What presents similarly to ADHD?

Other medical conditions.
Learning disabilities . Symptoms like those of ADHD, especially inattention, are common when children are in learning environments that are too difficult for them. Conduct disorder . Oppositional defiant disorder .

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What can be mistaken for ADHD?

5 common problems that can mimic ADHD
  • Hearing problems. If you can't hear well, it's hard to pay attention — and easy to get distracted. ...
  • Learning or cognitive disabilities. ...
  • Sleep problems. ...
  • Depression or anxiety. ...
  • Substance abuse.

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What else is related to ADHD?

ADHD often occurs with other disorders. Many children with ADHD have other disorders as well as ADHD, such as behavior or conduct problems, learning disorders, anxiety and depression1,2.

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Is ADHD the most misdiagnosed?

ADHD is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed disorders worldwide. Although the number of children wrongly diagnosed with ADHD is unknown, there is evidence to prove the misdiagnosis.

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How do I know I have ADHD and not something else?

  • You're often late. Time management is an ongoing challenge when you have ADHD. ...
  • You have trouble concentrating. ...
  • You leave things undone. ...
  • You had behavior issues as a child. ...
  • You lack impulse control. ...
  • You can't get organized. ...
  • You're fidgety. ...
  • You can't control your emotions.

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This is What It's Really Like to Have ADHD

36 related questions found

What does undiagnosed ADHD look like?

People with ADHD may have trouble completing thoughts when talking or finishing magazine articles and books. Failing to pay attention to details or constantly making careless mistakes. Often having trouble organizing tasks and activities. Often avoiding tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time.

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Can ADHD be something else?

It can be challenging to remain focused and complete tasks. These are all symptoms that can resemble ADHD but may be unrelated. Anxiety, depression, and disruptive behavior disorders (as well as many of the conditions listed here) commonly occur alongside ADHD.

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Why do stimulants calm ADHD?

Stimulants are believed to work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, pleasure, attention, and movement. For many people with ADHD, stimulant medications boost concentration and focus while reducing hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.

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What are ADHD mood swings like?

Symptoms of Mood Swings in ADHD

Switching from excited one moment to sad, angry, or anxious the next. Fluctuating between having trouble paying attention and hyperfocusing on an activity. Having bursts of energy and fatigue through the day. Feeling emotions intensely and having difficulty regulating them.

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How do I check myself for ADHD?

The World Health Organization* has prepared a self-screening questionnaire you can use to determine if you might have adult ADHD. The Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener will help you recognize the signs and symptoms of adult ADHD.

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Do I have ADHD or is it normal?

Signs of ADHD in Adults

Losing items and general forgetfulness. Easily distracted. Getting sidetracked and failing to finish tasks (even fun tasks such as video games or a TV series) Trouble with organizing tasks that include many steps.

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Do I have ADHD or am I just distracted?

Bottom line: General distractibility doesn't typically impede one's ability to go about their day, get important tasks done, or fulfill commitments, Dr. Naylon notes. On the other hand, ADHD typically impairs a person's functioning, including their ability to work, succeed in school, or maintain personal relationships.

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