Unscripted Analysis: ADHD Misidentification - Causes, Symptoms, and Suggested Actions

Uncovering Misidentified ADHD: Reasons, Symptoms, and What Comes Next

Sleep disturbances are a common symptom across various mental health diagnoses, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders like insomnia. However, they are also associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition that can manifest differently in every individual.

Feeling distracted or having difficulty focusing can be a symptom of ADHD, as well as depression and anxiety. In children, lack of challenge or stimulation in the classroom can cause symptoms of ADHD, while in adults, symptoms may present differently, such as talking a lot and getting restless when trying to sleep at night.

ADHD is a common mental health condition, affecting approximately 11% of children, adolescents, and adults in the United States. The exact number of misdiagnosed ADHD cases is unknown, but a recent study suggests that ADHD is overdiagnosed and overtreated in children and adolescents.

Boys may be overdiagnosed with ADHD due to cultural norms encouraging high-energy behavior, while female children with ADHD are likely to remain unidentified and untreated. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than women, who are more likely to experience the primary symptoms of inattentiveness instead of hyperactivity.

The rising diagnosis rates of adult ADHD in recent years are mainly due to increased awareness and recognition of ADHD symptoms in adults, improved diagnostic criteria and tools, and greater willingness among adults to seek diagnosis and treatment. Changes in societal attitudes and healthcare access have also contributed to more adults being diagnosed.

If the prescribed treatment for ADHD is not helping manage symptoms, misdiagnosis may have occurred. It's important to note that symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and focus issues are required for a diagnosis of ADHD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Doctors may misdiagnose ADHD due to not using diagnostic guidelines from at least 2 sources and across 2 settings, as suggested by a study of 50 pediatric practices.

Being your own health advocate can help ensure you get the correct diagnosis, critical to receiving effective care. Impulsivity and inattention are just as strong indicators of ADHD as hyperactivity. Restlessness and fidgeting can be a way for someone to cope with anxiety rather than not being able to sit still.

It's essential to approach mental health diagnoses with understanding and empathy, recognising that each individual's experience is unique. If you suspect you or someone you know may have ADHD, seeking professional help and advocating for yourself or them can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.