The Rise in ADHD in Adults: Why More Adults Are Getting Tested & Diagnosed Than Ever Before
This post on ADHD in Adults is written by Veronica Cardiellos
Key Insights
- Recognize Evolving Understanding: ADHD was historically seen as a childhood disorder affecting mainly boys, but is now recognized as a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition affecting adults of all genders.
- Identify Inattentive Presentations: The predominantly inattentive type of ADHD often goes unnoticed because it lacks obvious hyperactivity, presenting instead as forgetfulness and distractibility that appears less disruptive.
- Leverage Social Awareness: Increased discussions on social media and health platforms have reduced stigma and helped adults recognize their own symptoms, encouraging more people to seek evaluation.
- Access Modern Assessment Tools: Current testing measures are specifically designed to evaluate how ADHD symptoms manifest in adult settings like work, relationships, and parenting responsibilities.
- Embrace Diagnostic Benefits: An adult ADHD diagnosis provides validation for years of struggles and opens doors to treatment options, workplace accommodations, and effective coping strategies.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can express features of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
The average age of diagnosis for ADHD is approximately seven years old. In many cases, individuals unknowingly experience ADHD symptoms beginning in early childhood and continue into adulthood without support or treatment. In recent years, there has been a major rise in Adults seeking ADHD testing.
Below, we explore some reasons for the surge, why ADHD is often missed, and what this means for adults navigating life with ADHD.
Increased Awareness
As a society, stigma around mental health support has reduced, especially around conversations of ADHD.
This is in part due to discussions and increased awareness about ADHD from social media, health podcasts, and other online communities. These conversations help show the world the neurodevelopmental struggles individuals with ADHD face.
Through these platforms, people can listen and better understand what life is like with ADHD. Additionally, adults can now hear the stories and resonate with the symptoms, as well. This provides further encouragement to seek help.
ADHD Hyperactive vs Inattentive
There are many factors as to how symptoms of ADHD can be misunderstood or misdiagnosed for years.
These can include limited accessibility to supports or a general lack of awareness around ADHD. In part, a common form of ADHD that goes unnoticed is known as ADHD, predominantly Inattentive Presentation.
Individuals who experience this often do not express hyperactivity or impulsivity. Hyperactivity or impulsivity is most noticeable by the teachers and family members watching the child grow up. Instead, these individuals tend to express features of forgetfulness, distractibility, and difficulty sustaining attention. With more internalized features, this is often less noticeable for those in the lives of someone with ADHD.
Stronger Testing Measures
Today, modern advances in assessment measures allow for more accurate diagnosis of ADHD in adults. Assessments incorporate how symptomology may express itself in the Adult’s settings. This includes settings like work, relationships, or parenting.
What an Adult ADHD Diagnosis Can Mean
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a mixed emotional experience for many. The diagnosis can provide an explanation for years of self-doubt or burnout. Additionally, diagnosis can open the door to new coping strategies, accommodations at work, and treatment options, including therapy, medication, and ADHD coaching.
In Summary
As more adults are tested and diagnosed with ADHD, the hope is that we continue to reduce stigma, improve access to care, and promote greater understanding of ADHD.
Whether you’re just beginning to question if ADHD fits your experience or you’ve already started the journey, know it’s never too late to receive support.
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