Undiagnosed ADHD in Adults
Individuals who don't receive an ADHD diagnosis as children may have issues with their lives as adults, such as issues with relationships, work and finances. This can result in a feeling of frustration, anxiety and shame.
If an adult is diagnosed with undiagnosed ADHD they may feel a sense of relief that they have a reason to overcome the difficulties they have endured throughout their lives. There are also secondary effects, such as:
Relationships
Being married or getting settled with a long-term partner usually means having someone to share the fluctuations and tribulations of daily life. Being able to share the running of the household, care for children, and offer emotional support. This isn't the case for couples where both or one partner has not been diagnosed with ADHD. People who do not have ADHD may be overwhelmed, angry and feel like they are being nagged or micromanaged by their spouse who has ADHD. The spouses of those with ADHD might feel embarrassed, unwanted and emasculated as they are constantly reminded of how they behave in public.
Inattention and forgetfulness in adults with ADHD are often misinterpreted by their spouses as recklessness or lack of care, which could lead to arguments and hurt feelings. Couples may also suffer from an absence of communication, in which important issues are not discussed or not addressed at all.
In adulthood, untreated symptoms of ADHD can affect work and relationships. They can also trigger other health issues, such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Roy believes that the government should spend more money on the education of psychiatrists and help those who are not diagnosed with ADHD receive the treatment they require. If they are not treated, people with ADHD are at a higher risk of harming others or themselves.
The best way to prevent the negative effects of ADHD is to understand ADHD in both you and your partner, so you can learn how to manage them. Couples who are open, honest and committed can overcome the challenges that arise in their relationship, even if both have ADHD.
If you are having problems within your relationship, you should talk about it in a calm, private setting. Pick a time when there are few distractions, and be sure to maintain eye contact throughout your conversation. If you or your partner is losing focus then ask them to repeat what they're saying so that they can clearly hear you. It is recommended to tackle these issues as soon they occur, before resentment and anger develop. This will also give your partner the chance to apologize in the event that they haven't already done so.
Time Management
Often, the biggest challenge for people with ADHD confront is managing their time. They may not know the length of time it takes to complete a task and be easily distracted. This could cause them to procrastinate, or miss deadlines. They might also be troubled by impulse purchases and find it hard to keep a budget in check. People with ADHD may also have difficulty staying focussed and retaining important information.
Undiagnosed ADHD in adults can lead to problems with money and relationships. Psychiatrists who do not have the proper training may not be able to recognize the symptoms of ADHD and a lot of people don't get a diagnosis until they reach the age of adulthood. Barbara Keeley believes that the government should invest more in psychiatrists as well as training for doctors.
People with undiagnosed ADHD also have difficulty managing their emotions. They have difficulty understanding their own emotions and the emotions of others. This can cause difficulties in relationships. Undiagnosed ADHD patients may experience mood swings and can change their opinions quickly about the person or subject.
According to Dr Ashok Dr Ashok, who is the director of intellectual disability faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, women with undiagnosed ADHD are more likely to have problems with attention that are accompanied by emotional issues and daydreaming whereas men are more likely to suffer from behavior issues and hyperactivity. He says that a proper diagnosis should involve a lengthy interview that focuses on the emotional and social history of the patient, and also an interview with a relative who can offer a perspective on the child's behavior.
In addition to seeking a diagnosis, people with a diagnosis of ADHD can try various strategies to manage their time and improve their organizational abilities. These could include using a planner, color-coding, reminders, notes to self and daily routines. You can also use a free app like RescueTime that monitors the use of sites and apps to help them determine what distracts and what times of day they are most productive.
Memory
If you've lived with undiagnosed ADHD for the entirety of their lives, memory could be a major problem. People suffering from ADHD have trouble with short-term memory and have a harder time remembering things they've just learned. They also have issues with working memory. This is the small amount information that they hold in their heads when they're solving problems, following instructions or dealing with emotions and stress.
As adults, the responsibilities that come from family and work require more from a person than they did during childhood. The increased workload coupled with symptoms of ADD or ADHD can make it difficult to keep up. Often, this leads to procrastination and disorganization, leaving tasks unfinished or being completed at the last minute. Over time, this could cause an endless cycle of low self-esteem and frustration that can lead to more untreated ADHD symptoms.
It's possible that a child with ADHD may not be diagnosed because they are masking their symptoms with poor study habits, lack of organization or excessive fidgeting. This is especially the case at work, where those with ADHD might be perceived as lazy or unreliable because of their lack focus.
Undiagnosed ADHD symptoms can be difficult to detect in adults, since they're often subtler than in children. For instance, hyperactivity in children is more apparent than it is in adults, who can seem overwhelmed or stressed with their daily obligations. Adults suffering from ADHD should be aware of the subtle signs, such as daydreaming or difficulties following directions, forgetting important dates or taking on too many tasks at a time.
One study revealed that the deficits in working memory seen in ADHD adults were based on biological factors connected to the frontal lobe the brain, which regulates attention and impulse control. In the study, those who had better results in a 0-back and 1-back n-back memory test showed less activity in that region than those who performed less. This finding is in agreement with previous studies that have demonstrated a connection between ADHD and a decrease in working memory performance.
Fidgeting
Fidgeting is an automatic reaction for many people who feel nervous or anxious. It may also be a way to ease boredom or release extra energy, and can actually help improve focus. But, for those who are unable to control their fidgeting, it can become problematic. Learn to manage getting a adhd diagnosis and take control of your life.
You may have a difficult to sit still or pay attention in classes or meetings. This can be frustrating for you and others, especially when you get interrupted or disappear into your thoughts. People may mistake your fidgeting as being inattentive or ignoring them, and you may overlook important information. This could affect your performance at work and in your career as well as your personal relationships.
Some people who fidget develop what's called Body-Focused Repeative Behaviors, or BFRBs which are destructive and damaging behaviors like hair pulling, onychophagia (nail biting) and dermatillomania (skin picking). These behaviors are similar but cause physical harm. These actions can be self-destructive and even life-threatening in some cases.
The good news is that you can find a way to overcome the fidgeting problems associated with undiagnosed ADHD and BFRBs. There are ways to redirect your movement towards something more productive, like chewing gum or using fidget spinners. You can also limit how long you fidget, and locate someone to monitor you when you go over your limit. Additionally, you can try to stop your fidgeting and engage in other activities that stimulate your senses and keep you focused on the task at the moment.
If you're unsure if your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life, it's a great idea to consult an experienced therapy. Answer a few questions at home and you can be matched with an experienced professional therapist within 48 hours. Click the button below to find out more.