ADHD in Adults Undiagnosed
Undiagnosed ADHD is a tough condition to manage, and can cause years of shame and low confidence. This can lead to depression as well as mental health issues and even addiction to drugs.
As with children who are diagnosed with ADHD, diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough history, which may include a psychological exam and interviewing the person's close family members for perspective on childhood behaviors.
1. Difficulty in Focusing
People with ADHD have a hard time staying focused. Forgetfulness is another sign of adult ADHD. If you are unable to remember where your keys are or the meaning of the story you're telling, this can result in serious problems at workplace and in your relationships.
Adult ADHD symptoms are usually more severe than childhood ADHD symptoms, making the diagnosis a challenge. This is compounded by the fact that women are better at hiding their inattentive symptoms, and that they're more likely to come up with compensatory strategies to manage their ADHD.
These strategies and tools, including alcohol and other drugs, as well as relying on technology to assist in time management and other organizational tasks, may mask or reduce ADHD symptoms. This can result in a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. They also can hinder the effectiveness of treatment.
In addition to examining the person's present symptoms, a health care provider or mental health professional will also examine the person's past, particularly in childhood. This may include a thorough interview with the individual and, often, with family members who can provide a perspective on the individual's behavior in the early years of their life.
The CDC states that in order to fulfill the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis they must have difficulty managing their attention in at least two areas of their lives. This means they be struggling at the workplace, at school and with social interactions.
A doctor will use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether an individual is able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis. They also conduct psychological tests to determine the working memory, executive functions (abilities like decision making and planning) and visual and spatial skills (related to space).
2. Difficulty in Making Decisions
If you suffer from ADHD their executive functions (the parts of the brain which allow them to plan and organize) are often impaired. They may be unable to make decisions when faced with a myriad of choices or a deadline. In some instances this may manifest as "mental paralysis" or a feeling of cognitive overload that makes it difficult for them to process information effectively.
This can lead to missing opportunities or a lack of progress on crucial tasks. In other instances it can trigger anxiety as individuals second-guess themselves and fear making the wrong decision. This symptom can negatively impact personal relationships in both instances.
As adults, those who have not been diagnosed with ADHD frequently develop strategies for coping that assist them in managing their symptoms. This may include avoiding situations that may cause symptoms (e.g. waiting in line, going to a movie theatre), developing a routine to minimize impulsivity, and/or using drugs or alcohol to suppress symptoms. These compensations may provide some relief, but they can conceal ADHD symptoms and delay treatment.
In some cases this could lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD as symptoms could be misinterpreted as symptoms of another condition. For instance, issues with managing emotions can create the impression that someone is bipolar even though they actually have ADHD.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD find it difficult to discuss their concerns with medical professionals. Some people are worried about the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, while others are worried that the medication could have negative side effects. In addition, the fact that adult ADHD symptoms are often different than those of children may cause a delay in diagnosis.
3. The difficulty of organizing
Many adults undiagnosed with ADHD struggle to manage their time to keep their jobs or home in order, and stick to daily routines. adhd diagnosis adults is especially true for those with hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms that can interfere with emotional regulation. People with ADHD may have difficulty managing intense emotions, such as frustration and self-criticism. This can make it difficult for them to motivate themselves to complete tasks that require organization.
Inability to organize thoughts and communicate these thoughts verbally is also common for adults with ADHD. These difficulties are caused by neurological and cognitive factors such as a disorderly "filing system" within the brain, a weakened working memory and problems controlling emotions. The difficulties in communicating thoughts and ideas could result in miscommunication and can cause frustration for others who are around them, or result in missed appointments, unfinished projects, or financial difficulties.
Adults with ADHD utilize strategies to compensate to overcome their behavioral and cognitive issues. These include the use physical objects such as fidget toys and stress balls to manage excessive energy, relying upon internal repetition or paraphrasing when listening, or practicing or rehearsing speech. These compensatory behaviors can disguise ADHD symptoms and make it more difficult to identify and treat.
ADHD symptoms can become more noticeable during times of stress like the pandemic. This is why it is crucial for adults to speak with their health care providers about the possibility that they have ADHD and to seek treatment for mental health issues if appropriate. Most often, a primary care provider can diagnose or refer individuals with ADHD to a mental health professional who can offer a specialized assessment and treatment. Adults who have an underlying history of ADHD may have regrets about being denied job or academic opportunities because they were not diagnosed and treated, or of losing relationships due to lack of effective communication.
4. Trouble Keeping Routines
The symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on top of everyday tasks. A lack of organization could lead to missing appointments or forgetting to take medications. These issues can lead to a lack of performance at work, financial issues and feelings of underachievement. They can also lead to health issues such as inadequate nutrition, chronic stress, anxiety and substance abuse.
Contrary to conditions such as anxiety or depression that are typically situational and cyclic, symptoms of ADHD are persistent, and can last throughout a person's lifetime. This can cause feelings of despair or frustration, especially when the patient is unable to determine the cause of the problem.
To help people better understand their conditions and manage their symptoms, some experts recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) -- which helps individuals learn how their thoughts, emotions and behaviors interact and can be used in conjunction with medication. Some medications include stimulants like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin.
Some people with ADHD develop compensatory strategies to manage their symptoms. They aren't necessarily bad, but they can cover up the root of the problem and cause a variety of long-term health issues and social problems. Such strategies might involve avoiding situations where their symptoms are more evident like waiting in line at a grocery store or going to a theater. Self-medication may also be used, such as with alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. These drugs can have negative health effects over the long term.
It is essential that primary care physicians feel at ease screening for and diagnosing ADHD in adults. Without the proper diagnosis and treatment, adults could miss out on a chance to live more fulfilling, happier lives.
5. Stress Management Problems
People suffering from ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties dealing with emotions and stress. They may find it difficult to control their moods which can lead to problems with relationships and work performance. They may also have trouble managing their routines and daily activities, especially during major transitions. These problems are made more difficult by the presence of an underlying mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
Certain of these symptoms such as forgetfulness procrastination, challenges with time management, and shifts in mood, are related to executive functioning (EF) problems that are typical of ADHD. EF is the cognitive process involved in self-regulation, interaction with the environment, planning, organizing and regulating alertness.
Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD can experience a wide range of problems. These include issues with relationships and loss of work and financial instability. Research has also shown that people with untreated ADHD are more likely to be involved in criminal activity and car accidents than those without it.
Adults may exhibit different signs of ADHD which makes it difficult to determine. This is partly due to the fact that a lot of the symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are similar to other disorders, such as depression or anxiousness. Many adults aren't aware of the possibility of having a diagnosis or think that their symptoms merit an examination by a physician.
Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available for adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD. Psychotherapy can be used to assist adults in managing their symptoms and enhance the quality of their lives. This includes a variety of cognitive behavioral therapy as well as couples and family therapy. Additionally, medication are available to treat people suffering from ADHD. Patients should talk to their doctor whether medication is appropriate for them. They should also discuss any other health issues they may have, as certain medications can interact with certain drugs.