Social media is both a blessing and a curse when it comes to mental health. On the one hand, it raises awareness about mental health issues and options available to help manage conditions that people may not have otherwise known about, and it helps people realize that they’re not alone, that there are treatment options available. With how stigmatized mental health issues are, this is a true blessing. 

On the other hand, given how much overlap there is with mental health issues and how people can experience something without it being connected to any underlying issue, this leads to misinformation and people jumping to conclusions, such as: “Did I develop ADHD? This wasn’t a problem before! But I relate to all these symptoms so much….” 

Since this happens with ADHD quite frequently, it leads many people to wonder whether or not you can develop ADHD or if it’s something you’re born with. So many posts about the symptoms of ADHD can be so relatable, but people can overlook the fact that other conditions can present similar symptoms and that sometimes, you experiencing something isn’t a sign that you’ve developed ADHD, but rather, just a part of life.

Here’s what you need to know about ADHD, whether you can develop ADHD, and what to do if you either have or suspect that you may have ADHD.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is typically diagnosed in childhood, but can be diagnosed later in life. Common symptoms of ADHD include:

• Impulsiveness
• Disorganization
• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble coping with stress and frustration
• Problems following through with tasks
• Poor time management
• Restlessness
• Excessive activity
• Mood swings
• Taking unnecessary risks
• Struggling to take turns
• Difficulty with interpersonal relationships
• Easily distracted
• Making careless mistakes
• Forgetfulness 
• And more

What Causes ADHD?

When people talk about whether you can develop ADHD, a lot of myths about ADHD end up flying around. Some popular myths about what can cause ADHD that lead people to believe you can develop ADHD include: excessive screen time, sugar, social and/or environmental factors, and parenting styles. These are just that: myths. Although all of these can cause symptoms similar to ADHD – it’s no secret that people who spend an excessive amount of time on screens struggle to maintain focus – as well as worsen ADHD symptoms, they do not cause ADHD. 

Scientists are still studying causes of ADHD and potential risk factors in order to better understand it. Current research links genetics with ADHD, for if a child has it, chances are, one of their parents does too. Other potential causes and risk factors for ADHD include:

• Brain injury
• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight
• Alcohol and/or tobacco use during pregnancy
• Exposure to lead during pregnancy/at a young age 

What’s ADHD And What’s Normal Behavior?

As you can see, almost everyone struggles with symptoms akin to those of ADHD at some point in their lives. If you’ve only recently started struggling with ADHD-like symptoms or if they only present once in a while, then it is unlikely that you have, let alone developed, ADHD. ADHD is diagnosed when the symptoms cause ongoing problems in your life that can be traced back through childhood. Current research states that you don’t develop ADHD, but it is something that can get misdiagnosed or not diagnosed until later on in life, depending on how it presents.

Why ADHD May Be Diagnosed Later In Life

Although ADHD is commonly diagnosed during childhood, there are cases where it isn’t diagnosed until adulthood. This can lead people to believe that you can develop ADHD. ADHD can be diagnosed later in life for a number of reasons, such as misdiagnosis or symptoms not being as evident in childhood. It’s common for women not to be diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood, due to socialization and how it presents.

ADHD can fly under the radar due to high IQ, parental guidance, or simply no one having known to look for it. Given how differently symptoms can present and how ADHD is largely diagnosed through observation, it can be challenging to diagnose. 

Many adults with ADHD don’t realize they have it, especially since symptoms can range from mild to severe. They just know it can be challenging to focus, that they struggle to remember plans and meetings, and that impulse control is very hard. Symptoms can change over time and look different – while ADHD may present as hyperactivity in a child, in an adult, it could look more like someone who is restless. 

What Can Get Mistaken For ADHD

If you’re suddenly experiencing symptoms similar to ADHD as an adult that you never struggled with before, it’s unlikely that you are struggling with ADHD, as you don’t just develop ADHD out of nowhere. It is always wise to consult with your doctor about your concerns, as they will be able to help you determine what’s causing these symptoms.

These are certain conditions and experiences that can look like ADHD, which leads people to think you can develop ADHD. For instance, depression can make it impossible to focus. Anxiety can make you restless. Sleep problems, trauma, substance use, menopause, and many other conditions can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. 

What To Do If You Suspect You May Have ADHD

If you’ve wondering about whether you can develop ADHD because you’re experiencing similar symptoms, it’s best to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Chances are, you may indeed have ADHD that simply wasn’t diagnosed. It could also be that you have another condition that presents similarly. Regardless, if you suspect you may have ADHD, a medical professional will be able to help you find answers and suggest treatment methods.

Ogden Psychological Services offers professional mental health services. We offer Neurofeedback therapy and talk therapy, both of which can help with ADHD. If you would like to learn more about ADHD or set up an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

It’s normal to feel some nervousness in certain situations, such as before a job interview or going on a date. Some people are naturally shy and take a bit to open up to others, so these situations may cause more discomfort for those who are shy than for those who are not. Others have social anxiety, which can make even everyday interactions cause serious anxiety. Many people use shyness and social anxiety as interchangeable terms, however, they are not the same thing. While there are some similarities between the two, there are quite a key differences between shyness and social anxiety.  

Shyness is a personality trait, like introversion, that generally doesn’t raise cause for concern. Social anxiety, on the other hand, is an anxiety disorder that can seriously impact one’s life and cause them to avoid even activities they enjoy and want to do. 

The fact that many people don’t realize there are differences between shyness and social anxiety leads to social anxiety getting brushed off and people not getting the help that they need. Here’s what you need to know about some of the key differences between shyness and social anxiety. 

Shyness Vs Social Anxiety

While the two share some characteristics, there are quite a few differences between shyness and social anxiety. The two have such similarities that some think social anxiety is just extreme shyness, while others may be confused about whether or not they are merely shy or whether they have social anxiety. To better understand the differences between shyness and social anxiety, let’s dive into what both of these are, so you can see what is normal behavior and what is a symptom of a social anxiety disorder. 

What Is Shyness?

As previously mentioned, shyness is a personality trait. Shyness often includes passiveness and uncertainty, typically in new situations or around people that you are either unfamiliar with or uncomfortable around. Some people grow out of shyness, some develop it, and others find that it lets up the more comfortable they get in a situation or around someone.

People who are shy often:

• Are passive and quiet around others
• Avoid uncomfortable social situations
• Avoid eye contact
• Are hesitant to try new things
• Feel like they don’t belong 
• Excessively rehearse what they want to say/how they want to behave
• Wish to be perfect in their social interactions

What Is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder. People with social anxiety experience extreme, debilitating anxiety about how they are perceived and act in social settings or in social interactions. Contrary to what many people believe, social anxiety is not solely experienced by those who are introverted and/or shy, but also by extroverts and people who are popular and seem to enjoy being the center of attention. 

People with social anxiety often struggle with concern over how other people view their social interactions and deep inadequacy. They often realize when their anxiety is irrational, which can lead to worsened symptoms from their frustration with themselves. 

People with social anxiety commonly experience symptoms such as:

• Rapid heart rate
• Sweating
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty speaking
• Shaking
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Blushing
• Muscle tension
• Rigid posture
• “Blanking out” and forgetting what you were going to say or do
• Feeling as though you are out of your body
• Panic attacks
• Numbness
• Headaches or migraines

The Main Differences Between Shyness And Social Anxiety

Depending on how they present, shyness and social anxiety can look similar, and also change, depending on the person’s mental health and age. Shyness typically goes away after a person adjusts to being in a situation or begins to feel comfortable around a new person. Social anxiety, on the other hand, is present before, during, and after situations. Shyness is typically situational, and while social anxiety can be too, shyness can go away while social anxiety can persist long after the person is no longer in a situation or around a person. 

Someone who is shy will typically try to blend into the background, avoid people or interactions, or become quiet around others when they are loud and bubbly around their loved ones. 

Someone with social anxiety will typically experience some doubt and uncertainty, such as seeking constant validation, display social awkwardness, and experience physical symptoms, such as having a panic attack. 

While shyness can turn into social anxiety if someone feels anxious about the fact that they are shy and then start to try to avoid or worry about social interactions, shyness in and of itself isn’t an anxiety disorder. Many shy people open up once they feel comfortable and don’t mind social situations, even though they may be reserved and stick to the people that they know. 

Social anxiety can worsen with time, as the fear and anxiety symptoms increase. Why shy people may avoid social interactions sometimes, people who have social anxiety can fear them, worry about them for months prior to the event, feel like they are going to be sick throughout the entire event, and then overanalyze how they behaved during the event long after it’s passed. Usually, people who have social anxiety realize their fear is overblown, but they don’t know how to control it. 

One of the major differences between shyness and social anxiety is the intensity to which it impacts your life. Shy people may feel awkward around people they don’t know or in new situations, but typically, that doesn’t prevent them from living their lives. People with social anxiety can go to extremes to avoid people and social interactions, and the social anxiety can seriously impact their life, such as keeping them from doing everyday activities, like going to the grocery store.

Are You Struggling With Social Anxiety?

As you see, shyness and social anxiety are not the same. Social anxiety is a psychological disorder that causes serious distress to people’s lives. Luckily, there are treatment options available to help with social anxiety, such as medication and therapy. Ogden Psychological Services is here to help you. If you’re struggling with social anxiety, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our goal is to help you live your life to its fullest capacity. We can help you manage and work through your social anxiety. Contact us to set up a psychological evaluation or an appointment.