Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly perceived as a condition predominantly affecting children. However, increasing awareness of the disorder among adults—spurred by viral social media content—has led many to question whether they may have undiagnosed ADHD. A new national survey conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine reveals that 25% of American adults suspect they may be living with undiagnosed ADHD. Alarmingly, only 13% of these individuals have communicated their concerns to a healthcare provider.
This discrepancy raises significant concerns about the risks associated with self-diagnosis and the potential for improper treatment. Current estimates indicate that approximately 4.4% of adults aged 18 to 44 have ADHD, and some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until later in life.
“There’s definitely more awareness of how ADHD can persist into adulthood,” said Dr. Barterian, a clinical expert in the field. “Many people are beginning to recognize that their symptoms mirror those of their children, especially since ADHD is known to be a genetic disorder.”
Younger Adults More Likely to Seek Help
The survey found that younger adults are more inclined to suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD compared to older generations, and they are also more proactive in addressing these concerns. Dr. Barterian emphasized the importance of consulting a healthcare professional—typically a primary care provider—who can facilitate a referral to a mental health specialist for a comprehensive evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
“If social media content prompts you to consider that you may meet the criteria for ADHD, I strongly encourage you to seek a professional evaluation from a psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician,” Dr. Barterian advised.
Understanding Adult ADHD
Adults diagnosed with ADHD face challenges related to attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can significantly disrupt their daily lives, impacting their performance at work, school, and home. These symptoms are persistent and can often be traced back to childhood experiences.
ADHD in adults can manifest in several ways:
Adults diagnosed as children who continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.
Adults who receive a diagnosis later in life, despite having symptoms since childhood that were previously overlooked or misdiagnosed.
While hyperactivity is less pronounced in adults than in children, many adults with ADHD grapple with memory and concentration issues. Notably, symptoms may worsen in times of stress, conflict, or increased life demands.
Types of ADHD
There are three primary types of ADHD:
Inattentive ADHD: Characterized by an inability to maintain focus and high distractibility, often referred to as attention-deficit disorder (ADD).
Hyperactive and Impulsive ADHD: Marked by impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Combined ADHD: A mixture of symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be challenging because many symptoms overlap with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
“ADHD symptoms can vary widely among individuals,” Dr. Barterian noted. “For some, the primary difficulties may lie in focusing during lectures or staying organized, while others might face social challenges stemming from impulsivity and trouble keeping pace in conversations.”
Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted by SSRS using its Opinion Panel Omnibus platform. Data collection took place from August 16 to August 18, 2024, with a sample size of 1,006 respondents. The survey was conducted via web (n=975) and telephone (n=31) and was administered in English. The margin of error for the total respondents is ±3.8 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. All SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus data are weighted to represent the target population of U.S. adults aged 18 or older.
Conclusion
As awareness of adult ADHD continues to grow, the findings of this survey highlight the importance of professional evaluation and diagnosis. Increased understanding of ADHD and its symptoms can empower adults to seek the help they need, leading to better mental health outcomes and improved quality of life.
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