By Stephen Beech via SWNS
One in four adults suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD, according to new research.
However, few have consulted their doctor about it, according to the findings.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, known as ADHD, is mainly thought to affect children.
But researchers found that more adults are realising that their struggles with attention, focus and restlessness could be undiagnosed ADHD – thanks in part to trending social media videos racking up millions of views.
A survey of 1,000 American adults for The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine finds that 25% of adults now suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD.
But what worries mental health experts is that only 13% of those polled have shared their suspicions with their doctor.
That’s raising concerns about the consequences of self-diagnosis leading to incorrect treatment.
Dr. Justin Barterian, Clinical Assistant Professor in Ohio State’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, said: “Anxiety, depression and ADHD – all these things can look a lot alike, but the wrong treatment can make things worse instead of helping that person feel better and improving their functioning.”
He pointed out that an estimated 4.4% of people aged 18 to 44 have ADHD, but some people aren’t diagnosed until they’re much older,.
Dr. Barterian said: “There’s definitely more awareness of how it can continue to affect folks into adulthood and a lot of people who are realizing, once their kids have been diagnosed, that they fit these symptoms as well, given that it’s a genetic disorder.”
The survey found that younger adults are more likely to believe they have undiagnosed ADHD than older generations, and they’re also more likely to do something about it.
Dr. Barterian says that should include seeing a medical professional, usually their GP, to receive a referral to a mental health expert to be thoroughly evaluated, accurately diagnosed and effectively treated.
He said: “If you’re watching videos on social media and it makes you think that you may meet criteria for the disorder,
“I would encourage you to seek an evaluation from a psychologist or a psychiatrist or a physician to get it checked out.”
Experts say that adults struggling with ADHD will have problems with paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are severe enough to cause ongoing challenges at work and home.
The symptoms are persistent and disruptive and can often be traced back to childhood.
Dr. Barterian says hyperactivity as a symptom is usually less present in adults with ADHD than in children.
However, many adults with ADHD struggle with memory and concentration issues.
Dr. Barterian said symptoms of ADHD often worsen with stress, conflict or increased demands in life.
But ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adults, because some of the symptoms are similar to those in other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Dr. Barterian added: “Symptoms of ADHD can look different between different people.
“Some people might have more difficulty focusing on lectures or with organisation, while others may have more social difficulties with impulsivity and trouble following along in conversations.”
