Undiagnosed ADHD in Adults
Individuals who don't receive an ADHD diagnosis in childhood may have issues with their lives as adults, which can include issues with their relationships, work and finances. This can cause feelings of shame, frustration and anxiety.
If a person is diagnosed with undiagnosed ADHD they may feel relieved that they now have a reason for the difficulties they have faced all their lives. There are also secondary effects, such as:
Relationships
Being married or living with an existing partner for a long time implies that you will have someone to share your ups and downs. It is crucial to have someone who can help you manage your household, take care of children, and provide emotional support. This isn't the case for couples where both or one of them has undiagnosed ADHD. Non-ADHD partners can feel overwhelmed, resentful and feel as if they're being manipulated or nagged by a partner who has ADHD. Partners with ADHD can feel emasculated, shamed and unwanted when they are constantly criticized and reminded of how they act in public.
Adults who are impulsive and forgetful with ADHD are often interpreted by their partners as recklessness or lack of care, which can result in arguments and hurt feelings. Couples can also experience an absence of communication with significant issues left unspoken or never even discussed.
When untreated, the symptoms of adult ADHD can impact work and relationships, but more importantly they can cause health issues such as depression, addiction, anxiety and low self-esteem. Roy believes that the government should spend more money on training psychiatrists and ensuring that those with undiagnosed ADHD receive the treatment they need. If they are not treated, people with ADHD are at greater risk of harming others or themselves.
Understanding ADHD in both you and your partner can help you learn to manage it. Couples who are honest, open, and committed to each are able to overcome the challenges in their relationship even if both partners have ADHD.
If you are having problems in your relationship, talk about it with a calm and private manner. Be sure that there aren't distractions or interruptions. Also, keep eye contact throughout your conversation. If you or your partner begin to lose focus or apathy, ask them to rephrase what they're saying or request them to repeat themselves to ensure they be able to hear you clearly. It's always best to address these issues immediately when they occur, before resentment or anger develops. This also gives your partner the opportunity to apologize in the event that they haven't already.
Time Management
The most challenging thing for those with ADHD is managing their time. They may not know the time it takes to complete a task and may be easily distracted, leading them to procrastinate or fail to meet deadlines. IamPsychiatry might also have issues with impulsive spending and can find it difficult to keep a budget in check. People who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty staying focussed and retaining important information.
Undiagnosed ADHD in adults can lead to problems with money and relationships. Doctors who don't have the right training might not be able to recognize the signs of ADHD and a lot of people do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood. Labour's shadow minister for mental health, Barbara Keeley, believes that the government should invest more in psychiatrists and training courses for GPs as well as trainees, because this is crucial to getting the most accurate diagnosis.
In addition to not being able to manage their time, those with undiagnosed ADHD are more likely to have difficulty keeping their emotions in check. They have a difficult of understanding their own emotions as well as those of others, which can cause problems with relationships. People with undiagnosed ADHD may experience mood swings and quickly change their opinions about a topic or person.
According to Dr Ashok, the head of intellectual disability at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, women who are not diagnosed with ADHD are more likely to have inattention issues coupled with emotional issues and daydreaming whereas men are more likely to experience behavior issues and hyperactivity. He suggests that a proper diagnosis should involve an extensive interview that delve into the patient's social and emotional history and also includes an interview with relatives who can provide perspective on the child's behavior.
In addition to seeking a diagnosis, those with undiagnosed ADHD may try a variety of strategies to manage their time and enhance their organizational abilities. This might include using a planner and color-coding, reminders, notes to self, and daily rituals. You can also use an app that is free, such as RescueTime that monitors the use of sites and apps to help them analyze what distracts and what times of the day they are most productive.
Memory
Memory may be a problem for those who've had ADHD never being diagnosed throughout their lives. People suffering from ADHD struggle with short-term memory and can struggle to remember the things they've learned. They also have problems with working memory which is the tiny amount of information stored in the mind when solving problems, following instructions or dealing with stress or emotions.
As adults, the responsibilities that come with work and family demand more from a person than they did during childhood. The increased workload, coupled with the symptoms of ADD and ADHD, can create a lot of stress on the ability to keep up. In many cases, this causes delay and disorganization, resulting in tasks undone or handled at the last minute. This can lead to a downward spiral of frustration and low-self-esteem that may result in an increase in ADHD symptoms.
It's also possible that someone with ADHD may not be given a diagnosis in childhood because they might be hiding their symptoms through poor study habits, a lack of organizational skills or excessive fidgeting. This is especially true at work, where someone with ADHD might be perceived as unprofessional or lazy due to their lack of concentration.
Undiagnosed ADHD symptoms can be difficult to identify in adults, since they're typically less apparent than in children. Hyperactivity is more obvious in children than in adults who are often stressed and overwhelmed by daily tasks. Adults with ADHD should be aware of the subtle signs, such as daydreaming or difficulty following directions, forgetting important dates, and juggling too many tasks at once.
One study found that ADHD adults' problems with working memory were due to biological factors that affect the frontal brain lobe, which regulates attention and impulse control. In the study, those who performed better on a 0-back or 1-back n-back memory test had less activity in the region than those who did poorly. This is consistent with previous studies that have shown the connection between ADHD and lower working memory performance.
Fidgeting
Fidgeting can be an automatic reaction for many people who feel nervous or anxious. It may also be a way to relieve boredom or release energy, and can help to improve concentration. Fidgeting is a major issue for those who are unable to manage it. The good thing is that you can learn to manage the symptoms and take charge of your life.
You might have a hard to sit still or pay attention in classes or meetings. This can be very frustrating for both the other students and for you especially if you're constantly interrupted or lose yourself in your thoughts. Fidgeting can be mistaken for inattention or simply ignoring others. You may be missing important information. This could also impact your work performance and career as well as your personal relationships.
Some people who fidget develop what's known as Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, or BFRBs which are destructive and damaging habits like hair pulling, onychophagia (nail biting) and dermatillomania (skin picking). These are similar to each other, but they can cause physical harm. These behaviors can be self-destructive, and can even be life-threatening in certain situations.
The good news is that you can find a way to overcome the fidgeting issues caused by undiagnosed ADHD and BFRBs. There are ways to redirect your movement to be more productive, such as chewing gum or using a fidget spinner. You can also limit the time you fidget and also find an individual to watch you if you exceed your limit. You can also take breaks and engage in activities that will stimulate your mind and keep you focused on the task.
It's a great idea speak with a therapist if you're not sure if your ADHD symptoms are having an impact on your life. Fill out a brief questionnaire at home and you'll be connected with a licensed professional therapist in just 48 hours. Click the button below to find out more.