He’s successful in his career. Just got another promotion! But why does he keep losing his keys and leaving piles of laundry all around the house? The truth is, you can be a high achiever with ADHD and forgetful or disorganized. This is just one reason ADHD often goes undiagnosed in men: they don’t fit a preconceived notion of ADHD that they have in their minds. Let’s explore other ways men are overlooked—and how ADHD testing in Columbus, Ohio can help.
Why Does ADHD in Men Often Go Undiagnosed?
Men Are Rewarded For Pushing Through
Men receive rewards from society for concealing their feelings and maintaining a strong facade. This isn’t always a bad thing, but it can be a barrier to getting help. Toughen up. He works well under pressure. These types of phrases are common. This societal issue can stigmatize mental health care for men and stop the exploration of vulnerability.
ADHD Masking
By the time you reach adulthood, you can learn to cope with ADHD. One way is through ADHD masking, when someone with ADHD doesn’t allow their focusing issues to show. In fact, many people develop armor around their ADHD traits. Here are some examples of ADHD masking:
- Staying silent at a work event to avoid oversharing
- Perfectionism
- Being a “workaholic.”
- Over-preparation (spending a lot of time working on something that requires half the effort)
- Social chameleon (acting differently in front of different groups)
Masking ADHD can reinforce disconnection in men with ADHD. As they suppress how their brains work, they become less 
likely to “be themselves” in a group. You might know a man with undiagnosed ADHD who self-identifies as a “loner.” This can be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD under the surface.
How ADHD Shows Up in Adult Men
Chronic Overwhelm Despite Competence
Many with ADHD often seem overwhelmed and stressed. What seems off is that they are also doing a good job on the outside. It can be common to pull off the big meeting or even get promoted despite procrastination and disorganization.
Conflict Avoidance or Defensiveness
People with ADHD struggle with “rejection sensitive dysphoria,” an intense, wordless pain when expecting or experiencing rejection. This creates an intense fear of conflict. You avoid being assertive, saying how you feel, and asking for what you need. Sometimes this means isolation. More often than not, RSD appears to others as defensiveness.
Let’s say a man’s boss gives him critical feedback. He might come home at night and spiral, reviewing his fears and the shame of rejection over and over. He could even seem irritated with his family. When it comes time to make dinner or do laundry, he is on edge, anticipating rejection from anyone new in his path (ie, his wife). Suddenly, he snaps at someone or goes to his room for hours, unable to function.
What is ADHD Misdiagnosed As?
Some men come to ADHD testing in Columbus, Ohio, with a diagnosis in hand. Anxiety, depression, and stress management issues are frequent. Most people with ADHD have another diagnosis, such as depression and anxiety. Here’s the problem: people see the established or co-occurring diagnosis as a “catch-all” for their focusing issues.
When other diagnoses mask ADHD, the person with undiagnosed ADHD might never think to explore ADHD as an option. If ADHD is undiagnosed, people never address the underlying issues. This leads to trying many treatments, only to wind up in the same place year after year. Depression and low self-esteem get worse.
What ADHD Testing in Columbus, Ohio, Actually Evaluates
ADHD testing helps to differentiate between ADHD and other conditions like anxiety and depression. This is why psychiatrists commonly refer to testing before administering medication. The tests can separate anxiety and depression from each other. ADHD testing includes administering rating scales, conducting a neurological assessment, and obtaining a clinical history. It supports the diagnosis with data and the eye of an ADHD specialist who understands ADHD inside and out. By the end of a 2-3 hour evaluation, you will know with confidence if you have ADHD.
What Men Often Feel After Getting the Right Diagnosis
Men with ADHD often have mixed emotions after an evaluation. The first and yet unexpected emotion is relief. Finally, there is an answer to why life feels so hard. Knowing you have untreated ADHD can reduce shame. The next step is effective treatment, which leads to significant improvements in relationships, work, and self-esteem.
Begin Adult ADHD Testing in Columbus, OH
Wondering if you have ADHD? You don’t have to live your life feeling out of control without knowing why. Comprehensive ADHD testing can help you find answers. Our Columbus, OH counseling practice has caring therapists who specialize in ADHD treatment. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:
- Fill out the contact form to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.
- Meet with one of our caring therapists.
- Stop feeling overwhelmed. Start finding answers.
Other ADHD Services Offered at Focused Mind ADHD Counseling
Adult ADHD testing is not the only service we offer at our Columbus, OH counseling practice. At Focused Mind ADHD Counseling, we offer a variety of mental health services, including ADHD treatment. As an adult with ADHD, you may also benefit from anxiety treatment for ADHD, counseling for men with ADHD, counseling for women with ADHD, ADHD-focused couples therapy, depression counseling for ADHD, and partners of ADHD groups. You can also view our blog for more resources and helpful info.
About the Author
Billy Roberts, LISW-S, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist and ADHD expert in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in ADD/ADHD in adults. He has been seen in Time Magazine, CNN, HuffPost, and Forbes discussing his unique approach to ADHD-focused therapy. See Full Bio.
