ADHD in Adults Undiagnosed
Being a person with undiagnosed ADHD can be extremely difficult and can lead to years of shame and low self-esteem. This can lead to depression, other mental health issues, and even alcohol abuse.
In contrast to children, diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough history that may include a psychological exam and interviewing the person's close family members for perspective on childhood behaviors.
1. Concentrating Problems
People with ADHD often have difficulty staying focused. Forgetfulness is a common symptom of adult ADHD. Whether you forget the location of your keys or the point of your story, this can result in serious problems at interactions and work.
Adult ADHD symptoms are typically more severe than childhood ADHD symptoms, making the diagnosis a challenge. This is further complicated by the fact that women are better at securing their inattention symptoms and are more likely to develop compensatory strategies to manage their ADHD.
These strategies and tools, including alcohol and other drugs, as well as relying on technology to assist with time management and organizational tasks, may mask or minimize their ADHD symptoms. This can cause a misdiagnosis, or an underdiagnosis. They can also interfere in the effectiveness of treatment.
A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the person's past especially in childhood. This includes a thorough interview with the individual, and sometimes family members who might have a different view of their behavior as a child.
According to the CDC, a person must have difficulty managing their attention in at minimum two areas of their life in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. This means that they need to have problems in work, school and social relationships.
A doctor will employ standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if a person is able to meet the criteria for an assessment. They also conduct psychological tests to determine the working memory, executive function abilities (abilities such as planning and decision making) and visual and spatial skills (related to spatiality).
2. Making the right decision can be difficult.
If someone suffers from ADHD the executive functions (the parts of the brain which allow them to plan and organize) are often impaired. In the end, they may have difficulty making decisions, especially when faced with multiple options or a deadline to meet. In certain instances, this can result in "mental paralysis" or a feeling of cognitive overload that hinders their ability to process information effectively.
When this happens, it can lead to a lack of progress on important tasks or missed opportunities. In diagnosis adhd can trigger anxiety as people question their choices and worry about making the wrong choice. This can have negative effects on personal relationships in both cases.
As adults, those who have not been diagnosed with ADHD frequently develop strategies for coping that help them manage their symptoms. This may include avoiding situations (e.g. waiting in line or going to the movie theatre) and establishing a plan to reduce impulsivity, and/or using alcohol or other drugs to control symptoms. These compensations may provide some relief, but they may mask ADHD symptoms and delay treatment.
In certain instances, the symptoms of ADHD may be misdiagnosed as a sign of another disorder. In some cases an individual's inability to regulate their emotions could give the impression that they are bipolar. However, they could actually suffer from ADHD.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have difficulty being able to talk about their concerns with healthcare professionals. Some adults are worried about the stigma that surrounds mental health disorders while others are worried that the medication could have negative side effects. Adult ADHD symptoms are often different from those of children, and can delay diagnosis.
3. It is difficult to organize
Undiagnosed ADHD can make it difficult for adults to keep an organized routine, prioritize tasks and keep their home or work place in order. This is especially true for those with hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms that can interfere with emotional regulation. People with ADHD can have difficulty controlling their emotions, for example self-criticism and frustration. This can make it hard to motivate them to complete their work.
Adults suffering from ADHD also have difficulty organizing their thoughts and communicating them verbally. These issues stem from cognitive and neurological factors, like unorganized internal "filing" systems, a shortened working memory span and problems managing emotions. The difficulties they face in expressing their thoughts and ideas could lead them to miscommunications that can cause frustration to others or lead to missed appointments, incomplete projects or financial difficulties.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically employ compensatory strategies to deal with their behavioral and cognitive issues. This includes the use of physical objects such as fidget toys and stress balls to manage restless energy, relying on internal repetition or paraphrasing while listening, and practicing or practicing speech. These compensatory behaviors can mask ADHD symptoms and make it more difficult to recognize and treat.
When there is stress, like during the pandemic, a person's ADHD symptoms may become more obvious. It is therefore essential that adults discuss with their doctors about the possibility of having ADHD and seek out mental health treatment if required. A primary care doctor can determine ADHD or refer an individual to a mental health specialist who can conduct special assessments and treatment. Adults with an history of ADHD might regret being denied job or school opportunities due to the fact that they were never diagnosed or treated, or about losing relationships due to a lack of effective communication.
4. It is difficult to maintain routines
The signs of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on top of daily tasks. Having trouble with organization can result in missing appointments or forgetting to take medication. These issues can lead to poor performance at work financial issues, and a feeling of being under-achieved. They can also lead to health issues such as poor nutrition and chronic anxiety, stress and abuse of substances.
Contrary to conditions such as depression or anxiety that tend to be chronic and temporary, symptoms of ADHD are persistent, and can last for the rest of a person's life. This can lead to feelings of despair or discontent, especially if the person is unable to pinpoint the root of their issues.
To help people understand their condition and manage their symptoms, some experts recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people understand how their thoughts, emotions and behavior interact -- as well as medication. Certain medications contain stimulants such as Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin.
Some people with ADHD have compensatory strategies to manage their symptoms. These aren't necessarily harmful, but they can mask the underlying disorder and cause a variety of chronic health and social issues. These strategies may include staying clear of situations where their symptoms are more prominent like waiting in the line at the grocery store or going into the theater to watch a movie. Self-medication can also be employed in conjunction with caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. These substances can cause negative health effects over the long term.
It is crucial that primary care doctors are comfortable diagnosing and screening for ADHD in adults. Adults could miss out on the opportunity to lead more fulfilling and happier lives without proper diagnosis and treatment.
5. Difficulty Managing Stress
People suffering from ADHD might have a harder time coping with emotions and stress. They may find it difficult to control their moods which can cause problems with relationships and work performance. They may also be unable to manage their daily activities and routines, especially during major changes. These issues can be made worse by the presence of mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Executive functioning (EF) which is an aspect of ADHD can trigger some of these symptoms. For instance, forgetfulness, procrastination and mood swings are all linked to executive function impairments. EF is the cognitive process involved in self-regulation and interaction with the environment planning, organizing, and controlling alertness.
Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD can experience a wide variety of issues. Problems with relationships, financial instability, and loss of employment are all possible. Research has also shown that people with untreated ADHD are more likely to be involved in criminal activities and car accidents than those who do not have it.
The symptoms of ADHD can manifest differently in adults which makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms and signs of adult ADHD resemble those of other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Some adults may not be aware of the possibility of having a diagnosis or believe that their symptoms warrant an evaluation by a doctor.
There's a variety of treatment options available for adults with undiagnosed ADHD. Psychotherapy can help adults to manage their symptoms and improve their lives. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy as in couples or family therapy. Additionally, medications can be used to treat adults with ADHD. Individuals should consult with their physician about whether medication might be right for them. It is also important to discuss other health issues, as certain medications may interact with one another.