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ADHD in adults is a continuation of childhood ADHD, with prevalence rates varying by country. Undiagnosed ADHD in childhood can lead to associated problems in adulthood, including drug and alcohol abuse, job loss, and mental health issues. Children are at risk of overdiagnosis while adults are underdiagnosed, but increased attention to diagnosis in childhood could have a positive effect on future generations. Prevalence rates may change, but ADHD is common in adulthood, affecting at least one in a hundred adults.
ADHD in adults is an interesting topic. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is often discussed in terms of how it affects learning in children. In truth, adult ADHD simply means a continuation of childhood ADHD. In nearly all cases, this condition was present in childhood, even if undiagnosed. Determining whether childhood ADHD existed is one of the primary tests for diagnosing the condition in adulthood.
When people read statistical evidence about ADHD in adults, it can quickly become confusing. This is partly because surveys of those with the condition are incomplete, and the rate of diagnoses can vary by country. Many percentages are used to suggest prevalence. Some suggest that approximately 3-5% of children have this learning disability and that 60-65% will continue to have the disorder as adults. But the prevalence in the adult population according to studies by the World Health Organization is cited as being around 4%, which makes no sense from a mathematical perspective. A 2-3% lower stat might be more accurate.
Even though only one in a hundred adults suffer from this condition, there are associated problems unique to the adult. A higher rate of drug and alcohol abuse is seen with this condition, especially if it has always been undiagnosed. Job loss is higher, as are lower socioeconomic status, less education, poor relationships, and the prevalence of other mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. These are most often felt when the diagnosis of ADHD has not been achieved in childhood due to the cumulative harmful effect of being different from peers and unsupported in the educational environment.
This could change and an unusual fact regarding ADHD in adults is that children are at risk of being overdiagnosed for the condition while adults are underdiagnosed. This clearly suggests that many children are getting the diagnosis they need and will hopefully continue treatment for this condition as adults if needed. On the other hand it also means that there is also an inaccurate diagnosis, and some children and adults will be labeled or diagnosed with a condition they don’t have. However, increased attention to diagnosis in childhood could in future generations have a positive effect on adults and leave fewer of them undiagnosed.
Information about ADHD in adults is constantly evolving. It is possible that the percentages will go up or down in the coming years. For now it is important to remember that this condition can be seen as common in adulthood, probably affecting at least one in a hundred adults and possibly many more.
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