Has There Been A Rise In Adult ADHD Diagnoses? Understanding The Statistics
The topic of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults appears to have been explored more frequently in recent years as public understanding of the condition has increased. The neurodiversity movement has often been explored online as well, potentially leading more people to seek ADHD diagnoses. Some may wonder if there is truly a rise in people living with ADHD, or if the condition’s online attention has increased public awareness of adult presentations of ADHD. We’ll explore current statistics below, as well as treatment options like therapy.
What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). This condition is often noticed in early childhood and is generally lifelong, with no cure, although it can be managed with various forms of treatment.
Symptoms of ADHD usually depend on the subtype, which can be primarily inattentive (ADHD-PI), primarily hyperactive-impulsive (ADHD-HI), or combined type.
Inattentive symptoms of ADHD can include the following:
- Being easily distracted
- Difficulty paying attention or focusing on prolonged tasks
- Poor working memory
- Losing items frequently, such as one’s keys, phone, or wallet
- Difficulty paying attention when spoken to
- Difficulty remaining organized and tidy
- Frequently making mistakes without realizing
- Becoming hyper-focused on passion projects but struggling to focus on projects one dislikes
Symptoms of the hyperactive and impulsive type of ADHD can include those listed below:
- Difficulty sitting still for prolonged periods
- Speaking louder than normal
- Rushed speech
- Impulsive behavior
- Frequent fidgeting
- Restlessness
- Difficulty waiting one’s turn, such as waiting in a line or waiting on hold on the phone
- Struggling to stay quiet or be comfortable in silence
- Interrupting in conversations or switching the subject before answering someone
- Impulse control challenges
Previously, in the DSM-IV, ADHD was grouped with ADD (attention deficit disorder), a condition that is no longer diagnosed and has been replaced by the ADHD-PI subcategory in the DSM-V.
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD? Looking beyond research on children
Because ADHD is a lifelong condition and form of neurodivergence, ADHD has no cure and can be diagnosed at any age. Adults are frequently diagnosed with ADHD, with an estimated 8.7 million adults in the US currently diagnosed with the disorder.
However, ADHD tends to be more frequently diagnosed in children because its symptoms are often noticed in school settings during early childhood.
In general, ADHD symptoms must be present in someone’s life before the age of 12 and last at least six months for them to be diagnosed as an adult. For this reason, there is no “adult-onset ADHD.” If symptoms only appear in adulthood, a person’s provider might work with them to consider other potential causes of their sudden symptom onset.
Understanding the trend in ADHD diagnoses
In 2022, a study explored whether a rise in adult ADHD diagnoses could be due to a trend or improved awareness of symptoms. Researchers found that increased awareness of diagnostic providers, symptoms, and how these symptoms can present in minorities and women likely led to an increase in adults diagnosed with the condition.
An ADHD diagnosis can lead to support and treatment, which can substantially improve life for adults who previously haven’t gotten the support they deserve due to ADHD going undiagnosed.
Increased awareness of ADHD symptoms in adults instead of children
The internet and social media have offered a way for billions of people to share their experiences with others around the world. Since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, platforms like TikTok appear to have significantly grown in popularity, and people tend to be more open to discussing their experiences with mental health.
ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence have often been explored on social media in recent years, and more people may be learning about the symptoms of these conditions and how they can present.
When someone learns about symptoms online that match their own experiences, they may realize they could benefit from seeking professional support. In addition, people can share the names of diagnostic providers on social media, increasing their visibility in communities across the country.
Improved diagnostic procedures for marginalized groups
In early research on ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions, like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), most studies looked at young white males. These studies didn’t necessarily consider the unique presentations of ADHD in other populations, such as women and girls, BIPOC individuals, and those who have experienced severe developmental trauma.
As more research on ADHD is conducted, providers may improve their diagnostic processes and look for these unique presentations instead of only using older and potentially outdated methods.
More research and public knowledge of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
More research has been released on ADHD in adults, and public knowledge has grown as people have started to talk about these topics at home and in the workplace. As more people are diagnosed, they may recommend providers to loved ones. In addition, people may share studies with their social networks more frequently, which can increase public awareness of current research.
More accessible mental health testing
More providers are starting to specialize in ADHD treatment, ADHD medication (like stimulant medication), and diagnosis as treatment protocols are becoming better understood. Testing may also be more accessible to marginalized groups as more providers take courses and workshops on how to work with these populations. Accessible testing can lead to an influx of diagnoses.
Can someone be misdiagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Misdiagnosis can be possible with any condition, but it may be more common for people with ADHD to be misdiagnosed with other conditions than for a person to be misdiagnosed with ADHD.
People with ADHD are often misdiagnosed with other psychiatric disorders like oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and depression before they are given an accurate diagnosis. Although some conditions can co-occur with ADHD, misdiagnosis can lead to someone not receiving effective treatment, which may reduce mental function and overall well-being.
Signs of ADHD in adults
The ADHD brain in adulthood might look slightly different from the typical presentation of ADHD in children, although the diagnostic criteria are the same in the DSM-V. Below are a few potential differences.
Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms
In children, hyperactivity is usually seen most frequently in the school environment. Children may be more physically hyperactive, running around, jumping up from their desks, and fidgeting with various items.
Because adults often learn to mask their hyperactive urges, they may be less overtly hyperactive and more impulsive in other ways, such as through risky behaviors like substance use, unsafe driving, risky sex, and excessive spending. They may also struggle to work a traditional sit-down job like an office job and might be more likely to multitask and have many different interests.
Inattentive symptoms
Inattentive symptoms in adults might present as difficulty with executive function tasks like paperwork, cleaning, and organization. Adults may also frequently lose items like debit cards, keys, or phones.
In addition, inattentiveness can occur when speaking with others, on the phone, or working on projects that require sitting down and focusing. Some people with inattentive symptoms may also daydream frequently and have difficulty grounding themselves in the present moment.
Avoiding the stigma: Approaching ADHD diagnosis from an inclusive lens
Although it may seem that ADHD is “trending,” the rise in adult diagnoses can be a positive development. As more people understand their symptoms, they can seek the treatment and support they deserve, which can reduce symptom severity and improve overall outcomes. When more people seek support and are open about doing so, the stigma around seeking mental healthcare can be addressed.
Mental health support options for adults
ADHD can lead to various challenges for adults, and seeking mental health support in person might not always be accessible or convenient, especially when juggling a busy schedule or experiencing difficulty remembering appointments. In these cases, talking to an online therapist through a platform like BetterHelp may be beneficial.
Clients can access therapy on their own schedule, including outside of standard business hours. In addition, online platforms often provide tools like worksheets, group sessions, webinars, goal-tracking, and journaling prompts.
Studies suggest that online therapy can effectively support people with ADHD. In a 2022 meta-analysis, researchers examined six randomized controlled trials of 261 individuals with ADHD. They found that ADHD symptom severity generally reduced over six weeks of online mental health treatment.
Takeaway
The rise in ADHD diagnoses can lead to the assumption that ADHD is simply a popular social trend. However, studies suggest that these numbers are increasing due to the increased awareness of different presentations of ADHD. As more people realize that their experiences may be indicative of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, they may seek treatment, which can reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. If you think you may be living with ADHD, consider reaching out to a therapist online or in your area for support.
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