Determining whether someone has Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a detailed process. It’s important to know that there isn’t one single test for a Diagnosis For Adhd. Many conditions, such as sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and specific learning disabilities, can present symptoms that overlap with ADHD, making a comprehensive evaluation crucial.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
If you have concerns about yourself or someone you know possibly having ADHD, the first step is to speak with a healthcare provider to explore if the symptoms align with a diagnosis for ADHD. This diagnosis can be accurately made by a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, or by a primary care provider, including pediatricians for children.
Diagnosis for ADHD in Children
To reach an accurate diagnosis for ADHD in children, healthcare providers will thoroughly investigate whether another medical or psychological condition could better explain the observed symptoms, or if any co-occurring conditions are present alongside ADHD.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines recommend that healthcare providers gather information from multiple sources when assessing children. This includes detailed input from parents, teachers, and other adults involved in the child’s care, regarding the child’s behavior across different environments like home, school, and social settings. You can learn more about the specific recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents here.
Further Reading: Understanding the connection between Family Health History, ADHD, and Learning Disorders
Diagnosis for ADHD in Adults
ADHD is frequently a condition that persists into adulthood. While the core symptoms remain, their presentation can evolve with age. For instance, hyperactivity in adults might manifest more as intense restlessness or a tendency to exhaust those around them with their high energy levels. You can explore more about the nuances of ADHD in adults.
For deeper insights into diagnosis for ADHD and treatment throughout life, valuable resources are available at the National Resource Center on ADHD and the National Institute of Mental Health.
DSM-5 Criteria for ADHD Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals rely on the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) to guide the diagnosis for ADHD. These established DSM-5 criteria are essential to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for ADHD. Utilizing a consistent diagnostic standard also allows for better tracking of ADHD prevalence within communities and its broader public health impact.
Symptom Thresholds for ADHD Diagnosis by Age
The DSM-5 outlines specific symptom thresholds necessary for a diagnosis for ADHD, which vary slightly based on age:
-
For children up to 16 years old: Six or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity are required.
-
For adolescents 17 years and older and adults: Five or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity are needed.
Individuals with ADHD exhibit a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity that demonstrably impairs their daily functioning or developmental progress.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD: Abridged Overview
The following is a simplified overview of the DSM-5 criteria to provide general information about diagnosis for ADHD. It is critical to remember that only trained healthcare providers are qualified to diagnose and manage ADHD.
Inattention
Symptoms
NOTE: Symptoms of inattention must have been present for at least 6 months and be inappropriate for the individual’s developmental stage.
- Frequently overlooks details or makes careless errors in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
- Often struggles to sustain attention in tasks or during play.
- Often appears not to listen when directly spoken to.
- Often fails to follow through on instructions and does not complete schoolwork, chores, or workplace duties (e.g., starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked).
- Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).
- Often loses necessary items for tasks or activities (e.g., school supplies, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile phones).
- Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
- Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
Symptoms
NOTE: Symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity must have been present for at least 6 months and are inappropriate for the person’s developmental level.
- Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
- Often leaves seat in situations where remaining seated is expected.
- Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, this may manifest as feeling restless).
- Often unable to engage in leisure activities or play quietly.
- Is often “on the go,” acting as if “driven by a motor.”
- Often talks excessively.
- Often blurts out an answer before a question has been fully asked.
- Often has difficulty waiting their turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
Additional Conditions for a Diagnosis for ADHD
Beyond the symptom criteria, the following conditions must also be met for a diagnosis for ADHD:
- Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were evident before the age of 12.
- Symptoms are present in two or more settings (e.g., at home, school, work, with friends or relatives, in other activities).
- There is clear evidence that the symptoms significantly interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, academic, or occupational functioning.
- The symptoms are not better explained by another mental health disorder (such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or personality disorder). The symptoms should not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.
For more detailed information about diagnosis for ADHD and treatment options throughout life, please visit the National Resource Center on ADHD and the National Institute of Mental Health websites.
