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Undiagnosed ADHD in Adults

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Post Author:
Kevin Hall
marge staff
Clinically Reviewed By:
Kevin Hall
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There are a lot of individuals who live with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is commonly diagnosed in children. However, its symptoms may not be as clear in adults as it is in children. Adults who have ADHD and are unaware are at a much higher risk than those who are diagnosed as children.

Since those diagnosed in childhood are provided the necessary tools to cope, adults who go undiagnosed unknowingly live with ADHD. They can struggle with this disorder on heightened levels due to being unaware of its existence in their life.

There is no cure for ADHD; however, there are ways to make living with it more manageable. Not having knowledge of the disorder or that you have it would mean that you likely are unfamiliar with the ways to manage it as well.

Treatment can help you to live a happy and comfortable life with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The earlier a diagnosis is determined, the better. However, some individuals go undiagnosed until much later in life and can feel out of sorts because of this. If you think that you may possibly have ADHD, there are ways of getting the proper support that you need for treatment and a sense of community to better understand what you are experiencing and find the best ways to cope with it.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a developmental disorder associated with the brain. Individuals who live with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder can experience issues with the ability to focus or have impulsive behaviors. Some symptoms of ADHD are:

  • The inability to sit still
  • The inability to focus
  • Constant physical movements or fidgeting
  • Excessive talking
  • Lack of organization
  • Acting without thinking first
  • Talking over others or interrupting a conversation

Other than some genetic connections, the root causes of ADHD are unknown. Other studies are being conducted to determine different possible causes. 

What Can Happen When Adults Experience Undiagnosed ADHD?

Adults who are living with undiagnosed ADHD can lack knowledge of their condition in many ways. You may feel that something is not quite right. This particular disorder is often associated with adolescence, and teachers or parents are expected to detect symptoms early on. However, when it is not detected or noticed in childhood, it can be hard to spot as an adult. 

You may notice that you are rather impulsive. However, you could easily just assume you have an impulsive personality. Some may even associate their fidgeting or always being hyper with their caffeine consumption. Symptoms of ADHD can easily go unnoticed in adulthood because adults can have some symptoms associated with the disorder and not actually have it. 

 Some adults who experience undiagnosed ADHD can experience the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Extreme sadness
  • Mood disorders
  • Being misunderstood
  • Being hard on yourself

How Undiagnosed ADHD Can Cause Other Mental Health Problems

Undiagnosed ADHD means one who is living with it is also living with untreated ADHD. Adults are expected to operate in a certain fashion. This can play a role in the fact that ADHD is usually associated with children. However, adults can have the same symptoms, and they can be overlooked.

Sometimes the symptoms are noticed in adults, and ADHD may be a thought that crosses their minds. However, because undiagnosed ADHD is so common, you can think that you have symptoms and then think that you are overthinking because your idea of it is associated with children.

Due to these perplexities, it can be hard for an adult to manage day-to-day life and live with ADHD unknowingly. It is easy to become flustered, frustrated, or irritable. You can experience these feelings just from the overwhelming feeling that something is happening within you, but you cannot quite put your finger on what it is.

If you have ADHD but do not know it, you can have a hard time focusing without the knowledge of why. It can be easy to assume that your life is so busy that you just can’t focus on one specific thing. However, it could very well be that you are experiencing a symptom of ADHD and just do not know it. 

Treatment Options Available to Help Manage ADHD

ADHD can cause distress at any stage of life, but with the right treatment, there is great potential for manageability and improvement. If you’re recognizing these symptoms in yourself, remember that there is hope. Our directory lists a range of treatment options for ADHD, helping you find the path to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Treatment for ADHD often includes talk therapy, meditation, holistic approaches, and medication management. Through the resources in our directory, you can find comprehensive assessments and personalized treatment plans that offer support, community, and long-term solutions for living with ADHD.

You don’t have to continue feeling desperate and hopeless. If you’re experiencing symptoms of ADHD and are unsure why, seeking a professional diagnosis is a crucial first step. Our directory can guide you to facilities and professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating ADHD, helping to ease your mind and improve your quality of life.

Living with undiagnosed ADHD, especially in adults, can be incredibly challenging. Often perceived as a childhood disorder, ADHD can go unnoticed in adults, leading to other mental health issues if left untreated. Our directory provides information on various treatment options tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re living with known or suspected ADHD. These resources aim to help you lead a life free from anxiety and depression, and enjoy each day to its fullest.

Explore our directory to discover more about ADHD treatment options and connect with the right resources to start your journey to better mental health.