Can You Self-Diagnose ADHD?

Although you can’t officially diagnose ADHD on your own, you might be able to identify its symptoms in yourself.

The following medical specialists are qualified to diagnose ADHD:

primary care doctors

pediatricians

neurologists

neuropsychologists

psychologists

psychiatrists

social workers

licensed therapists and counselors

nurse practitioners

medical assistants

What prevents you from self-diagnosing ADHD?

Without the necessary degree of training, complicated diseases like ADHD cannot be self-diagnosed for a variety of reasons.

Obtaining a formal diagnosis is necessary to organize treatment.

For the majority of levels of professional care and support services for ADHD, even if you are able to identify your symptoms, a professional diagnosis is necessary.

For instance, without a formal diagnosis, you will not be permitted to prescribe ADHD drugs to yourself.

The symptoms of ADHD and other diseases can coexist.

It is impossible to determine whether what you are going through is actually ADHD without the right training.

A neurodevelopmental disorder is ADHD. In addition to having particular symptoms, it has intricate neurological foundations. It may include anatomical alterations to the brain’s frontal lobe.

Diagnoses of ADHD are made by medical professionals who have had extensive training in both these causes and symptoms. This enables them to differentiate ADHD from other disorders that could have comparable symptoms. Skilled specialists are able to distinguish between signs of ADHD and other conditions, such as sensory processing disorder (SPD), based on their education and expertise. Moreover, hyperactivity and restlessness are possible indications of SPD.

You can’t tell with certainty whether you have ADHD or something else without this official training.

It is more difficult to be objective with oneself.

Other reasons why only specialists can diagnose ADHD include the possibility of bias and misinterpretation.

Naturally, when you self-diagnose a medical problem, you are drawing from your own experiences as well as ideas, concerns, and preconceived assumptions. These may skew your perspective of how you’re feeling and affect how you evaluate your health.

For instance, you can be unconsciously hyperaware of hyperactive or inattentive behaviors if you have a family with ADHD. Your hyperawareness may make these actions seem more important when you observe them in yourself.

How is a diagnosis of ADHD made?

When your lived experience meets the diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, text revision, a licensed healthcare provider can formally diagnose ADHD. (DSM-5-TR) All other potential reasons have been eliminated.

According to the DSM-5-TR, children with ADHD are diagnosed when they exhibit six or more symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention that have persisted for at least six months at a rate that deviates from typical development. Merely five indications of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention are required for a diagnosis in adults and children over the age of 17.

But there are other factors than symptoms that determine ADHD. A qualified specialist takes into account your past medical history, the DSM-5-TR criteria, and any additional symptoms you may be having.

The expert will ask you to describe your typical day and the unique difficulties you face on a regular basis during the evaluation.

They can ask you to explain the ways in which your experience impacts key domains of functioning, such as employment, education, or interpersonal relationships, and to what degree.

The doctor can inquire about the age at which you first became aware of your symptoms if you are an adult. According to the DSM-5-TR, there must be proof of at least a few formal symptoms prior to the age of 12 in order to diagnose ADHD in an adult.

In order to rule out other potential illnesses, the expert may ask for more testing or discussions with other doctors before making a diagnosis.

Indications that you could have ADHD

While it is not technically possible to diagnose ADHD on your own, you may precisely identify its symptoms.

Typical symptoms of ADHD include persistent patterns of:

absent information

thoughtless errors

challenge maintaining concentration throughout lengthy events, such as talks

lack of listening distraction

inadequate time management

Disorganization leading to the loss of crucial objects

forgetfulness

twitchy and restless

motion unsuitable for the circumstance, such as getting up from your desk in class, talking too much, or stuttering through answers

Impatience interfering with an overwhelming need to move

Everybody is affected with ADHD in a unique way. Not everyone with excessive talkativeness or restlessness has ADHD.

Multiple symptoms that interfere with daily functioning over a considerable period of time are required for a formal diagnosis.

What to do in the event that you suspect ADHD

The first thing to do if you believe you may have undiagnosed ADHD is to talk to your primary care physician about your symptoms or to get help immediately from a licensed mental health expert.

In the event that you do not currently have a primary care physician, you can locate local healthcare resources by calling the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health resources Administration 

Visit FindTreatment.gov

CMS.gov

You can only properly diagnose ADHD and rule out other medical issues by speaking with a qualified expert.

To assist you better grasp ADHD, it may be beneficial to read up on the condition before your visit. Self-diagnosis and self-education, however, cannot take the place of medical attention from a professional.