What is a differential diagnosis for ADHD?

The differential diagnosis for ADHD includes developmental variations, neurologic or developmental conditions, emotional and behavioral disorders, psychosocial or environmental factors, and certain medical problems (table 1). Most of these conditions may coexist with ADHD and require simultaneous treatment.

Is ADHD a psychiatric diagnosis?

But ADHD is classified as a psychiatric disorder, which simply means that it’s a condition that involves mental functioning that causes significant impairment.

How is hyperactive ADHD diagnosed?

There’s no simple test to determine whether you or your child has ADHD, but your specialist can make an accurate diagnosis after a detailed assessment. The assessment may include: a physical examination, which can help rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. a series of interviews with you or your child.

What are the 3 key symptoms used to diagnose ADHD?

The 3 categories of symptoms of ADHD include the following:

• Inattention: Short attention span for age (difficulty sustaining attention) Difficulty listening to others.
• Impulsivity: Often interrupts others.
• Hyperactivity: Seems to be in constant motion; runs or climbs, at times with no apparent goal except motion.

Is ADHD commonly misdiagnosed?

Overall, the study found that about 20 percent – or 900,000 – of the 4.5 million children currently identified as having ADHD likely have been misdiagnosed.

What is the prognosis for individuals with ADHD?

ADHD is a disorder without a cure. As such, ADHD can have a serious and long-lasting impact on a person’s life. This means that for most people ADHD symptoms will never completely go away. When people learn to manage their symptoms effectively the quality of their life improves.

Why ADHD is not a mental illness?

In reality, few practitioners use the words “mental illness” to describe kids with ADHD. They tend to refer to it as a “behavior disorder.” Some might even refer to it as a learning difference that can affect all areas of learning. So ADHD may technically fall under the umbrella of mental illness.

What can ADHD be mistaken for?

Conditions That Mimic ADHD

• Bipolar disorder.
• Autism.
• Low blood sugar levels.
• Sensory processing disorder.
• Sleep disorders.
• Hearing problems.
• Kids being kids.