7 Signs of Undiagnosed ADHD

Professor of Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine, Dr. Samoon Ahmad (2019) stated that attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioural disorder that is characterized by difficulties in impulse control, hyperactivity, and a decreased ability to focus for prolonged periods of time. Until relatively recently, ADHD was thought to be a disorder that affects children, and then gradually disappears when one becomes an adult. Researchers now have found that ADHD can still persist into adulthood, which consists of 60 percent of those who have been diagnosed with the disorder during childhood.

It is feasible that the symptoms and signs may have not been recognized at an earlier age (Whitbourne, 2011). It is estimated that up to 5 percent of school-age children and 2.5% of American adults suffer from the illness. It is a common misconception that ADHD is something that one would grow out of, thus, many adults don’t even seek treatment for the disorder.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the signs of undiagnosed ADHD that you can look out for:

Lack of focus

A college student, Tiara (not her real name) who majors in Linguistics, dislikes her semantics class. She just doesn’t like to read and she would space out all the time in the class. When the lecturer calls her out to answer some questions, she looks puzzled and aloof.

People with ADHD may find themselves unable to concentrate even when the task at hand is very important. They always find themselves daydreaming at inappropriate moments. They can’t seem to sustain their attention on reading, paperwork, lectures or work (Whitbourne, 2011).

2. Educational and vocational underachievement

Luke has been accepted as a student in an IT university. Since attending his college, he has experienced procrastination, difficulties with the completion of his assignments, and distractibility. He is struggling to meet academic expectations during the course of his study.

Oftentimes, people with ADHD has educational and vocational underachievement. As a result of poor time management, procrastination, distractibility, and disability in social role functioning, ADHD patients tend to find it harder to gain and maintain employment, and tend to be less productive in school and work (Seknic, Swensen, & Lage, 2005).

3. Hyperfocus or become too engrossed in something that they become unaware of anything else

Your teenage son is so engrossed in a video game. You try to call his name and ask him to help you hang up the laundry, but he seems to not hear your calling. After tapping him hard on his shoulder, only then does he look at you. When you ask him if he hears your shout…he admits that he is too focused and does not even notice your call.

Larry Maucieri Ph.D., ABPP-CN (2014) stated that ADHD patients may become hyperfocus or too engrossed in something that they become unaware of anything else. They become intensely fixated on a particular event or topic, which is more intense than people without ADHD. Consequently, this can lead to over-absorption which creates a loss of energy and time for the other more important tasks and duties in the patients’ lives.

4. Hard to manage the organizational skills

Jennifer was a great student until the 6th grade, however later on she has to face difficulties at school. It is when the school curriculum becomes more structured and challenging. She cannot stay focused during her tennis games and has difficulty remembering the strategies that were discussed before the big game.

ADHD patients may develop difficulty organizing thoughts, feel hard to express themselves and are unable to think quickly when confronting an unexpected event. Moreover, they can have difficulty coming up with solutions to problems that they come across when they are trying to reach a goal, and understanding how to sequence activities (Whitbourne, 2011).

5. Lack of motivation

Have you ever felt lazy or unmotivated?

Do you feel that you need others to prod you to complete your tasks on time?

Have you ever thought that you are not putting adequate effort into a task to complete it successfully?

If you answer yes to the above questions, you may have undiagnosed ADHD.

People with ADHD will be more likely to take shortcuts in their job and refuse to do all that they are required to do (Whitbourne, 2011).

6. Restlessness and anxiety

Emilia admits that she struggles with feelings of internal restlessness and she often becomes anxious when she is asked to speak in public, or to spend time with people she does not know.

ADHD patients may have hyperactivity, restlessness and secondary anxiety. They can be seen fidgeting and looking agitated (Dimitriu, 2020). ADHD is a disorder that of dysfunctional brain connectivity within and between several neurofunctional networks. Sörös et al. (2019) reported that there is increased functional connectivity in cortical and subcortical areas within the auditory/sensorimotor network; which is associated with severe hyperactivity and restlessness.

7. Trouble in relationships

Jack is a man in his mid-20s, who has been experiencing anger outbursts with his significant other. Sometimes, when he is feeling frustrated, he will lash out at his partner and the latter always complains that Jack never listens to what she has to say.

People with ADHD may have relationship difficulties; either with their family members, work colleagues, friends or partners. Babinski et al. (2011) proposed that social interaction with friends and colleagues will be difficult for people with ADHD due to their impulsive and oppositional interpersonal style. Their poor listening skills, a propensity to disturb others, and being regularly active and easily exasperated can also contribute to relationship problems. For instance, young women with ADHD were involved in more conflict with their mothers, experienced less romantic relationships and developed more depressive symptoms. Furthermore, it would be more possible for these patients to internalize problems and have low self-esteem.

Final thoughts

A diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by a mental health professional. However, if these signs are relatable to you or your loved ones, you may want to consult a psychologist or counsellor.

REFERENCES

Ahmad, S. (2019, March 19). What Adult ADHD Looks Like. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/balanced/201903/what-adult-adhd-looks.

Babinski, D. E., Pelham, W. E., Jr, Molina, B. S., et al. (2011). Late adolescent and young adult outcomes of girls diagnosed with ADHD in childhood: an exploratory investigation. J Atten Disord. 15(3),204–214.

Dimitriu, A. (2020, February 19). The Erosive Power of ADHD: Tips for Adults. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychiatry-and-sleep/202002/the-erosive-power-adhd-tips-adults.

Maucleri, L. (2014, November 3). ADHD Hyperfocus: What Is It and How to Use It. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-distracted-couple/201411/adhd-hyperfocus-what-is-it-and-how-use-it.

Secnik, K., Swensen, A., Lage, M. J. 2005. Comorbidities and costs of adult patients diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Pharmacoeconomics. 23(1),93-102.

Sörös, P., Hoxhaj, E., Borel, P. et al. (2019). Hyperactivity/restlessness is associated with increased functional connectivity in adults with ADHD: a dimensional analysis of resting state fMRI. BMC Psychiatry , 43 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2031-9

Whitbourne, S. K. (2011, December 27). Five Dimensions of Adult ADHD in Everyday Behavior. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201112/five-dimensions-adult-adhd-in-everyday-behavior.

White, M. A. (2021, February 9). Symptoms of Adult ADHD. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adult-adhd.