What Happens When Inattentive ADHD Is Undiagnosed

RenaFi, Inc.

27 Jun 202310:48

Summary

TLDRIn 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.

Outlines

00:00

🎤 Introduction to Cynthia Hammer and ADHD Advocacy

Melissa introduces her guest, Cynthia Hammer, founder of the Inattentive ADHD Coalition. The episode begins with a mention of the sponsor, Renify, and its focus on helping people understand their behavior to make better life decisions. Cynthia is introduced as someone diagnosed with ADHD in her 40s, and she has been a long-time advocate for ADHD awareness through ADD resources. The focus of the discussion shifts to Cynthia's work in advocating for people with inattentive ADHD and her personal motivation to help others, like herself, who were diagnosed later in life.

05:03

🔍 Distinguishing Inattentive ADHD

Cynthia explains that inattentive ADHD is often overlooked in discussions about ADHD, which are dominated by traits such as hyperactivity and restlessness. She emphasizes that people with inattentive ADHD, who are often quieter and less physically active, are frequently missed in diagnoses because the typical ADHD traits do not apply to them. Her motivation for founding a nonprofit focused on inattentive ADHD was inspired by a woman who shared her frustrations about not being diagnosed early, which led to Cynthia realizing the lack of awareness around this form of ADHD.

10:03

💡 Combined Type ADHD in Women

Cynthia discusses her recent exploration of the differences between women with combined-type ADHD and those with inattentive-type ADHD. She notes that women with combined-type ADHD, though more verbal, are also often missed in diagnosis if they are not physically hyperactive. She shares that even women with combined-type ADHD are frequently overlooked, and that the only ones being diagnosed are those showing physical hyperactivity. This broadens her concern to all children with ADHD who are overlooked, highlighting the importance of recognizing different ADHD symptoms.

📚 Importance of Early Diagnosis for ADHD

Cynthia emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, citing research by Dr. Russell Barkley showing that people with undiagnosed or untreated ADHD have a lower life expectancy, often due to accidents, health problems, and even suicide. She stresses that undiagnosed ADHD can prevent individuals from following medical advice, leading to poor health outcomes. Early diagnosis, she explains, not only improves a child's self-esteem but also their ability to lead a healthier life. Cynthia shares stories from adults with ADHD who reflect on how their lives could have been different had they been diagnosed earlier.

💭 The Impact of Late ADHD Diagnosis on Adults

Cynthia discusses how late diagnosis of ADHD affects adults, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. She explains that knowing about ADHD earlier in life would have helped these individuals better understand themselves and make choices that allow them to function at their best. Cynthia points out that while ADHD itself is manageable, the real challenge is not knowing one has ADHD, which causes confusion and frustration in navigating life. Lack of understanding about one’s condition leads to being in situations where they cannot thrive, reinforcing low self-confidence.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Inattentive ADHD

Inattentive ADHD refers to a subtype of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) characterized by symptoms such as lack of focus, forgetfulness, and disorganization without the hyperactive behaviors. In the video, Cynthia Hammer emphasizes how this form of ADHD often goes unrecognized because it does not involve the high energy or restlessness typically associated with ADHD, leading to underdiagnosis, especially in children.

💡Combined Type ADHD

Combined Type ADHD is a form of ADHD where both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present. Cynthia Hammer explains that women with this type are often overlooked if their hyperactivity is expressed verbally rather than physically. The discussion highlights the complexity of ADHD diagnoses, especially in women, who may not display traditional hyperactivity, making diagnosis more challenging.

💡DSM-5

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) is a guide used by healthcare professionals to diagnose mental disorders, including ADHD. Cynthia mentions how the DSM-5 categorizes ADHD into subtypes like inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive, with specific criteria for each. The discussion emphasizes how these diagnostic criteria shape clinicians' understanding and treatment of ADHD.

💡Underdiagnosis

Underdiagnosis refers to the failure to identify a condition, in this case, ADHD, when symptoms are present. Cynthia discusses how inattentive ADHD, especially in girls and women, is frequently underdiagnosed because it lacks the more visible hyperactivity symptoms. This issue is central to her mission of raising awareness through her nonprofit, the Inattentive ADHD Coalition.

💡Nonprofit

A nonprofit organization is a group established for a mission or cause without the intention of making a profit. Cynthia Hammer founded the Inattentive ADHD Coalition as a nonprofit to increase awareness and provide resources for people with inattentive ADHD, particularly in children, who are often overlooked in traditional ADHD diagnoses.

💡Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis refers to the timely identification of a disorder, in this case, ADHD, during childhood. Cynthia stresses the importance of early diagnosis, citing research by Dr. Russell Barkley that untreated ADHD can lead to negative outcomes such as accidents, mental health issues, and even a reduced life expectancy by 12 years. Early identification allows for better management and support, improving quality of life.

💡Self-esteem

Self-esteem refers to an individual's sense of self-worth or confidence. Cynthia discusses how individuals with undiagnosed ADHD often struggle with low self-esteem because they do not understand their behavior or why they face certain challenges. She notes that early diagnosis can prevent the development of self-esteem issues by helping individuals understand their condition and manage it effectively.

💡Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is one of the hallmark symptoms of ADHD, characterized by excessive movement, restlessness, or difficulty sitting still. Cynthia contrasts this symptom with inattentive ADHD, where hyperactivity is less pronounced, leading to a higher likelihood of the inattentive type being overlooked. She also mentions that in females, hyperactivity may be expressed more verbally than physically.

💡Dr. Russell Barkley

Dr. Russell Barkley is a prominent researcher in the field of ADHD. Cynthia references his research to underscore the serious consequences of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD, such as a shortened lifespan and increased health risks. His work is used to advocate for the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to improve long-term outcomes for individuals with ADHD.

💡ADHD Resources

ADHD Resources refer to tools, information, support groups, and other aids that help individuals with ADHD understand and manage their condition. Cynthia Hammer previously ran a project called ADD Resources for 15 years, aimed at helping people with ADHD. Her current nonprofit, the Inattentive ADHD Coalition, continues this mission by providing resources specifically for people with inattentive ADHD, further highlighting the need for specialized support.

Highlights

Cynthia Hammer is the founder of the Inattentive ADHD Coalition, focused on raising awareness about inattentive ADHD.

Cynthia, like the host Melissa, was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD in her 40s, which inspired her to dive deeper into understanding the condition.

She ran ADD Resources for 15 years, which helped others with ADHD access crucial information and support.

Inattentive ADHD is often overlooked because most ADHD discussions focus on hyperactivity and impulsiveness, traits that don’t apply to people with inattentive ADHD.

Many people assume ADHD is characterized by high energy, fast talking, and physical restlessness, which leads to those with inattentive ADHD being misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

Cynthia created a nonprofit organization to specifically address the lack of recognition for inattentive ADHD, particularly in children.

She was inspired to act after reading a blog post by a 23-year-old woman frustrated by the late diagnosis of her inattentive ADHD.

Early diagnosis of ADHD is essential because undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can lead to significant consequences, including lower self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and even earlier mortality.

Dr. Russell Barkley’s research reveals that untreated ADHD can result in individuals dying 12 years earlier than the general population due to accidents, health issues, or mental health struggles.

Cynthia’s goal is to ensure both inattentive and combined types of ADHD are better understood and diagnosed in childhood, reducing future struggles.

There is a disparity in how ADHD is recognized; women with combined types often go undiagnosed unless they display physical hyperactivity.

Even women with the combined type of ADHD, who express hyperactivity verbally instead of physically, are frequently missed in diagnoses.

Cynthia is currently interviewing women with ADHD to better understand the differences between combined and inattentive types in women.

Adults with ADHD, especially inattentive types, often express frustration at how different their lives would have been if they had been diagnosed earlier.

The stigma and misunderstanding surrounding ADHD, particularly inattentive ADHD, lead to issues like depression, anxiety, and chronic health problems due to the lack of proper care and diagnosis.