September 19, 2024 – Actress and podcast host Busy Philipps has been a shining example on screen for years, from her breakout roles in Dawson's Creek: The mysterious setting And Freaks and Geeks to their recent success on Girl5evaBut behind the scenes, 45-year-old Philipps lives with ADHD, a disease that has shaped her life, although she only received an official diagnosis as an adult.
“I always knew something was wrong,” says Philipps. “As a child, I had problems concentrating and organizing things. It was only later that I realized that these were signs of ADHD.”
Years later, while on the doctor's office together with her daughter, Birdie, now 16, Philipps had an epiphany. After hearing the doctor describe the symptoms of ADHD during Birdie's diagnosis, she turned to her ex-husband and said, “That sounds like me.” He agreed. Soon after, at age 39, Philipps underwent an evaluation and was diagnosed with ADHD herself. Suddenly, many elements of her past behavior that had puzzled her for years began to make sense.
“I asked my mom, 'Have I ever been diagnosed with ADHD?'” Philipps said. “At first she said no, but then we realized the symptoms were there.” If there was ever a proper diagnosis as a toddler, “it was kind of lost in our family history,” she said.
It is her experience with ADHD that led the actress to She uses her platform to advocate for the rights of others affected and to offer insight and support to those facing similar challenges, similar to a diagnosis later in life.
ADHD as a “lost diagnosis”
According to experts, ADHD must be viewed as a long-term condition and never something that might be left behind.
“There is ample evidence that ADHD fluctuates throughout a patient’s life,” said Anne Arnett, PhDScientist within the Division of Developmental Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School in Cambridge, MA.
In fact, a diagnosis in childhood, even when forgotten, is crucial.
“The diagnostic criteria for ADHD include onset in childhood at age 12,” said John T. Mitchell, PhDassociate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina. “If someone has symptoms as an adult, by definition they must have had them in childhood.”
Researchers are currently investigating the concept of a “lost diagnosis” in lots of ADHD patients. While there has long been debate about whether children with ADHD can overcome the disease, a brand new Swiss study challenges this assumption. By following greater than 180 adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children, researchers found that a lot of them lost their official diagnosis as they moved into maturity. However, 33% of them experienced a return of symptoms later in life, resulting in a second diagnosis. This suggests that ADHD, like depression, can occur in bouts in some patients.
A recent international study A study involving researchers from the United States, Canada and Brazil found similar results. The study found that 60% of ADHD patients diagnosed in childhood and considered in remission experienced a return of symptoms in maturity. In contrast, only about 11% of patients were capable of stabilize their symptoms as adults.
ADHD after childhood
ADHD is a particularly common childhood disorder within the United States. CDC data shows that an estimated 7 million children ages 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. While some children are diagnosed earlier in life, perhaps after showing signs in class – similar to being easily distracted, blurting out answers at school, or having a shorter attention span than expected for a toddler's age – others could also be diagnosed during times of serious change.
“Take puberty, for example,” Arnett said. “It can be a very delicate time of change. Often, teenagers have their first accidents after they get their driver's license. More serious problems, such as someone with ADHD also having addiction problems, are a common phenomenon.”
In adults, starting a brand new profession, getting married or having children can trigger the symptoms.
“The symptoms of ADHD can remain stable, but then factors in a patient's life can become stressors,” Mitchell said. “It is important to anticipate and prepare for life changes.” Mitchell said Cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful for people with ADHD.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often also suffer from anxiety or depression. Adults with ADHD also often blame themselves unnecessarily for his or her behavior.
Philipps refers to this.
“I think I've always had a little depression, but now that I know my diagnosis, I feel much better,” she said.
Dealing with ADHD
“ADHD cannot be eradicated, but it can be managed,” Mitchell said. Medications for ADHDwhich is attributable to the rise Neurotransmitters like Dopamine And Noradrenaline within the brain may help relieve the symptoms of ADHD.
There are three principal forms of ADHD medications: Stimulants, Non-stimulantsAnd Antidepressants. Philipps began trying to find the medication that worked best for her. She said she initially went through some trial and error when attempting to take stimulants.
“Side effects have been a problem,” she said, similar to trouble sleeping and lack of appetite. It will also be difficult to get a month's supply of those drugs without delay.
“A non-stimulant medication really helped me. It's important to talk to your doctor about what medication is best for you,” she said.
Be proactive
If you recognize signs that you'll have ADHD, push for the right diagnosis. A study from Washington University School of Medicine and the University of California Los Angeles noted that while there are concerns about overdiagnosis of the condition, it is crucial that individuals who recognize they might have symptoms have access to the evaluation and treatment they might need.
Philipps resides proof of how much easier – and higher – life might be whenever you receive and cope with an ADHD diagnosis.
“I understand now that my brain just works differently,” she said. “There's no shame in having ADHD.”