The study found that 25% of U.S. adults suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD

ADHD in adults remains a largely undiagnosed and misunderstood condition, often due to various misconceptions about it. In many cases, symptoms in adults may go unrecognized because they may be subtle or overlap with other conditions.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood and often persists into adulthood. Common symptoms in children include difficulty paying attention, impulsive behavior and excessive levels of activity. When these symptoms persist into adulthood, they may present with anxiety, challenges with multitasking, and mood swings. These effects can significantly impact relationships, work performance, and daily activities.

A recent national survey highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of ADHD in adults, revealing that a striking 25% of U.S. adults suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD. Even more concerning is that only 13% of respondents took the crucial step of discussing their symptoms with a healthcare professional.

A study conducted by researchers at Ohio State University, which collected responses from 1,000 American adults, found that approximately 4.4% of adults aged 18 to 44 suffer from ADHD.

“Anxiety, depression, and ADHD may all look very similar, but improper treatment can make things worse rather than helping the person feel better and function better,” study researcher Justin Barterian said in his article press release.

“There is definitely more awareness of how this can continue to affect people in adulthood, and many people are realizing that once their children are diagnosed, they also fit these symptoms, given that it is a genetic disorder,” Barterian said .

However, ADHD symptoms may look different from person to person. While for some this may manifest as difficulty concentrating on lectures or staying organized, others may have greater social problems related to impulsivity and difficulty following conversations, Barterian explained.

The researcher also noted that while awareness of the prevalence of ADHD in adults has increased due to popular videos on social media, people who suspect ADHD should also be encouraged to seek a diagnosis from their doctors. Scientists warned that self-diagnosis could lead to incorrect treatment and further complications.

“If you watch videos on social media and think you may meet the criteria for this disorder, I encourage you to consult a psychologist, psychiatrist or doctor to check it out,” Barterian said. .