Many Adults Think They Have Undiagnosed ADHD

A survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that one in four American adults believe they might have undiagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This mental health condition is often associated with children, usually boys, who struggle with focus at school. However, videos on social media about ADHD in adults, particularly women, have raised awareness and led many to suspect they might have it too. Psychologist Justin Barterian from Ohio State's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health is concerned about this trend. He believes that normal variations in human attention are being over-pathologized. Not everyone can focus all the time, and some people might display ADHD symptoms without significant problems. Social media platforms often contain inaccuracies about ADHD, which can mislead people into thinking they have the disorder when they might be dealing with something else like anxiety or depression. These conditions can look similar but require different treatments. The wrong treatment can worsen the situation instead of helping.

Emma Llewellyn, a popular TikTok and Instagram creator known as Mind Over Matter, shares her experiences with ADHD. She believes that many people grew up feeling flawed and are now finding validation and connection through online communities. Symptoms of ADHD in adults can include severe problems with concentration, memory, and impulsivity that disrupt daily life. These symptoms can vary between individuals. Adults with ADHD either had symptoms since childhood or were diagnosed in adulthood after childhood symptoms were overlooked or misdiagnosed. Llewellyn points out that ADHD doesn't develop later in life; it's just that the healthcare system is catching up to recognize those who went unnoticed. Ohio State's survey also revealed that only 13% of adults who suspect they have ADHD have discussed it with a doctor. Barterian explains that while some may have ADHD, others might have symptoms of inattention that don't meet the impairment level for ADHD, or they could be experiencing other mental health disorders affecting focus. On the other hand, getting a diagnosis can be challenging. Llewellyn visited three doctors before getting diagnosed at age 30. She feels it's unfair to assume people are faking it, given the length and cost of the diagnostic process.

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