and intense emotional response that is out-of-proportion to the event or situation. In some instances, these reactions can be projected onto others who are close to them, resulting in a vicious dynamic that can sometimes end relationships.
This emotional dysregulation is related to problems with executive function (EF) which is the cognitive process that mediates self-regulation and interaction with the environment. One of the primary EF tasks is behavioral inhibition, which involves controlling impulses. EF includes regulating alertness, attention, planning, executing and shifting tasks. These functions are vital to ensure an unstoppable flow of activities and manage their emotions in an healthy way.
Anger is a primary manifestation of ADHD and can cause harm to relationships with close friends. It is typical for people suffering from ADHD to respond to perceived setbacks by getting angry or blame others. This anger can escalate into a full-on argument or even a fight.
Emotional dysregulation can also contribute to issues at home and work. For example, people with ADHD may struggle to keep their jobs due to impulsive behavior or inability to follow corporate guidelines. They may also have difficulty managing their finances because of an inability to pay attention to specifics or forgetfulness. This can lead to a lot of stress and anger, particularly if the person doesn't understand the reason for their struggles.
Undiagnosed ADHD patients may have low self-esteem since they aren't able to identify their difficulties and explain their struggles to others. A diagnosis can boost their self-esteem, as it will explain why they've had so many problems for so long. It can also shed light on the issues that have caused so much difficulty at work and in their private lives. A diagnosis of adhd in adults who have been not diagnosed could be a life-changing moment for many. It helps them be aware of the abuse they've endured.
Problems with Decision-Making
ADHD symptoms can affect nearly every aspect of life. People with ADHD often suffer from problems with forgetfulness and ineffective managing their time and staying motivated. They also have issues with their emotions. They might exhibit unpredictable or uncontrollable behavior or mood swings that can result in them being arrested by the police or harm their relationships with their family.
Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD often develop strategies for compensatory behavior to help them cope with their symptoms. This could include the use of substances like tobacco or alcohol, drugs or caffeine to self-medicate and offset their impaired EF. They may also cover up the underlying cognitive issues. Fidgeting can be used to distract from anxiety when waiting in the line, or to avoid an impulsive behavior since the person believes they will "work out" the problem later.
adhd diagnoses may be beneficial in the short-term however they could be detrimental to people who are not diagnosed with ADHD. These strategies can increase the likelihood of comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression that can mask ADHD symptoms. This can make it hard for providers to detect ADHD.
Many adults have been misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed due to a lack of understanding of the recurrence of ADHD throughout adulthood. It is common for women to go undiagnosed since their symptoms are more characterized by inattention rather than hyperactivity or impulsiveness. They might also be better at hiding their ADHD symptoms, and are less likely to be able to recognize the signs of a problem.
Adults should be aware of the symptoms and seek a diagnosis if they observe any. It is difficult to locate a provider that will take your symptoms seriously. But it's worth the effort to ensure you get the treatment you need. A diagnosis will let you know that your issues aren't your own fault and can be addressed with therapies and medications. It can also help build positive relationships with your family and friends.
Social Problems Skills
The social world is a complicated web of rules that can be difficult to navigate, especially for adults with ADHD. Unsuitable social behavior can cause emotional distress and cause problems in relationships and career choices and can have a lasting impact on the self-esteem of a person.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have trouble understanding why they act the way they do and have trouble understanding the implications of their actions. For instance, a brief interruption in attention can cause a person to miss important information in the course of a conversation, which could cause confusion and miscommunication. This can result in confusion and resentment.
In addition, adults with ADHD often have trouble recognizing their strengths and capabilities which makes it difficult to find work or develop fulfilling relationships. They are often seen as a failure due to their difficulties with organization and time management, which leads to feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
These feelings of shame could be made worse by the miscommunications and criticisms they encounter in their personal relationships and at work. When people who suffer from ADHD fail to complete the schoolwork, they are considered lazy or unmotivated. Those who are in relationships with people without ADHD may become angry and frustrated at their companions for not understanding their inability to follow simple instructions. Similar to adults with ADHD who work in positions that require more complex tasks could feel that they are not doing enough for their employers or coworkers when they are not able to handle their work load.
These behaviors can result in anxiety and depression. These are typically caused by undiagnosed ADHD. In one study, those who had not been diagnosed with ADHD had higher rates of psychiatric disorders and were more likely to commit suicide than those who were treated and diagnosed (Bitter and colleagues. 2021).
Talk to your doctor about the diagnosis and treatment options if you're experiencing ADHD symptoms. Your health care provider can assess your symptoms and conduct a thorough examination that includes a review of your medical history, as well as an interview with your family members and you.