A recent survey by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that one in four American adults suspects they might have undiagnosed ADHD, while 13% have expressed these concerns to their doctors. Despite this high level of suspicion, only about 4% of adults aged 18 to 44 have an official diagnosis of ADHD, as stated by Ohio State clinical assistant professor Justin Barterian. This significant gap raises questions about the awareness and understanding of ADHD among the general population.
Researchers suggest that the discrepancy between suspected and diagnosed cases of ADHD may be influenced by the prevalence of ADHD-related content on social media platforms like TikTok. Popular videos, such as “5 signs you have ADHD” and “How to spot an ADHDer in public,” have garnered substantial attention, leading many viewers to question whether they might have the condition. This social media influence highlights a growing awareness of ADHD but also raises concerns about the accuracy of self-assessment.
Mental health professionals express caution regarding self-diagnosis. Adrian Owen, a professor of cognitive neuroscience and imaging, warns that self-diagnosing could lead to over-pathologizing normal behavior, potentially mislabeling a wide range of behaviors as ADHD. Psychologist Mary Anderson echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that while many people may experience occasional difficulty focusing or distractibility, these traits do not necessarily indicate the presence of ADHD.
The risks associated with self-diagnosing ADHD are significant. Owen points out that ADHD shares symptoms with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Consequently, self-diagnosis could lead individuals to overlook these underlying issues, which may result in inappropriate or ineffective treatment. Furthermore, individuals seeking stimulant medications without professional guidance might misuse them, leading to side effects such as increased heart rate and sleep disturbances.
To achieve an accurate diagnosis, both Owen and Anderson advocate for consulting a qualified mental health professional. The traditional ADHD diagnosis process typically involves working with professionals beyond primary care physicians, completing questionnaires, and undergoing neuropsychological testing. Anderson encourages individuals to reach out to their primary care doctors for referrals to mental health specialists, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to help individuals achieve their best mental health outcomes.
