ADHD and the Pandemic
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, more and more adults have been suspecting they may have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many clients have talked with my colleagues and I about being introduced to ADHD by social media, and how it can present in adulthood. Maybe you have found yourself on ADHD Tiktok, or have read relatable stories of people around you being newly diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This increase in awareness about ADHD and associated symptoms is a good thing! More awareness increases compassion and understanding for ADHDers and can help others learn about and identify their own neurodivergence.
There are lots of reasons for this uptick in awareness around ADHD in pandemic times. Most of us have experienced some changes in routine at some point during the pandemic. Working from home, switching from in-person to online learning (and back again), navigating childcare, and so on, have had an effect on most of us. Add social and emotional challenges on top, and it is understandable that many of us have experienced an increase in distractibility, loss of focus, impaired concentration, brain fog, and other symptoms that may sometimes look like ADHD symptoms.
ADHD is often not recognized until adulthood for several reasons. Symptoms are often overlooked in children who do well in school or those who do not present with obvious behavioral difficulties. ADHD symptoms can look different based on gender and other variables, and incorrect assumptions on how ADHD presents are especially prevalent for those assigned female at birth. Many people with ADHD symptoms since childhood find that they are able to manage it until later in life when a stressor makes it especially difficult. For some it is college, maybe a professional exam, or even navigating parenthood; for many, the COVID-19 pandemic has been that stressor, with all of the associated stress and routine changes.
It is important to note that not everyone who experiences signs of distractibility, impulsivity, and inattention will meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. While many of us experience these symptoms to some extent at different times in life (and especially since the pandemic), ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means it is present throughout all stages of life. So, while these symptoms may be especially obvious after a known stressor, most ADHDers are able to trace symptoms back to childhood. The severity and prevalence of symptoms matter, along with other factors, in determining a diagnosis. Some ADHD symptoms are also present in other mental health conditions.
So what should you do if you think you might have ADHD?
Talk to your therapist about your suspicion. Seek out information, and feel free to do your own research! If you are not already seeing a therapist, reaching out for help is a good idea. I usually suggest people suspecting ADHD also talk with people who knew them when they were children as well. When looking back and trying to understand ourselves and our past struggles, it is especially important to be compassionate to ourselves. Difficult or unexpected feelings and memories can be part of the process. Having a therapist help along the way is often very helpful. After thorough research and self-exploration, if ADHD is still suspected, you may be a candidate for neuropsychological testing.