Do you have “A short little span of attention,” to quote Paul Simon? Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD doesn't just affect children. It also impacts adults, a fact that can be seen in multiple threads on social media.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that around 15.5 million adults have been diagnosed with ADHD. While the numbers continue to climb, many people who suspect they have the condition haven't told their primary care physicians, according to a new national survey commissioned by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine.

Even though 25 percent of adults suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD, the survey showed that only 13 percent of them had shared their concern with their doctors.

There are no laboratory or medical tests that can diagnose or confirm whether you have ADHD. There also isn't a cure. But there are very effective treatments.

This can create even more difficulties because self-diagnosis can lead to ineffective treatments or even harm.

“Anxiety, depression and ADHD — all these things can look a lot alike, but the wrong treatment can make things worse instead of helping that person feel better and improving their functioning,” psychologist Justin Barterian, PhD, Clinical Professor in Ohio State's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, said in a press release.

The symptoms of ADHD are wide-ranging. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, they include:

  • Impulsiveness
  • Disorganization and problems prioritizing
  • Poor time management skills
  • Problems with sustaining focus
  • Trouble multitasking
  • Excessive activity or restlessness
  • Poor planning
  • Low tolerance for frustration

As the list above shows, the symptoms ADHD are diffuse and can look different between people. This means it can be tough to diagnose in adults. “Some people might have difficulty focusing on lectures or with organization, while others may have more social difficulties with impulsivity and trouble following along in conversations,” Barterian said.

Who can help you if you suspect you have ADHD? A healthcare provider, usually a psychologist or psychiatrist, can make a diagnosis based on several factors including your medical history and current symptoms. You will probably also be asked whether you were diagnosed with ADHD when you were a child.

Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center identifies three types of ADHD:

1. Inattentive: People with this type are highly distractable and find it hard to maintain attention. This type has historically been referred to as attention-deficit disorder (ADD).
2. Hyperactive and impulsive: A person with this type is constantly in motion and inclined to act impulsively.
3. Combined: People evidence a combination of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Presently, there are no laboratory or medical tests that can diagnose or confirm whether you have ADHD. There also isn't a cure. But there are very effective treatments, medication being the most common.

There are multiple types of drugs including stimulants and anti-depressants. Some people need to try different diets and medications at varying dosages before they find the right fit. Your healthcare provider can not only help you find the treatment that works for you, but they can discuss possible side effects and how the medications may impact other drugs you might be taking.

“Anxiety, depression and ADHD — all these things can look a lot alike, but the wrong treatment can make things worse instead of helping that person feel better and improving their functioning,”

Adults with ADHD can also manage their condition. The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends:

  • Setting clear goals — Set realistic and measurable goals with specific methods and time frames for accomplishing them.
  • Creating structure and routine — Build a pattern of repeated behaviors, such as scheduling chores and setting reminders for appointments.
  • Using behavioral strategies — Implement strategies such as those developed in cognitive behavioral therapy to target the most impairing problems.
  • Exercising — Exercise increases dopamine levels in the brain, which can help with memory, anxiety and executive function.
  • Using organizational tools — Tools like daily planners and reminders can help maintain organization. Learn strategies to control clutter.

If you think you have this disorder, said Barterian, “I would encourage you to seek an evaluation from a psychologist or a psychiatrist or a physician to get it checked out.”