The survey showed that 25% of adults believe they have undiagnosed ADHD. The doctor shares what you need to know.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or Attention deficit hyperactivity disorderIt can be more common in adults than we realize.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approx 15.5 million Adults in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives. But according to New scan From Wexner Medical Center and Ohio State University College of Medicine About 25% of American adults suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD, and only about 13% have shared their suspicions with their doctors.

Mental health experts are concerned about this Self-diagnosis It can lead to wrong treatment.

If someone suspects they have ADHD, they should definitely see a doctor, Dr. Celine Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor and public health editor at KFF Health News, said on “CBS Mornings” on Tuesday.

“ADHD symptoms can be more subtle in adults. There is a lot of overlap with other mental health conditions as well as other medical conditions, and how you treat it may vary depending on the combination of symptoms, and what other overlapping syndromes you may be experiencing,” she said.

What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

Gounder explained that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by problems related to inattention, restlessness, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

The CDC describes it as “a common childhood disorder that can persist into adulthood,” but notes that there is “limited information about diagnosis and treatment in adults.”

“The reason there is so much stigma around this is because we tend, as a society in general, to blame the symptoms of many medical problems, from obesity to addiction, on character flaws and lose sight of the fact that this is actually a real medical condition,” she said.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults

While ADHD is more likely to develop in childhood and may fly under the radar, there are some people who seem to develop some of these symptoms later in life, according to Gounder.

“With adults, we are more mature, and we are more able to hide some symptoms and deal with some symptoms,” she said. “So it may not be as obvious in adults.”

Signs that may indicate ADHD in adults include:

• Difficulty finishing projects or focusing on tasks
• – Difficulty in organizational skills and time management
• Feeling restless and uncomfortable
• Interrupting others, talking excessively

the Mayo Clinic It is also noted that people may also experience impulsive decision making, irritability and difficulty managing emotions or frustration.

“These are some of the behaviors we see. But again, there’s a lot of overlap with other things, so you really need someone who knows how to diagnose that,” Gounder said.

Treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Treatment for ADHD usually involves a combination of therapy and medication.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, teaches you how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and “how to move beyond what may be your initial impulse in a given situation,” Gounder explained.

Medications may include stimulants such as AdderallOr Vyvanse, or Ritalin, or Concerta.

“There are also some medications that are not considered stimulants, they just take a little longer to take effect,” she said.