Although public understanding of ADHD has improved over the last decade, it’s thought that untreated ADHD in adults is still relatively common. In this post, we dive into potential signs of untreated ADHD, reasons for delayed diagnosis, and options for support in and out of the workplace.
In the UK, it’s estimated that around 3% to 4% of people have ADHD, yet not everyone with ADHD receives treatment or a diagnosis. When it comes to spotting ADHD signs, there are some key things to look out for. A person with undiagnosed ADHD might:
It’s important to bear in mind that these symptoms can look different for each individual. For example, while a person with inattentive-type ADHD might not fidget a lot, they may have more obvious difficulties with concentration. It simply depends on the type of ADHD they present with.
When ADHD symptoms are left untreated, people can end up battling other broader issues like mental health disorders, substance misuse, unemployment, or general dysfunction – all common difficulties for people with untreated or undiagnosed ADHD.
When a person receives an ADHD diagnosis later in life, it can prompt them to wonder why it took so long to get help. There are many reasons for this. Lots of adults with ADHD go a long time without treatment or diagnosis because:
Masking becomes a way of life: It’s not uncommon for people with ADHD to appear “together” and functional. They may even go out of their way to adopt what they think is “normal” behaviour, even if it has negative consequences for their mental health and wellbeing. This can lead to others not recognising their ADHD symptoms.
ADHD gets confused with other conditions: Bipolar, anxiety, complex trauma, autism, depression, menopause, learning difficulties – these are all things that can produce similar challenges to ADHD. They’re also things that can co-occur alongside ADHD. This can make it particularly challenging to pinpoint what’s causing what.
People are discouraged from seeking support: Unfortunately, misconceptions and outdated thinking around ADHD often hold people back from getting help. Many people still believe myths like: “ADHD only occurs in young boys”, “ADHD is overdiagnosed”, or “ADHD = messy and hyperactive”. We know these things aren’t true, yet these types of ideas are still spread in staff rooms, GP surgeries, and even homes – creating a mentality where people feel too judged to seek support when they really need it.
They feel uncertain about wait times or costs: Some people struggle to take the first step in seeking a diagnosis because they aren’t sure where to start or are put off by the prospect of long wait times or pricey consultations.
They feel too “old” or don’t believe treatment would benefit them: Some adults may believe there’s no point in pursuing a diagnosis after a certain age. They might feel that since they’ve already learned to cope (even if it’s been difficult), getting treatment as an adult wouldn’t change much.
While getting help isn’t an easy thing to do, many people find that the right treatment (however late it arrives) can make a meaningful difference to daily life.
With lots of responsibilities and potential stress triggers around every corner, the workplace can be especially tough for adults with untreated ADHD. Staff with ADHD often experience the following:
When managers or other employees aren’t aware of why someone’s failing to keep up with work, it can cause misunderstandings or create unfair judgment. This is why education around neurodiversity is so vital for creating a kind and inclusive workplace.
Eager to learn more about ADHD at work? Take a look at our guide to ADHD in the workplace.
So, what can be done to help employees with ADHD? Whether a person has a formal diagnosis or is struggling with ADHD-type symptoms, they still have the right to ask for reasonable adjustments. Helpful options include:
Simple changes like these can help to empower people with ADHD to work to their full potential.
When ADHD is left untreated, it can contribute to chronic stress, burnout, difficulty managing relationships, financial problems, and underperformance at work. Many adults describe feeling overwhelmed and exhausted as they try to “keep up” without understanding why it feels so hard.
Exact figures are tricky to determine. Research suggests that around one in five adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed, meaning thousands of people may be struggling in silence or simply not aware that they have it.
If you’re finding everyday life overwhelming and suspect ADHD might be a factor, it’s worth seeking an assessment. In the UK, this can be done privately or through the NHS Right to Choose. With the latter, you’ll need a GP referral, but you can choose a private clinic from an approved list and have the assessment funded by the NHS. This can cut wait times down from years to months.
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