How do you know if you have ADHD?

In order to determine if you have ADHD you need formal assessment performed by a psychologist or psychiatrist. Although symptoms may be present, a person may not meet all criteria for ADHD; if this is the case, a wrong diagnosis can be detrimental. Symptoms of ADHD vary, but include: inability to focus, trouble concentrating, irritiability, poor academic performance despite average or above-average intelligence, fidgeting, and at times anger. These symptoms must be present for at least 6-12 months consistently, and be present in 3 or more areas of an individual's life, and cause significant distress for the person. If you think you may have ADHD, speak with a mental health professional or your family doctor for more information. Speaking with a professional, followed by testing and assessment, is the first step to learning more about ADHD.

For me, I could not shut off my brain. If I were in a classroom setting, I would answer the question before the teacher even finished. I always found myself bored in school and didn't feel challenged. Concentration was so difficult because I was bored but if I went into one of my talented and gifted classes where I was challenged, I excelled greatly. These were symptoms I experienced as a teenager. Oh, and I also had sleep issues because I couldn't shut my brain off. As an adult, the sleeping issues and not being able to sleep because my mind would not shut off continued. If I did not have a set schedule, it would throw me completely off and throw me into a whirlwind of worry and obsessing over little thing. I would be extremely organized and then fall right back into being cluttered, unorganized and losing things like my purse or keys or a paper I needed. Only by seeing my psychiatrist was I tested for the first time in my life and the merry go round that i've been on has stopped.

The best way to figure that out would be having a doctor appointment and checking up on that. However, these are some symptoms: The person might be disorganized, lacks focus, has a hard time paying attention to details and a tendency to make careless mistakes. Their work might be messy and seem careless. They have trouble staying on topic while talking, not listening to others, and not following social rules. They might be forgetful about daily activities (for example, missing appointments, forgetting to bring lunch). They might be easily distracted by things like trivial noises or events that are usually ignored by others. Fidget and squirm when seated. Gets up frequently to walk or run around. Has trouble playing quietly or doing quiet hobbies.

There are a lot of tests online you can take to screen for ADHD but the only way to know for sure is to see a medical professional and get diagnosed. The problem with self-diagnosing is that so many mental illnesses can overlap each other so you could end up diagnosing yourself with ADHD when you really have OCD. The tests and screening tools are only effective when you bring the results to your doctor and disguise the results with them.

Well the only right answer to give you is to talk with your doctor on this. Then they can determine if you do or don't. Maybe you can write down some of the things you are experiencing and talk to them on this.

There are many signs of ADHD and it's not one size fits all. If you meet one person with ADHD, you meet one person with ADHD. There are ADHD signs (for example: inattentiveness, hyper activity (in action or on mind), impulsivity, forgetfulness, etc.) which can be different from one person to another. ADHD is not something we catch on, infected by or fall into along the way. We are born with the brain. So you already had shown some signs in your childhood. You may see the signs but only professional therapist can diagnose it. Psychotherapist may ask about your past, your childhood, interview your parents and or close people. They will need to rule out Bipolar. A Psychiatrist/ Doctor may ask you to get a blood test too as they will need to rule out some stuff such as thyroid problems.

You can't focus no matter what and you're constantly hyper

You can only determine by going to a psychiatrist or psychologist to get an assessment as others have mentioned. There are many different symptoms, As a diagnosed ADHD girl - my body would make me fall asleep when I was not fidgeting or moving around. I can get really sleepy if I'm reading a few sentences in a book or similar. I can be impulsive and not think of consequences. Sometimes I chase adventure and excitement. Very easily distracted. I can barely get to sleep at night because my brain is thinking too much and I cant shut it off. Thats some of my symptoms.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can interfere with daily functioning and development. However, it's important to remember that a diagnosis can only be made by a qualified healthcare professional. If you suspect you might have ADHD, here are some common signs and symptoms: Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks or activities Making careless mistakes or being prone to overlook details Struggling to follow through on instructions or complete tasks Easily distracted or frequently losing things Forgetfulness in daily activities Hyperactivity: Constant fidgeting or squirming Difficulty staying seated or feeling restless Excessive talking or interrupting others Being in constant motion or feeling a sense of internal restlessness Impulsivity: Acting without considering consequences Interrupting conversations or activities of others Difficulty waiting for one's turn Impatience and difficulty delaying gratification It's important to note that everyone can exhibit these behaviors from time to time, but in individuals with ADHD, these behaviors are often more frequent, severe, and persistent, causing significant impairment in multiple areas of life. If you suspect you may have ADHD, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist specializing in ADHD. They can evaluate your symptoms, consider your medical history, and provide a formal diagnosis or suggest appropriate steps for further evaluation. Remember, only a healthcare professional can accurately diagnose ADHD, so it's essential to seek professional help for an accurate assessment and appropriate guidance.