ADHD Differences Amongst Age Groups Causes Continuous Underdiagnoses in Adults
Sydney Lyle
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder that was once thought to only affect the functioning and/or development of children that generally outgrew the diagnosis by adolescent age and then persisted into a minority of adult lives. It is now shown that more than half of those with ADHD in carry their diagnosis into adulthood and even more individuals become newly diagnosed during their adult years. While general symptoms stay the same no matter the age, expression of symptoms are expressed differently with each individual and with each age group making diagnosis even harder for adults. This project will further explore that underdiagnosis in adults as well as look at how ADHD presents and the best possible treatment for these individuals. Data was obtained through a literature review of published research gathered through multiple online databases. Adult ADHD is commonly underdiagnosed due to lack of disease awareness for this age group and the comorbidities that may be present as well. It is difficult to properly identify that symptoms are associated with ADHD when overlap occurs amongst depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other problems. Another challenges that makes physicians skeptical to diagnose is that ADHD symptoms are traditionally self-reported by adults seeking treatment. This sparks a fear that exaggerated symptoms could potentially lead to controlled substances being in the hands of those who do not need them. Even 1/3 of trained psychiatrists report not feeling confident diagnosing an adult with ADHD. However, once receiving a proper diagnosis, effective treatment is through the combination of proper medication management and regularly scheduled visits with one’s physician or psychiatrist for monitoring. Therapy can be helpful for some as well. ADHD is a changing disorder which requires constant follow-ups and maybe changing of medication throughout one’s lifetime. This project will call for additional research into how adults can cope after being diagnosed with ADHD and the constant changes that will occur following diagnosis.
Sydney Lyle is a senior health promotion and wellness interdisciplinary studies major with an emphasis in sociology that graduates this spring. After graduating, she will continue her education at USC Upstate to achieve her nursing degree.