Knowing if you have ADHD involves recognizing a persistent pattern of symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. ADHD symptoms can present primarily as inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or a combination of both.
Common Symptoms of ADHD
- Inattentive symptoms may include difficulty sustaining attention, being easily distracted, forgetting things, struggling to follow instructions, losing items frequently, and trouble organizing tasks or time.
- Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, talking excessively, interrupting others, impatience, difficulty remaining seated, impulsive decisions, and restlessness.
- Combined symptoms include a mixture of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive signs.
How to Know if You Have ADHD
- Symptoms should be inappropriate for your developmental level, have been present for at least six months, and cause significant difficulty in multiple areas such as school, work, or social settings.
- The symptoms typically start before age 12, even if diagnosed later.
- There is no single test for ADHD; a diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional, often involving gathering detailed history and behavior reports.
- If many symptoms apply to you, such as chronic forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, impulsivity, disorganization, restlessness, or emotional difficulties, it is important to seek professional evaluation.
When to Seek Help
- If ongoing difficulties with focus, organization, impulse control, and hyperactivity interfere with life activities, consulting a healthcare provider experienced in ADHD diagnosis is recommended.
- The provider may be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other primary care professional trained in ADHD.
In summary, knowing if you have ADHD is based on recognizing a consistent pattern of specific symptoms that substantially impact your daily life, typically starting in childhood, and confirmed through evaluation by a qualified professional.
