Top line:
A new survey from Ohio State University shows that 1 in 4 adults believe they have ADHD, a brain disorder associated with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Are you one of them? Here are some questions to ask yourself.
What the survey said: More adults feels like they struggle with focus, attention and restlessness, but only about 13% of those who think they have ADHD have brought it up with a doctor.
Why more people suspect they have gone undiagnosed: Many reasons, but some likely include high expectations for productivity, our culture of stress, and more things that draw our attention, including social media. Combine all of this with the rise of influencers talking about ADHD online.
Q’s to ask yourself:
- Has inattention led to serious impairments in my life, such as missing important deadlines for assignments, problems at work, or fractured relationships?
- Taking a 360 overview of my life — have these challenges affected me, even since childhood?
- Have I received negative feedback or criticism about these challenges throughout my life that have resulted in deep feelings of failure or shame?
Continue reading… for more insight and the best place to start looking for resources.
You may have noticed an explosion of online influencers talking about ADHD — Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder — in recent years. And you may have thought to yourself, “Hey, I can’t pay attention either. Maybe I have ADHD.”
If so, you are not alone.
A recent survey from Ohio State University found that one in four adults believe they have undiagnosed ADHD, a brain disease which is associated with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. It can wreak havoc on daily functioning if not managed well.
Experts joined AirTalkLAist 89.3’s daily news program, and shared what people should do if they think they have it.
Why more people believe they have gone undiagnosed
Experts speculate that there are many reasons contributing to the increase in self-diagnosis. There is our society’s vibrant culture and high expectations for productivity. In addition, we have more things that attract us than ever, including social media, where it just so happens that influencers are talking more about neurodiversity.
Read more: Want to understand the complexity of neurodiversity? Start here
“It has really reduced the stigma around ADHD…but we also know from some research that was published not too long ago that some of these videos, about 50% of the content, tend to be misleading,” said Justin Barterian, psychologist and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral health at Ohio State University.
It could be something else…
It is important to realize that some behaviors consistent with ADHD are quite common.
“Walking into a room and forgetting things, it can happen to the best of us,” Barterian said. “Having a hard time juggling schedules with a busy family, soccer practice, basketball practice, missing the occasional meeting here and there. This is all within the realm of normal.”
Walks into a room and forgets things. It can happen to the best of us.
— Justin Barterian, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral health
Other conditions, such as stress, depression and anxiety, can mimic similar symptoms. Often, experts say, these conditions also come along with ADHD.
Questions to ask yourself
Susan Dillon Tschudi, an LA County-based licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who evaluates and treats adults with ADHD, said it’s important to analyze your history and suggested you consider the following questions:
- Has inattention led to serious impairments in my life, such as missing important deadlines for assignments, problems at work, or fractures in
relationships? - Taking a 360 overview of my life — have these challenges affected me, even since childhood?
- Have I received negative feedback or criticism about these challenges throughout my life that have resulted in deep feelings of failure or shame?
Dig deeper
Tschudi said the first place she sends clients is the website CHADD.org, which offers credible tools, resources and information.
If you’re still convinced you have ADHD after that, time to talk to a doctor. Barterian emphasized the importance of medication to treat ADHD, and it should only come with a clinical diagnosis.
“We know that medication, like stimulant medications, is generally the first line,” he said. “We know they are the most effective. They can lead to many improvements for people.”
Stories from listeners
“I always thought I was different. It unfortunately made me think there was something wrong with me before all this ADHD stuff came out. It took my kids who had the same difficulties for me to realize there was a legitimate problem .” — Ken in West Adams
“I was diagnosed with ADHD when I went through menopause. The symptoms intensified during that period. Looking back, I always had them. I first thought I had binge eating disorder and started seeing a psychiatrist for it, which soon became an ADHD diagnosis. It’s been life-changing.” — Crisis in Torrance
“I was diagnosed at the age of 30. It was a grieving period for me because I went 30 years without knowing, and I can’t help but think about what could have been.” — Michelle in Buena Park
“I got sober eight years ago after I realized I was self-medicating. I’m 49. My psychiatrist and I think I have ADHD, but I haven’t been officially diagnosed. I’ve been on a waiting list for two years. It has been so difficult to get the official assessment.” — Sean in Glendale
Listen to the entire conversation
Survey: 25% of adults believe they have undiagnosed ADHD
