What Happens When Inattentive ADHD Is Undiagnosed

Summary

In this conversation, Cynthia Hammer, founder of the Inattentive ADHD Coalition, discusses the challenges and under-recognition of inattentive ADHD, especially in women. She emphasizes how inattentive ADHD differs from hyperactive types and shares insights on the misdiagnosis and late diagnoses faced by many. Cynthia also highlights the importance of early diagnosis in children, noting how untreated ADHD can lead to health issues and lower life expectancy. Her passion for raising awareness and supporting others is clear as she shares personal experiences and research, advocating for greater attention to all ADHD types.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Cynthia Hammer is the founder of the Inattentive ADHD Coalition, a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness about the inattentive type of ADHD.
• 🎓 The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) is significant in this conversation as it outlines the criteria for diagnosing ADHD, including inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.
• 👥 ADHD is often discussed as a monolithic condition, but it's crucial to recognize the differences between the inattentive type and other types, such as the combined type.
• 👀 Inattentive type ADHD is frequently overlooked because it doesn't present with the stereotypical high energy or physical restlessness often associated with ADHD.
• 📚 Cynthia wrote a book and learned that inattentive ADHD is often misunderstood, leading to underdiagnosis, especially in children.
• 🔍 The lack of recognition for inattentive ADHD is a significant issue, as it can lead to missed diagnoses and inadequate support for those affected.
• 👩‍💼 Cynthia's research indicates that women with combined type ADHD are often misdiagnosed or overlooked, similar to those with inattentive type.
• 🧠 Early diagnosis of ADHD is critical for improving long-term health outcomes and self-esteem, as untreated ADHD can lead to a variety of health issues and reduced life expectancy.
• 👶 Children with ADHD who are diagnosed early have a better chance of developing healthy self-esteem and self-confidence, which can significantly improve their quality of life.
• 🤔 The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of ADHD types and the need for better education and awareness to ensure accurate diagnoses and support.

Q & A

Who is Cynthia Hammer and what is her contribution to ADHD awareness?

Cynthia Hammer is the founder of the Inattentive ADHD Coalition and previously led ADD Resources for 15 years. She has been actively involved in raising awareness about inattentive ADHD, particularly focusing on how it is often overlooked in diagnosis.

What motivated Cynthia Hammer to start the Inattentive ADHD Coalition?

Cynthia was motivated to start the Inattentive ADHD Coalition after realizing how inattentive ADHD continues to be overlooked, especially in children. A particular blog post by a woman who was misdiagnosed until adulthood sparked Cynthia’s drive to address this gap in recognition.

What distinguishes inattentive ADHD from other types of ADHD?

Inattentive ADHD differs from other types in that individuals with this type are not typically hyperactive or talkative. They may not exhibit the high energy or restlessness often associated with ADHD, which leads to them being overlooked in diagnosis.

What is Cynthia Hammer’s major concern regarding ADHD diagnosis?

Cynthia’s major concern is that inattentive ADHD, despite being recognized in the DSM, is often overlooked because many people associate ADHD with hyperactive behaviors. This leads to individuals with inattentive ADHD not being diagnosed or understood properly.

What are the risks associated with undiagnosed ADHD according to Cynthia Hammer?

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to serious consequences such as lower self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and poor health management. Cynthia mentions research by Dr. Russell Barkley that shows people with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD die on average 12 years earlier than the general population due to factors like accidents, suicide, and health issues.

What is the DSM-5 and why is it significant in the discussion about ADHD?

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) provides the criteria for diagnosing mental health conditions, including ADHD. It separates ADHD into inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types, which clinicians use to diagnose and treat individuals.

Why does Cynthia believe that women with ADHD are often overlooked in diagnosis?

Cynthia believes that women, especially those with combined type ADHD, are often overlooked because their hyperactivity is less physical and more verbal. As a result, girls and women who don’t exhibit physical restlessness may be misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.

What is the importance of early ADHD diagnosis in children?

Early diagnosis of ADHD is crucial as it allows children to understand and manage their condition, improving their self-esteem and mental health. Early intervention can prevent the development of associated issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-confidence later in life.

What did Cynthia Hammer discover when interviewing women with different types of ADHD?

Through her interviews with women with combined type ADHD, Cynthia discovered that many women, regardless of the type of ADHD, are still being overlooked in diagnosis unless they show physical hyperactivity. This finding broadened her concern to include all undiagnosed children with ADHD.

What are some of the challenges faced by adults with ADHD who were not diagnosed as children?

Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression due to years of misunderstanding themselves and their behavior. They may also have difficulty in managing their health and following medical advice, which can lead to additional physical health problems.