A quarter of American adults now suspect they have undiagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to a recent national survey. The data signals an urgent need to demystify the condition, particularly among adults whose symptoms are commonly misinterpreted, camouflaged, or ignored altogether. Although ADHD is commonly linked to overactive schoolchildren, it's increasingly evident that the truth is much more complex—and far-reaching.A neurodevelopmental disorder, ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, but it does not simply disappear as a person grows older. It persists through adulthood in roughly 75% of all cases, expressing in ways that can have a profoundly devastating effect on everyday functioning, emotional control, and work life. Yet, inaccurate assumptions still confuse the public, leading many to resist or postpone seeking treatment.A survey of researchers at Ohio State University with 1,000 American adults showed that although 25% suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD, merely 13% have consulted a healthcare provider regarding their symptoms. This gap between suspicion and diagnosis reflects a large gap in awareness, access, and understanding."Agoraphobia, depression, and ADHD all have overlapping signs and symptoms," said study researcher Justin Barterian in a press release. "But misdiagnosing ADHD as something else—or misdiagnosing something else as ADHD—can really make the symptoms worse and decrease functioning."In fact, adult ADHD seldom appears in the way it does for children. Rather than hyperactivity, it can manifest as restlessness, impulsiveness, poor time organization, difficulty with multitasking, forgetfulness, or a tendency to lose concentration during meetings or discussions. Barterian further states that the symptoms may differ wildly from person to person, which results in underdiagnosis as well as misdiagnosis.Barterian recognizes that social media has helped bring adult ADHD into the public sphere. Social media sites like Instagram and TikTok are flooded with influencers discussing their personal experiences with ADHD, triggering a sense of self-awareness in people.But he also cautions against the popularity of self-diagnosis based on what is read on the Internet. "If you're looking at videos on social media and it gets you thinking you might fit the criteria for the disorder, I would really recommend that you get an assessment from a psychologist, psychiatrist, or doctor," Barterian underscored.Why the warning? Because self-diagnosis may result in inappropriate treatment plans, undue worry, or the neglect of co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression. Professional evaluation is still the gold standard.What ADHD Really Looks Like in Adults?In contrast to children who might be hyperactive or have difficulty paying attention in the classroom, adults with ADHD experience a different array of stressors. The symptoms might emerge as disorganized environments, late work completion, impulsive choices, or emotional dysregulation in interpersonal relationships. These tend to disrupt career development, marriage and family life, and self-concept.There are three major types of ADHD:Inattentive Type: Characterized by forgetfulness, distractibility, and lack of sustained mental effort.Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Less frequent in adults, with restlessness, interrupting others, and acting impulsively without thinking.Combined Type: Most prevalent, with symptoms of both inattentiveness and impulsivity.It is very important to understand these subtleties in order to make a proper diagnosis and treatment, especially among adults whose symptoms may be disguising themselves as laziness, irresponsibility, or even as shortcomings of character.Debunking Common Myths About ADHDLet's take a closer look at some of the most enduring myths surrounding ADHD and the science that debunks them.Myth 1: Adults Don't Get ADHDFact: Although ADHD first appears in children, it continues into adulthood for the majority. Unfortunately, many adults were missed as children, particularly women, who tend to be less hyperactive and more inattentive, making them harder to identify.Myth 2: Kids Outgrow ADHDFact: The symptoms change, but do not necessarily go away. In adults, hyperactivity may decrease but problems with focusing, getting things organized, and impulsive behavior tend to persist—in different forms such as keeping a home or a job.Myth 3: ADHD Only Needs DrugsFact: Although stimulant drugs such as Adderall or non-stimulants such as atomoxetine are commonly prescribed, ADHD treatment is most successful when therapy, changes in lifestyle, and environmental adjustments are incorporated. Cognitive behavior therapy, executive function coaching, and mindfulness practices can also provide significant advantages.At work or school, such accommodations can mean extra time on assignments, noise-reduction headphones, flexible scheduling, or different working spaces. ADHD coaching and support groups are also great assets for adults with the disorder. Myth 4: ADHD is a Result of Poor ParentingFact: ADHD is not the result of raising a child in a particular way. It's a neurological disorder with strong genetic associations. If one parent has ADHD, there's a greater chance that their child will have it too. Other possible factors can be low birth weight, pre-birth exposure to tobacco or alcohol, premature birth, or head injury in early childhood.Blaming parents ignores the actual biological and genetic causes of the disorder. As one expert summed it up, "It's easier to blame parents for a child's behavior than to grasp the intricacies of a neurodevelopmental condition."Why Seeking Help is Not a Weakness?Misdiagnosed and misunderstood, adult ADHD can slowly chip away at mental wellness and quality of life. Identification of the symptoms and a professional diagnosis are the first steps toward taking back control. A proper diagnosis can open the door to tailored treatment plans, possibly including medication, therapy, coaching, and accommodations on the job or in school.If you think you may have ADHD, it's important to see a trained healthcare professional—preferably a psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in adult ADHD. There is no specific test for the condition, but an evaluation can involve interviews, behavioral checklists, and feedback from family and friends, as well as employers.ADHD in adults is real, common, and treatable—but only if it’s recognized. As more Americans begin to identify with the symptoms, society must evolve to better support accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and inclusive understanding.With one in four U.S. adults suspecting undiagnosed ADHD, we’re not looking at an exception—we’re looking at a growing public health conversation that needs more empathy, education, and expertise.