Misdiagnosis and Missed Diagnosis

As of late, my uncle has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder at the age of 50. Although it took me by surprise, it made me profoundly aware of the fact that almost 75% of adults remain undiagnosed of psychological disorders such as ADHD, and the remaining are more often misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms with other disorders such as anxiety, depression, dissociative identity disorder, and more. 

Due to symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity, it is often difficult to distinguish children's behaviour from what is considered “normal”.The severity of ADHD may also influence an individual’s perception of disorderly behaviour. Some may perceive self-stimulatory movements, such as hand flapping or running around the room aimlessly, as childish behavior rather than something to be diagnosed. In my uncle’s case, I must acknowledge his friend, who, after just a brief conversation, recognized what had gone unnoticed for five decades. He advised my uncle to consult a therapist and start a course of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), as it aims to discern the behavioural and cognitive aspects of a disorder. 

It has been a month since he started to receive therapy for ADHD, and it has changed his lifestyle tremendously in such a short amount of time. According to his family members, the noticeable changes are that his patience has increased significantly, he can focus on a particular stimulus for a longer period, and he demonstrates sustained attention on a single task. This has significantly reduced stress and lessened the urge to live a fast-paced life, allowing for a slower, more focused one.

references:

National Institute of Mental Health. “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults: What You Need to Know.” National Institute of Mental Health, 2021, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know.