Only a qualified clinician can diagnose ADD or ADHD
Common signs in adults include frequent distractibility
Common signs in adults include trouble sustaining attention
Common signs in adults include losing items often
Common signs in adults include forgetting appointments or deadlines
Common signs in adults include difficulty organizing tasks
Common signs in adults include procrastination
Common signs in adults include restlessness or feeling internally “driven”
Common signs in adults include interrupting others
Common signs in adults include impulsive decisions
Common signs in adults include difficulty finishing tasks
Common signs in children include trouble staying seated
Common signs in children include excessive talking
Common signs in children include difficulty following instructions
Common signs in children include careless mistakes
Common signs in children include frequent daydreaming
Common signs in children include fidgeting
Symptoms usually start in childhood
Symptoms often appear in more than one setting
Symptoms should cause problems at school, work, or home
Symptoms should not be better explained by stress, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, or substance use
A screening questionnaire can help identify possible ADHD
A medical or mental health evaluation can confirm the diagnosis
A doctor may ask about childhood behavior, current symptoms, and family history
A doctor may rule out other causes such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders
If symptoms are affecting daily life, schedule an evaluation