To know if you have ADHD, you should consider the following key points:
- ADHD symptoms include persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning or development. These symptoms must be inappropriate for your developmental level and have lasted for at least 6 months
- Common signs include trouble concentrating, leaving tasks unfinished, difficulty organizing, impulsivity, restlessness or fidgeting, and emotional regulation problems such as mood swings or irritability
- For a diagnosis, children must have at least six symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity, while adolescents and adults need five or more symptoms
- Symptoms must have begun before age 12 and caused significant impairment in social, school, or work settings
- Diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional (such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or primary care provider experienced in ADHD). This evaluation includes clinical interviews, behavior rating scales, symptom checklists, and gathering information from people who know you well (family, friends)
- There is no single test for ADHD; diagnosis is based on meeting standardized criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and ruling out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms
- Adults suspecting they have ADHD can take screening tools like the Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS) to recognize symptoms, but a professional diagnosis is necessary to confirm
If you recognize many of these symptoms in yourself, especially if they have been present since childhood and interfere with your life, you should consider consulting a healthcare provider for a formal ADHD assessment and diagnosis
. Early diagnosis can lead to effective treatment and coping strategies.
