What looks like ADHD but isn t?

If your child seems hyperactive--fidgety, impulsive, and inattentive--don't automatically assume that they have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Anxiety, depression, learning disorders, physical health, and many other conditions can cause symptoms that look like ADHD but aren't.

What is something similar to ADHD?

Mood disorders, like depression and bipolar disorder, exist in 19% to 37% of adults with ADHD. Anxiety problems exist in 25% to 50% of adults with ADHD. Alcohol abuse exists in 32% to 53% of adults with ADHD. Other types of substance abuse, including marijuana and cocaine use, occur in 8% to 32% of adults with ADHD.

How do I know that it's ADHD and not something else?

The only way to know for sure is to see a doctor. That's because the disorder has a number of possible symptoms, and they can easily be confused with those of other conditions, like depression or anxiety. Not sure whether you should get checked by a doc? If many of these apply, you may need to get checked out.

What other conditions can mimic ADHD?

What is masking ADHD?

If you hide your adult ADHD symptoms from other people, that's called masking. Basically, you're trying to seem more “normal” or “regular.” ADHD causes some people to act hyperactive or impulsive. It makes other folks have trouble paying attention. And still other adults have a combination of those symptoms.

Most People Mistake These for ADHD | MedCircle

What is mirroring ADHD?

One type of ADHD masking — known as mirroring — involves intentionally or unintentionally mimicking the speech, movements, or behaviors of someone else. While ADHD mirroring and body doubling may seem similar at first glance, you can work alongside a body double without imitating them in any way.

Is ADHD the most misdiagnosed?

ADHD is not overdiagnosed, but it may be often misdiagnosed. Sometimes people think ADHD is overdiagnosed because diagnoses have increased over time. It could be true that some diagnosed people do not really have ADHD.

How do you rule out ADHD?

One step of the process involves having a medical exam, including hearing and vision tests, to rule out other problems with symptoms like ADHD. Another part of the process may include a checklist for rating ADHD symptoms and taking a history of the child from parents, teachers, and sometimes, the child.

What are atypical signs of ADHD?

Atypical Presentation of ADHD Symptoms:

Learning problems (trouble memorizing, forgets assignments, poor written expression, poor listening and reading comprehension, poor handwriting, impulsive learning style, etc.)

What can be confused with ADHD in adults?

Doctors often mistake ADHD symptoms in adults for mood disorders, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other conditions with overlapping symptoms. For adults, hyperactivity can be turned inward.

What is high functioning undiagnosed ADHD?

High-functioning ADHD isn't a formal diagnosis. It's a phrase used to describe people living with ADHD who see little to no major impact on daily life. Just because you've reached great success or have found ways to work around ADHD symptoms doesn't mean ADHD might not be affecting you.

How often is ADHD misdiagnosed?

Overall, the study found that about 20 percent – or 900,000 – of the 4.5 million children currently identified as having ADHD likely have been misdiagnosed.

What do doctors look for when diagnosing ADHD?

This test looks for things like hyperactivity, aggression, and conduct problems. It also looks for anxiety, depression, attention and learning problems, and lack of certain essential skills.

How do you test for high functioning ADHD?

There's no single test that confirms you have ADHD. A psychologist or other mental health expert will ask you in-depth questions about your symptoms and how they affect you. In some cases, they may also talk to your family members to get a better idea of how you function.

Do people with ADHD know they are different?

Most adults with ADHD have always known that they think differently. They were told by parents, teachers, employers, spouses, and friends that they did not fit the common mold and that they had better shape up in a hurry if they wanted to make something of themselves.

What are the symptoms of ADHD in females?

What is divergent ADHD?

The dictionary defines it as 'tending to be different or develop in different directions'. ¹. This can be said to be true for people with ADHD. They are recognised for their 'Out of the Box' thinking, their creativity and, at times, their eccentricity. Divergent thinking and ADHD tend to go hand in hand.

Do people with ADHD know they are masking?

People who engage in ADHD masking might be unaware that they have undiagnosed ADHD, which can lead them to develop depression and anxiety. If you are very good at masking your ADHD symptoms, people may not believe you when you tell them that something is wrong or that you are struggling.

Are doctors hesitant to diagnose ADHD?

Clinicians are given little or no training in recognizing ADHD. ADHD is the only medical condition for which there is no textbook. Even if a doctor wants to learn how to diagnose and treat ADHD, there are few places to get the information. Many doctors don't consider the possibility that ADHD could be present.

What are the three possible diagnoses of ADHD?

What is the best test to determine ADHD?

Two commonly-used tools in the diagnosis of adult ADHD are the T.O.V.A and the ASRS-v1. 1. The T.O.V.A is an electronic screening test that patients take on a computer. During the test, the patient being screened will use a handheld switch to respond to images or sounds being presented.

Is ADHD a form of autism?

ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other.