Written by Paige Cox, General Member
It is interesting to think that adults get diagnosed with ADHD, so you feel about the fact of how it gets missed in childhood. How do adult symptoms differ from children? Within this blog post, we will look at adult ADHD diagnosis, what it may present like, and why it may be missed in childhood.
How is ADHD diagnosed in adults:
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must present with several of the symptoms before the age of 12. (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults, n.d.) It is said that some adults with ADHD may not realize that they have it. They may present with symptoms such as:
They feel it is impossible to get organized and stick to a job (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults, n.d.)
Or remember to keep appointments. (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults, n.d.)
Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be incredibly challenging for adults with undiagnosed ADHD. (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults, n.d.)
These adults may have a history of problems with school, work, and relationships. (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults, n.d.)
Adults with ADHD may seem restless and may try to do several things at the same time—most of them unsuccessfully. They sometimes prefer quick fixes rather than taking the steps needed to gain greater rewards. (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults, n.d.)
An important point is that it is never too late for an ADHD diagnosis. If you have concerns, it is essential to get them looked at.
Gender Differences and ADHD:
What are some of the main gender differences when looking at ADHD? The many difference that occurs within all articles that I read state that Females will internalize behaviours of ADHD. In contrast, males tend to externalize symptoms, which allows for the diagnosis of males with ADHD to occur in childhood. (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014)In females, it is said that the following is critical symptoms that show areas such as the following symptoms that were shown in the medical artical that is entitled A Review of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Women and Girls: Uncovering This Hidden Diagnosis
: (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014)
inattention emotional reactivity
decreased self-esteem
academic difficulties
risky behaviour
What are some of the symptoms that girls with ADHD can experience?
Being easily distracted or forgetful
Difficulty following instructions
Fidgeting
Inattention to detail leading to careless mistakes
Racing thoughts that make it hard to keep their mind on one topic
Speaking without thinking
Trouble staying organized and on task
Why is ADHD missed in femaies:
Many factors exist as to why ADHD diagnosis in girls during childhood may not happen the big difference that is talked about is the internalizing of ADHD symptoms by some individuals rather than externalizing, which means that the signs may not be as apparent. There also may be comorbid disorders including but not limited to "Anxiety and Depression, which are linked to internalizing ADHD symptoms."(Quinn & Madhoo, 2014) There is also a possibility of "comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is often accompanied by perfectionistic behaviours." (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014) These are just some reasons why a diagnosis of ADHD in Females may be delayed and not happen during childhood.
When you should seek help for ADHD?
When should you seek help for ADHD when you feel that symptoms are getting in the way of your day-to-day life? The following are some resources for individuals with ADHD.
References:
ADHD in Adults: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved May 25, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5197-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-in-adults
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—Diagnosis and treatment—Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved May 25, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350883
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults: What You Need to Know - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2024, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know
Attoe, D. E., & Climie, E. A. (2023). Miss. Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of ADHD in Adult Women. Journal of Attention Disorders, 27(7), 645–657. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547231161533
DESR and ADHD: The Overlooked Emotional Component of ADHD. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2024, from https://www.additudemag.com/desr-adhd-emotional-regulation/
Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words. (2024, May 31). Dictionary.Com. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/bacchanal
Drunken reveler—Definition, Meaning & Synonyms. (n.d.). Vocabulary.Com. Retrieved May 31, 2024, from https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/drunken%20reveler
Emotion Regulation | Psychology Today Canada. (n.d.). Retrieved May 30, 2024, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/emotion-regulation
Quinn, P. O., & Madhoo, M. (2014). A Review of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Women and Girls: Uncovering This Hidden Diagnosis. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, 16(3), PCC.13r01596. https://doi.org/10.4088/PCC.13r01596
Why ADHD Is Often Underdiagnosed In Women. (n.d.). Retrieved May 28, 2024, from https://www.henryford.com/blog/2023/09/why-adhd-is-often-underdiagnosed-in-women