Most discussions of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are relegated to children, but millions of adults struggle with ADHD – without even knowing they have the disorder. Why is it that adult ADHD goes undiagnosed and unnoticed so frequently? And what should you do if you suspect you have ADHD?

The Value of Diagnosing Adult ADHD

Once ADHD is diagnosed, it can be treated. Through a combination of talk therapy, stimulant medications, non-stimulant medications, and even mindfulness-based therapies, adults can mitigate their ADHD symptoms and lead a healthier, happier life. 

During and after treatment, many adults with ADHD find themselves better able to focus, complete tasks, remember things, socialize appropriately, and maintain their relationships; as a result, they accomplish more and feel better about themselves.

That's not to say that an ADHD diagnosis is essential or that ADHD treatment is the only path to happiness – but diagnosis and treatment have helped millions of people change their lives for the better. It's at least worth considering.

Why Adult ADHD Often Goes Undiagnosed

So why is it, if ADHD treatment is so valuable, that adult ADHD often goes undiagnosed?

  •       Lack of supervision/guidance. One explanation is that adults don't have much supervision or guidance in their lives. They live much more independently than children do. In the course of a day, a child is typically monitored and evaluated by parents, teachers, babysitters, and even peers; this provides many opportunities for people to notice behavioral discrepancies and take action on them. Adults may have bosses, educators, and trainers, but these people don't make routine behavioral evaluations the same way that parents and teachers do.
  •       Fewer and different social opportunities. ADHD is often noticeable in children when they play on playgrounds, in parks, or on supervised play dates with each other. Adult social gatherings and interactions are very different, and don't present the same opportunities for demonstrating problematic behavior.
  •       Mature emotional regulation. Issues associated with ADHD in children are compounded by the low emotional maturity that children typically have. Adults with ADHD have higher levels of emotional maturity, and are therefore able to mitigate at least some issues associated with this disorder.
  •       Coping and management strategies. ADHD masking is incredibly common in adults with undiagnosed ADHD. After a couple of decades of realizing that you have a problem of interrupting people, you might intentionally make yourself quieter in social situations. These coping, management, and compensation strategies often cover up symptoms that adults still have to deal with on the inside.
  •       Adjustment and complacency. Some adults never pursue professional help or treatment because they've had enough time to adjust to ADHD and have become complacent with their own behaviors and status in life. They may have a sense that they can't focus as well as others or that they're socially distant from other people, but if it has become associated with a sense of normalcy, they may be unmotivated to take action. They may not even see it as a problem.
  •       Mental health stigma. There's also a prevailing mental health stigma that prevents some people from seeking diagnosis and treatment. If you're an adult with ADHD who sees this disorder as a mark of inferiority, you may be too frightened or intimidated to seek a diagnosis.

And, of course, we also need to acknowledge that ADHD isn't fully understood. It wasn't even acknowledged properly a few decades ago. Many contemporary adults fail to understand what ADHD is or treat it as nonsensical because it wasn't prominently discussed in their own childhood education. If you refuse to acknowledge the existence or importance of a specific disorder, why would you seek treatment for it?

Hallmark ADHD Symptoms

ADHD symptoms in adults typically include:

  •       Distractions, focus, and productivity. Adults with ADHD often suffer from distractions, difficulty focusing, and unsatisfying levels of productivity. If you're easily distracted and you find it hard to pay attention, ADHD could be the underlying cause.
  •       Forgetfulness. ADHD may also manifest as forgetfulness. Do you find it hard to remember things, even if they occurred recently?
  •       Inappropriate emotions and reactions. ADHD may also be associated with inappropriate emotions or reactions. For example, you may feel enraged at even the most minor perceived slights, or you may have trouble discerning the tone of statements made by your colleagues.
  •       Social difficulties. Similarly, adults with ADHD sometimes struggle socially. They may find it challenging to pay attention in conversations, avoid interrupting, or emotionally relate to others.

If you suspect you might have ADHD, it's a good idea to talk to a professional about a diagnosis and potential treatment – no matter how old you are or how long you've been struggling with these symptoms. You might be surprised how much your life can change for the better with a proper course of treatment.