Introduction

Tanya Murphy, a resident of Arlington, Virginia, has spent much of her life concealing her struggles with mental health. Raised in conservative Christian social circles in Georgia, where discussing issues like depression was frowned upon, she felt compelled to hide her feelings. “God forbid you have a mental health issue,” she shares. By her late 40s, her mental health challenges, including anxiety and suicidal thoughts, became unbearable.

A Hidden Battle

Despite being intelligent, Ms. Murphy was often labeled a ‘daydreamer’ in her youth, a term that masked her ongoing battle with attention difficulties. After extensive research on her symptoms, she recognized the potential of having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (A.D.H.D.), a condition typically marked by inattention, disorganization, and impulsivity. At age 53, following a diagnosis from a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she began treatment with Strattera, a non-stimulant medication for A.D.H.D. Along with therapy and meditation, Tanya experienced remarkable improvements in focus, anxiety, and depression. “I cried with joy,” she recalls. “I knew I wasn’t crazy, broken, or a failure.”

A Nationwide Surge in Diagnosis

This shift in awareness regarding A.D.H.D. is being echoed nationwide. A significant analysis by Truveta, a healthcare analytics firm, indicates that from January 2021 to October 2024, the rate of new A.D.H.D. diagnoses surged significantly among individuals aged 30 and older—a staggering 61% increase among those 30 to 44 and a 64% rise for those aged 45 to 64. Notably, individuals aged 30 to 44 now account for 31% of all first-time diagnoses, marking a notable demographic shift: younger adults previously held the majority.

The Role of Social Media

Compellingly, a survey from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center revealed that approximately 25% of adults suspect they have undiagnosed A.D.H.D., despite research indicating that only around 6% of the population is estimated to have the disorder. This discrepancy is partially attributed to the vast array of social media content available, with TikTok hosting an astonishing 3.7 million posts under the hashtag #ADHD. “All these people who have been walking around, never diagnosed before, are now resonating with these symptoms,” reports Dr. David W. Goodman from Johns Hopkins University.

Gender Disparities in Diagnosis

The rise in diagnoses particularly affects women, who often face a greater chance of being overlooked until adulthood. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that 61% of women are diagnosed as adults compared to only 40% of men. Additionally, evidence suggests that symptoms may worsen or appear for the first time during menopause.

Impact of the Pandemic

The upheaval of daily life due to the pandemic has exacerbated long-standing challenges for many with A.D.H.D. Russell Ramsay, a psychologist specializing in adult A.D.H.D., notes that external stressors have heightened awareness and need for diagnosis. As in the case of Kyle Lampe, who recognized his own symptoms while watching A.D.H.D. content online, many adults are beginning to understand their struggles in a new light. “I’m a big fidgeter,” he reflects, recalling how he often disrupted his classes.

The Diagnostic Journey

After his diagnosis in August, Lampe began to wonder how differently his life could have unfolded had he been diagnosed sooner. Both Lampe and Murphy underwent thorough neuropsychological testing—an investment of $2,500 for Murphy, while Lampe’s test was largely covered by insurance. However, many individuals opt for online diagnostic services, which raise concerns regarding the consistency and validity of A.D.H.D. diagnoses due to a lack of U.S. clinical guidelines.

Caution and Complexity

Industry experts acknowledge the complex nature of these diagnoses and express caution about the implications of social media diagnosing trends. Stephen P. Hinshaw from the University of California, Berkeley, highlights, “Much of the surge in new diagnoses is legitimate, but the rise in easy online assessments can lead to superficial conclusions.”

Personal Revelations

For many, like Dolores Brown from Milwaukee, newfound insights come from the perspective of a fresh therapist who suggested that her prior diagnosis of bipolar disorder might have been inaccurate. Upon receiving her A.D.H.D. diagnosis in 2023, Brown felt a deep sense of relief, dispelling her previous fears that she was 'just crazy' and highlighting the shift in understanding adults face regarding mental health.

Conclusion

The uptick in A.D.H.D. diagnoses among older Americans signals a critical change in the recognition of mental health issues, shedding light on long-hidden struggles and alleviating the burden carried by individuals for decades. As society becomes more attuned to these challenges, it may finally pave the way for better support and understanding for this often-overlooked demographic.