Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a disorder that does not affect only children but also lots of adults in the United States alone. According to fresh data published from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15.5 million adults were already affected with the disorder in the United States. That is just indicative of an emerging public health concern that appears to have been vastly overlooked.
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Prevalence and Self-Recognition Besides the fact revealed by the CDC, one more striking reality has been brought to light by a survey conducted by Ohio State University: one out of four American adults believe he or she may have ADHD that has not yet been diagnosed. Despite this striking figure, only 13% of such people sought medical advice for diagnosis. Such a gap points at some questions concerning awareness and understanding of ADHD among the grown-up population. Results from this survey suggest that, though many adults are becoming increasingly aware of their symptoms, they report many barriers to seeking care.
The younger adults are more outspoken about their concerns and often lead the charge in recognizing symptoms of ADHD in themselves. This generation is digitally adapted; they tend to chance upon information online, where what they read seems to resonate with their lives. However, self-diagnosis may come with issues. Many signs of ADHD-symptoms of concentration difficulties, disorganization, and impulsivity-are shared with anxiety and depression, among other conditions, and proper diagnosis is important.The Need for Professional Assessment
Researchers suggest that any person who believes they have ADHD should seek out professional testing and diagnosis by health professionals. Ohio State Dr. Justin Barterian says, "You can read online all about symptoms, but you should also know that receiving an actual professional assessment is quite critical rather than just web-based diagnosis or self-diagnosis.". If you're watching videos on social media and it makes you think that you may meet the criteria for the disorder, I would encourage you to seek an evaluation from a psychologist or a psychiatrist," he advises. That professional insight can lead to effective treatment options tailored to individual needs.
Personal Experiences and Impacts
For many adults, their route to ADHD diagnosis has been a journey of others around them being diagnosed. Some people, such as Alison Burke, realize their own struggle with ADHD after their children have been diagnosed. The shared feelings of inadequacy and frustration from undiagnosed ADHD, such as Burke, explain the emotional impact on adults.
Seeking Help and Treatment Options
This will not only be important in the diagnosis but also in the management of ADHD established in adulthood. Drugs, therapies, and changes in lifestyle may be of benefit in alleviating symptoms. In fact, most adults report that a combination of these approaches brings significant improvements in their quality of life.
Support groups and resources also exist to provide a community of shared experiences and advice for adults with ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health has some useful resources to provide more general information on ADHD, its symptoms, and the available options for treatment.
Conclusion
There needs to be awareness and, subsequently, understanding with the increasing diagnosis of ADHD among adults. If one suspects himself or herself, or knows somebody who probably has the symptoms of ADHD, it would be better to consult a medical expert for proper diagnosis. ADHD is not a childhood disorder that will just disappear; it is actually a lifetime journey and needs support, understanding, and proper management.
For more information on ADHD and its effects, please see more detailed resources from the CDC and Ohio State University.
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