Undiagnosed ADHD in Adults

Adults who were not diagnosed with ADHD as children might struggle with a myriad of issues, including work, relationships and finances. This can lead to feelings of frustration and anxiety, as well as 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've had to face throughout their lives. They may also experience secondary effects, like:

Relationships

Getting married or settling down with a long-term relationship usually means having someone to share the fluctuations and tribulations of daily life. Being able to share the running of the household, look after children, and offer emotional support. This isn't the case for couples in which both partners or one of them has undiagnosed ADHD. People who do not have ADHD may feel overwhelmed, angry and feel as if they are constantly nagged or micro-managed by their spouse who has ADHD. The spouses of those with ADHD can feel emasculated and unwelcome when they are constantly reminded and corrected on how they act in public.

Inattention and forgetfulness in adults with ADHD are often interpreted by their spouses as recklessness or lack of care, which could result in arguments and hurt feelings. Couples may also suffer from an absence of communication, in which important concerns are left unanswered or are not discussed at all.

When untreated, the symptoms of adult ADHD can affect work and relationships, but more importantly they can result in health issues such as depression, addiction, anxiety and low self-esteem. Roy says he believes the government should invest more in the training of psychiatrists and assist those with not diagnosed ADHD receive the treatment they require as if they are left untreated they are more at risk of harming themselves and others.

The best way to stay clear of the negative effects of ADHD is to understand ADHD in both you and your partner so that you can learn how to manage these issues. Couples who are honest, sincere and committed are able to overcome the issues that arise in their relationship, even if each have ADHD.

If you are having problems in your relationship, talk about it in a calm, private setting. Be sure that there aren't distractions and keep your eyes on each other during your conversation. If you or your companion start to lose focus or apathy, ask them to rephrase what they're saying or ask them to repeat their words to ensure they hear you clearly. It is recommended to tackle these issues as soon as they occur before anger and resentment build up. This also gives your partner the opportunity to amend the situation in the event that they haven't previously done so.

Time Management

The biggest challenge for people with ADHD is managing their time. They may not know how long something takes and can be easily distracted. This can lead to them to delay their work or fail to meet deadlines. They might also have difficulty with impulsive purchases and may find it difficult to stick to a strict budget. People with ADHD might also have difficulty staying focused and retaining important information.

Undiagnosed ADHD in adults can cause problems with relationships and finances. Psychiatrists who do not have the appropriate training might not be able recognize the signs of ADHD, and many people don't get an diagnosis until they reach adulthood. Barbara Keeley believes that the government should be investing more in psychiatrists and the training of doctors.

People with undiagnosed ADHD also have trouble managing their emotions. They aren't able to understand their own feelings and those of others. This can lead to difficulties in relationships. Undiagnosed ADHD patients can have mood swings and alter their feelings quickly about a person or a subject.

According to Dr. Ashok Roy, who is the head of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' intellectual disability faculty, women with undiagnosed ADHD tend to have issues with attention, which can be accompanied by daydreaming and emotional issues and men are more likely to suffer from more hyperactivity and behavioural issues. He suggests that a thorough diagnosis should involve a lengthy interview that dives into the patient's social and emotional history and also includes an interview with a family member who can offer a perspective on childhood behavior.

Apart from seeking a diagnosis, those who are not diagnosed with ADHD are able to try different strategies to manage their time and improve their organization abilities. Some of these strategies include using the planner or color-coding system, as well as reminders, notes, and daily rituals. You can also make use of a free app like RescueTime that monitors the use of sites and apps to help them determine what distracts and what times of the day they are most productive.

Memory

Memory problems could be a concern for those who've had ADHD not been diagnosed for the rest of their lives. People suffering from ADHD may have trouble with short-term memory and be unable to remember what they have just learned. They also have issues with working memory. This is the tiny amount information that they hold in their mind when solving problems, following directions or dealing with emotions and stress.

As an adult, the responsibilities of work and family require more of a person than they did in the early years of childhood. The increased workload coupled with symptoms of ADD or ADHD can make it difficult to keep up. In many cases, this causes delay and disorganization, resulting in tasks unfinished or relegated to the last minute. Over time, this can result in an endless cycle of self-doubt and frustration and could lead to more untreated ADHD symptoms.

It's also possible that a person with ADHD may not receive an diagnosis until childhood, as they may be masking their symptoms by having poor studying habits, poor organization skills, or excessive fidgeting. This is particularly relevant in the workplace where an individual with ADHD may be viewed as lazy or irresponsible due to their lack of focus.

Adults may also exhibit subtler signs of ADHD than children. For example, hyperactivity in children is often more apparent than it is for adults, who can appear hurried or overwhelmed by their daily responsibilities. Adults suffering from ADHD should be aware of the subtle signs, like daydreaming, difficulties in following directions, ignoring important dates and taking on too many tasks at once.

One study found that ADHD adults' problems with working memories were due to biological factors that affect the frontal brain lobe which regulates the ability to focus and impulse control. People who scored better on an 0-back, 1-back, n-back memory test had less activity than those who scored less well. 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 a common response for a lot of people when they feel nervous or anxious. Fidgeting can also be used to relieve boredom, release additional energy and boost concentration. Fidgeting is a major issue for those who struggle to control it. The good part is it worth getting an adhd diagnosis that you can manage the symptoms and be in control of your life.

You might have difficulty being still or paying to classes or meetings. This can be frustrating, for both the other students and for you especially if you're constantly interrupted or lost in your thoughts. Fidgeting can be mistaken for being distracted or not paying attention to other people. You may be missing important information. This can affect your career, your work performance, and your personal relationships.

People who fidget may develop what's called Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, or BFRBs which are harmful and destructive habits such as hair pulling onychophagia (nail biting), and dermatillomania (skin picking). These are behaviors that are similar to regular fidgeting, however they can cause physical harm to the person. These behaviors can be self-destructive and even life-threatening in a few cases.

The good news is that you can learn to overcome the fidgeting problems associated with undiagnosed ADHD and BFRBs. You can redirect your fidgeting into something more productive like chewing a bit of gum or using a spinner. You can also set limits on how long you fidget, and also find an accountability partner to talk with if you go over your limit. In addition, you should try to stop your fidgeting and engage in other activities that stimulate your senses and keep you focused on the task at hand.

If you're unsure if you're ADHD symptoms are impacting your life, it's a good idea to consult an experienced therapy. Answer a few questions from the comfort of your home and you'll be connected with an experienced professional therapist within 48 hours. Click the button below to learn more.