How to Find Out if You Have ADHD

Learn to recognize the signs of ADHD in both children and adults

Co-authored by George Sachs, PsyD

Last Updated: August 26, 2024 Approved

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a very common disorder among children. Based on parent report, 1 in every 10 children is said to have received a diagnosis of ADHD.^{[1]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

Go to source} What's more, this disorder is not restricted to childhood. Both teenagers and adults can be affected by ADHD, too. If you think you have ADHD, you must see a doctor for a thorough evaluation.^{[2]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Recognizing the Signs of ADHD in Children

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1
Be aware of the probable causes of ADHD. While researchers have yet to totally narrow down the roots of ADHD, there are some factors that stand out. For one, ADHD is prevalent in children from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds. Several genes appear to be linked to ADHD and it runs in families. Other potential culprits that may lead to ADHD are:
- diets heavy in food additives, which might exacerbate symptoms
- diets low in omega-3 fatty acids
- maternal smoking and drinking
- complications at birth or low birth weight
- environmental exposure to toxins or lead
- brain injury
2
Search for a cluster of symptoms that indicate ADHD. ADHD is as unique as the individuals it affects. Nonetheless, there are a range of symptoms that typically present in children who suffer from this disorder. These symptoms interfere with a child's ability to function at school, at home, or in friendships.^{[3]
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- Teachers and school administrators may alert you to problems in your child that may not be identifiable at home.
- Symptom presentation must be recognizable within the first 12 years of life and kids with ADHD must experience at least six symptoms, such as:^{[4]
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  National Institute of Mental Health
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  - frequently forgetting things
  - fidgeting or squirming
  - being easily distracted
  - losing books, toys, or other possessions
  - act impatiently
  - frequently interrupt others' conversations
  - talk/sing/hum too much
  - demonstrate trouble following instructions
  - require extensive instructions to begin tasks
  - having trouble taking turns
  - run around a lot
  - constantly switch back and forth between tasks
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3
Understand the different subtypes of ADHD. Kids with ADHD generally receive one of three diagnoses. These subtypes depend on how symptoms are exhibited. Children with ADHD may experience changes in their symptom presentation over time; therefore, their diagnosis may change types. The three subtypes of ADHD are:^{[5]
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- Predominantly inattentive type. Children with this type are easily distracted, forgetful, lose things often, do not seem to be listening when spoken to, avoid or dislike tasks that require longer spans of concentration or mental effort, and are disorganized for the past 6 months.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type. Children with this type talk excessively, fidget and squirm when seated, seem to always on the go, blurt out answers to questions, have difficulty awaiting their turn, and demonstrates restlessness by climbing or jumping at times when it's inappropriate to do so for the past 6 months.
- Combined type. This ADHD subtype is diagnosed when both the criteria for inattentive type and hyperactive-impulsive type are equally present for the past 6 months.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Recognizing the Signs of ADHD in Adults

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Figure out if problems at work or school point to a bigger problem. Many adults with ADHD may not recognize that they have a problem. More than likely, you do not have ADHD if your symptoms began only recently or are present in only one area of your life (diagnosis in adulthood depends on symptom presentation throughout life). Adults with ADHD may change jobs regularly, never quite finding fulfillment in a specific position. These individuals may not have any particular career aspirations and rarely receive career-related accolades. Other work or school-related signs of adult ADHD may include:^{[6]
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George Sachs, PsyD
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Expert Interview. 5 March 2021.}
- difficulty finishing tasks
- problems maintaining focus or concentration
- forgetfulness (e.g. meetings, deadlines, etc.)
- disorganization
- procrastination
- tardiness
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See if emotional issues are suggestive of adult ADHD. Adults with ADHD frequently have co-morbid diagnoses of other mental disorders such as depression or anxiety. Adults with ADHD may demonstrate low frustration tolerance, meaning the slightest mistake or criticism can greatly impact their emotional stability.^{[8]
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- Such adults might easily blow up at others or sink into a depressive state. Adults with ADHD may also self-medicate their mood disturbances using alcohol or drugs, making substance abuse another common co-morbid problem.
- People with ADHD may also have low self-esteem and feel a lot of shame.^{[9]
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  George Sachs, PsyD
  Licensed Psychologist
  
  Expert Interview. 5 March 2021.}
3
Take a closer look at your relationship difficulties. Many people experience problems in their relationships that might resemble those who suffer from ADHD. However, adults with ADHD may encounter these issues to a greater extent.^{[10]
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- Parents, siblings, friends, or partners may feel ignored or undervalued due to your constant talking over them, forgetting important engagements, and becoming easily bored in conversation.
- Plus, adults may exhibit impulsivity that results in them making poor decisions such as cheating, gambling, or abusing drugs or alcohol that interferes with their relationships.
^{[11]
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Research source} PsychCentral is one website that provides a preliminary assessment that helps you determine if the problems your are experiencing are suggestive of an attention disorder. Keep in mind that any test completed online without the guidance of a health care provider can only provide tentative results. You will need to see a trained professional who can interview you and look at your symptoms in relation to your medical and academic history.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Seeing a Doctor

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Visit your primary care physician. Explain to your doctor that you are concerned that you may be experiencing symptoms similar to ADHD and would like to be examined. If you think you might not know what to say when you get there, write down on a piece of paper your areas of concerns.^{[12]
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- Your doctor may be able to diagnose ADHD based on previous experience with the disorder. However, most physicians will refer you for further assessment with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
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Have a full medical check up. In order to be sure you have ADHD and not some other problem, you must get a range of tests to rule-out other conditions. Tests must include a blood test to rule out thyroid problems, lead poisoning or hypoglycemia.^{[13]
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Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

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- If you want a thorough diagnosis also have a hearing and vision test, a brain scan and an EEG. These tests help rule out other possible problems that may seem to be ADHD.
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Expect to answer questions about your life and symptoms. Answer these questions as honestly and fully as you can. Bring copies of school reports or letters of when you were suspended or expelled, sent to court, traffic violations and so on as examples of problem areas.^{[14]
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- In some cases, in addition to self-report questionnaires, you might also be requested to complete a battery of psychological assessments. Such tests are designed to comprehensively examine your symptoms, personality, and any other co-existing conditions you might have.
These people might be your parents, spouse or teacher who can give a report on the areas you are struggling with. If this is not available they can fill out a questionnaire given by the doctor.^{[15]
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5
Talk to your health care team about treatment options. There are effective treatments for children, teens, and adults who are diagnosed with ADHD. Many people attempt to relieve ADHD symptoms with natural remedies such as lifestyle changes (i.e. diet, sleep, exercise), developing routines, school or work accommodation and keeping distractions to a minimum. Research demonstrates that both children and adults show better results when they receive a combination of medication and therapy to treat ADHD.^{[16]
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- Always discuss any treatment approaches with your doctor before starting a new regimen or stopping an existing one.

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Question

What tests are done to diagnose ADHD?

Padam Bhatia, MD
Board Certified Psychiatrist
Dr. Padam Bhatia is a board certified Psychiatrist who runs Elevate Psychiatry, based in Miami, Florida. He specializes in treating patients with a combination of traditional medicine and evidence-based holistic therapies. He also specializes in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), compassionate use, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Dr. Bhatia is a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (FAPA). He received an MD from Sidney Kimmel Medical College and has served as the chief resident in adult psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in New York.

Padam Bhatia, MD

Board Certified Psychiatrist

Expert Answer

There isn't necessarily any single test for ADHD. So during the initial evaluation, you're going to be asked lots of different questions. Whenever I first see a patient, I ask a ton of personal questions, and any good mental health professional is going to do the same. You're also going to be asked a lot about your medical history and symptoms. Most mental health diagnoses are a summation of various symptoms, questions, and indicators, so it's not like you just take one test and then now you have ADHD.

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How can I get help if I think I have ADHD?

George Sachs, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
George Sachs is a Licensed Psychologist and the Owner of Sachs Center based in New York, New York. With over ten years of experience, Dr. Sachs specializes in treating ADD/ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders in children, teens, and adults. He holds a BS in Psychology from Emory University. Dr. Sachs earned his Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago. He completed his clinical training in Chicago at Cook County Hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital, and the Child Study Center. Dr. Sachs completed his internship and postdoctoral work at the Children’s Institute in Los Angeles, where he supervised and trained therapists in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT). He has been trained as a Gestalt Therapist and certified by the Gestalt Associates Training Program of Los Angeles. Dr. Sachs is the author of The Adult ADD Solution, Helping the Traumatized Child, and Helping Your Husband with Adult ADD. He has appeared on the Huffington Post, NBC Nightly News, CBS, and WPIX discussing his holistic approach to ADD/ADHD treatment.

George Sachs, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist

Expert Answer

There is a lot of support out there for people with ADHD, like therapists, executive functioning coaches, productivity coaches, organizational coaches, etc. There are great support groups. There's also a wonderful new app for adults with ADHD called Inflow. You can also get medication from a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner.

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If the doctor diagnoses you without a comprehensive examination, questionnaires, and medical profile, the diagnosis may not be thorough. It should take a while to get a proper diagnosis. If it happens to easily seek a second opinion.

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Keep in mind that not all medication for ADHD works the same for everyone.

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Everyone with ADHD is unique, which can make diagnosis difficult.

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