"When ADHD or autism goes unrecognised into adulthood, the consequences extend well beyond the absence of support. Research consistently identifies elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related difficulties in this population."
"Approximately 42% of autistic adults met criteria for an anxiety disorder, and 37% for a depressive disorder - rates substantially higher than those in the general population."
"Studies of adults with ADHD report similar patterns: over 50% of adults presenting with ADHD had at least one co-occurring psychiatric condition, with depressive and anxiety disorders among the most prevalent."
Many adults experience exhaustion from years of unrecognized ADHD or autism, leading to late diagnoses that reveal decades of struggle. Autism diagnosis rates increased by 175% from 2011 to 2022, with similar trends in adult ADHD. The psychological costs of going undiagnosed include elevated anxiety and depression rates, with 42% of autistic adults and over 50% of adults with ADHD facing co-occurring psychiatric conditions. These findings highlight the need for better recognition and support for neurodivergent individuals.
Read at Psychology Today
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