The classic image of ADHD is a hyperactive child, but the understanding of this condition has evolved significantly. It wasn't long ago that ADHD was primarily seen as a childhood disorder, with the possibility of it continuing into adulthood, only gaining recognition in the last few decades. Now, it seems that adults everywhere are being diagnosed with ADHD. So, you ask, why didn't we pick up all these people when they were still kids?
Misdiagnosis
Society's understanding of ADHD has increased significantly over the last couple of decades. Only 30 years ago, it was believed that children grew out of ADHD. Yet few professions, including medicine and education, actually require their students to study ADHD in any capacity to graduate. Therefore, only teachers and doctors interested in ADHD will likely pick up on the clues.
Many symptoms of ADHD also overlap with other conditions, like anxiety, depression or learning difficulties, making it difficult for carers and doctors to determine what is going on for the child. On top of that, children naturally develop and mature at different rates, making it challenging to distinguish between typical childhood behaviours and ADHD symptoms accurately.
Masked Symptoms
Some children are either more capable or more motivated to fit in socially and suppress their symptoms, which is called masking. This can occur by developing strategies to work around their executive functioning deficits and/or by internalising their most obvious ADHD symptoms. ADHD is primarily diagnosed from symptoms that other people can most notice the impact, i.e. that impacts other people the most. Unfortunately, these efforts can be mentally and emotionally taxing, and the underlying symptoms still exist, impacting their social, emotional and academic well-being. In the long term, masking and internalising symptoms can lead to burnout.
Life Changes
As children transition into adulthood, they often face significant physical and social changes. These changes, such as puberty, increased academic or professional demands, changes in living situations, or the stress of starting a family, can exacerbate underlying ADHD symptoms that were previously masked or less noticeable. These challenges can expose difficulties with time management, organization, and emotional regulation, leading to a late-life diagnosis of ADHD.
While ADHD is often associated with childhood, it's increasingly clear that many adults are also living with this condition. Misdiagnosis in childhood, masked symptoms, and changing life circumstances can contribute to late-life diagnoses. If you suspect you may have ADHD, seeking a professional evaluation can provide clarity and help you access appropriate support and treatment. Remember, it's never too late to understand yourself better and take steps to improve your quality of life.
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