Many undiagnosed people in Lithuania suffer from ADHD, experts say

A press conference was held at the Lithuanian parliament to mark World ADHD Month, with the aim of highlighting problems with recognition, diagnosis and support.

The conference was initiated by MP Dovilė Šakalienė, who revealed that she had been diagnosed with ADHD and urged others not to be afraid to talk about it.

“Many people in Lithuania hide their neurodivergence and are afraid to disclose it. Adults worry that they will not be taken seriously at work if they reveal their diagnosis, while parents are afraid to talk about their child’s diagnosis because they fear being judged,” Šakalienė said.

Elita Žakevičiūtė, head of the ADHD Academy, says awareness of the disorder is growing in Lithuania, and people are talking about it more. However, awareness does not necessarily translate into support.

“What we need is not talk, but real change. I am talking about tens, perhaps hundreds of thousands of people in Lithuania. They spend years not understanding why they find it harder to concentrate, organise their daily lives, maintain relationships, study and work.

“Children who struggle to sit still or concentrate are often reprimanded, shamed and accused of not trying hard enough or being poorly brought up. Punishment does not eliminate ADHD symptoms. And ADHD does not end when a person leaves school. Even after receiving a diagnosis, support often comes to an end. People are left to find their own ways of coping,” Žakevičiūtė said.

Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dalia Vėlavičienė agrees that an ADHD diagnosis alone does not guarantee access to support.

“Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder should receive comprehensive, individualised support. They need psychological help, appropriate educational arrangements and, where necessary, medication.

“Working with the family is an essential part of that support – helping them understand the child’s difficulties and feel confident in accepting the diagnosis,” Vėlavičienė said.

ADHD brains not designed for domestic life

Psychologist and psychotherapist Sigita Valevičienė says many people with ADHD come to her for consultations.

​“For example, women with ADHD are six times more likely to develop postnatal depression. A very common experience is that these women feel not only different, but also inadequate. The problem is that they hide this feeling not only from others, but also from themselves. Nobody sees the price they pay for getting things done well.

​“Anxiety and depression often lie beneath the surface. When these women have a child, everything falls apart. ADHD brains are not designed for domestic life, and the demands of everyday life inevitably increase when a child is born,” the psychotherapist said.

​Devika Gudienė, head of the Meliva mental health centres, says ADHD can manifest itself in many different ways.

​“People with ADHD often find it harder to function in society. They may have a high level of intelligence, but the condition can make it more difficult for them to achieve good educational results, and they often change jobs. This is because it is too difficult for them to put their compensatory strategies into practice in the workplace.

“The state loses many energetic and creative people because, believing that something is wrong with them, they simply give up and stop pursuing their careers,” Gudienė said.

“Imagine how many people in Lithuania are living with an undiagnosed condition and suffering. People with ADHD need support to help them fulfil their aspirations. It is vital not only to establish a diagnosis, but also to ensure continuity of treatment,” she added.