Attention Deficit ADHD

Do you struggle to focus while you are at school? Does it feel impossible to stay focused on the task at hand? Many people wonder if they have attention deficit ADHD disorder. How to know if you have ADHD is one of the toughest questions that you can ask yourself. Absent a professional diagnosis, it can be hard to tell for certain. Let's take a slow walk through the process of identifying ADHD. By the end of our conversation, you should be ready to identify your symptoms, educate yourself on treatment, and know where to go for your official diagnosis!

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is most commonly diagnosed at an early age. Traditionally, symptoms of ADHD will manifest by the age of five with late diagnosis occurring around 10 to 12 years old. Adults can also suffer with ADHD, even if they weren’t diagnosed at an early age. Children that struggle in class with socializing or focusing on their work may often be referred for a diagnosis to see if they have the condition. With that being said, it is not uncommon for individuals to get diagnosed until their adult years when symptoms are far easier to identify. Common symptoms include trouble with directions, the inability to concentrate, feelings of forgetfulness, and even issues with socialization.

In order to learn if you have attention deficit ADHD, you have to go to a doctor for a professional diagnosis. To do this, you should reach out to a psychiatrist that offers consultations in your area. A psychiatrist will be able to walk you through the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD while exploring your specific life's details. By the end of your consultation, you should have a better understanding of ADHD as well as potential treatment opportunities such as those listed above.

Before you visit your  psychiatrist to learn more about ADHD, bookmark the ADHD Owner's Manual. Developed by Neil Alex, M.D., the ADHD Owner's Manual is your one-stop-shop for ADHD education!