The symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) replicate those of other mental health conditions. So, how do you know if you have ADHD? Our article overviews the specific signs and symptoms unique to ADHD and how to identify them.

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that’s chronic and cyclical in nature. It often develops during early childhood and leads into adulthood.

Those with ADHD will exhibit behavioral patterns of inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. ¹ Symptoms of these categories are as follows: ²

Inattentive Signs

• Avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental effort (i.e. schoolwork)
• Does not listen when spoken to directly
• Easily distracted by intrusive thoughts or stimuli
• Forgetful in daily activities (i.e. returning calls, keeping appointments, etc.)
• Inability to sustain attention in tasks or play (i.e. conversations, lectures, etc.)
• Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (i.e. school supplies, wallets, keys, etc.)
• Misses details, makes careless mistakes
• Problems with organization
• Will not follow instructions or fails to finish responsibilities (i.e. schoolwork)

Hyperactive Behaviors

• Constantly in motion
• Fidgets when expected to remain still
• Interrupts conversations or interjects when inappropriate
• Intrudes on others (i.e. in conversations, games, etc.)
• Nonstop talking
• Runs or dashes around/climbs on things they’re not supposed to
• Trouble waiting for their turn
• Unable to engage in hobbies or activities quietly

Impulsive Actions

• Dangerous behaviors (ignores safety)
• Emotional and physical outbursts that can be disruptive or violent
• Reckless spending

What Causes ADHD?

Researchers still don’t 100% know the causes of ADHD. However, it’s believed to be caused by biological, developmental, or neurological factors.

Brain function is one of the most significant causes. Research reveals decreased activity levels in brain areas responsible for attention and activity. ³

ADHD can also be hereditary. In fact, if a parent has ADHD, there’s a one in four chance a child will develop it. ⁴

Finally, ADHD may be caused by environmental factors. ⁵ For example, the condition can appear due to the following:

• Head injury during brain development
• Premature childbirth
• Substance exposure during pregnancy

ADHD Diagnosis

For an ADHD diagnosis, a mental health professional needs to conduct the following tests: ⁶

• Behavioral observation
• Cognitive aptitude measurements
• Clinical discussion

For a diagnosis, you must experience symptoms that interfere with your daily life for at least six months. The criteria for diagnosis are as follows: ⁷

• Difficulty sustaining attention
• Does not appear to listen
• Fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
• Forgets easily
• Loses things
• Organization problems
• Struggles to follow through with instructions

ADHD Treatment

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for ADHD. Still, through the following treatment methods, you can manage the symptoms: ⁸

• Behavioral Therapy – Incorporates a system of rewards to encourage control of impulsive behaviors. This intervention helps identify types of behavior and find the best options to deal with negative influences. It can also help you choose the best responses to stressors. ⁹

• Mental Health Counseling – Helps you comprehend elements of ADHD. It can also assist in helping you develop coping mechanisms.

• Medications – Stimulants (i.e. Adderall) to reduce symptoms of ADHD. ¹⁰ Keep in mind that these medications may come with side effects. As such, it may be in your interest to use all-natural supplements.

How to Know If You Have ADHD

When it comes to symptoms, not everyone will experience the same. Still, there are common signs of ADHD to keep an eye out for:

Lack of Control

You may lack impulsive control and this can interfere with daily life. For example, you may make unnecessary purchases on a whim. Or, it may be difficult for you to hold back certain emotions. ¹¹

If you don’t understand impulsive control, it can lead to several health or legal consequences. As such, it’s in your interest to discuss this in therapy if you’re concerned about your behavior.

Disorganization

If you’re disorganized, you may experience complications in daily responsibilities. Disorganization goes beyond a messy living environment. You may experience disorganized thinking that can lead to other problems (i.e. relational issues). ¹² You may also:

• Find it difficult to follow through on tasks
• Forget to follow up in social interactions
• Miss deadlines

Difficulty with Concentration

Do you find it hard to focus on a single task? While this is most common in school or work, it may also occur in other daily responsibilities (i.e. chores). A continual decline in concentration can result in: ¹³

• Difficulty maintaining relationships
• Low work performance
• Reduced standards for self-care (may result in health complications)

If you struggle with a lack of concentration, it’s essential to prioritize this symptom. Addressing these complications gives you a better chance to take care of yourself.

Forgetfulness

It’s common for people with ADHD to forget things. These can be essentials (i.e. job priorities) or mild misplacements (i.e. car keys). If you forget things often, it’s best to write down tasks you need to complete as this provides a visual reminder. ¹⁴

How to Know If You Have ADHD Test

Still not sure if you have ADHD or not? Here are ten questions to ask yourself to help you figure it out:

1. Do you struggle to start a task?
2. Do you find tasks boring and repetitive to the point where it’s difficult to complete?
3. Do you get fidgety or restless?
4. Do you often forget important meetings or tasks?
5. Do you lose concentration when in a conversation with others?
6. Do you find it difficult to focus when there are a lot of stimuli around you?
7. Do you avoid waiting in line when you need to?
8. Do you feel it’s difficult to let go? Are you always on the move to get tasks done?
9. Do you misplace items regularly and find it difficult to find them?
10. Do you avoid social situations when you have to be still in one place for a long time?

If you answered “yes” to several of these questions, you may have ADHD. However, this test is not a formal diagnosis of the condition. To receive such, you must consult your healthcare provider.

References

¹ Magnus W, Nazir S, Anilkumar AC, Shaban K. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 2023 Aug 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 28722868.

² Committee to Evaluate the Supplemental Security Income Disability Program for Children with Mental Disorders; Board on the Health of Select Populations; Board on Children, Youth, and Families; Institute of Medicine; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education; The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Boat TF, Wu JT, editors. Mental Disorders and Disabilities Among Low-Income Children. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2015 Oct 28. 6, Clinical Characteristics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK332879/

³ Gehricke JG, Kruggel F, Thampipop T, Alejo SD, Tatos E, Fallon J, Muftuler LT. The brain anatomy of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in young adults – a magnetic resonance imaging study. PLoS One. 2017 Apr 13;12(4):e0175433. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175433. PMID: 28406942; PMCID: PMC5391018.

⁴ Faraone SV, Larsson H. Genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Mol Psychiatry. 2019 Apr;24(4):562-575. doi: 10.1038/s41380-018-0070-0. Epub 2018 Jun 11. PMID: 29892054; PMCID: PMC6477889.

⁵ Banerjee TD, Middleton F, Faraone SV. Environmental risk factors for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Acta Paediatr. 2007 Sep;96(9):1269-74. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2007.00430.x. PMID: 17718779.

⁶ Wolraich ML, Chan E, Froehlich T, Lynch RL, Bax A, Redwine ST, Ihyembe D, Hagan JF Jr. ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines: A Historical Perspective. Pediatrics. 2019 Oct;144(4):e20191682. doi: 10.1542/peds.2019-1682. PMID: 31570649.

⁷ Wolraich ML, Hagan JF Jr, Allan C, Chan E, Davison D, Earls M, Evans SW, Flinn SK, Froehlich T, Frost J, Holbrook JR, Lehmann CU, Lessin HR, Okechukwu K, Pierce KL, Winner JD, Zurhellen W; SUBCOMMITTEE ON CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVE DISORDER. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics. 2019 Oct;144(4):e20192528. doi: 10.1542/peds.2019-2528. Erratum in: Pediatrics. 2020 Mar;145(3):e20193997. doi: 10.1542/peds.2019-3997. PMID: 31570648; PMCID: PMC7067282.

⁸ Nazarova VA, Sokolov AV, Chubarev VN, Tarasov VV, Schiöth HB. Treatment of ADHD: Drugs, psychological therapies, devices, complementary and alternative methods as well as the trends in clinical trials. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Nov 17;13:1066988. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1066988. PMID: 36467081; PMCID: PMC9713849.

⁹ Young Z, Moghaddam N, Tickle A. The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults With ADHD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Atten Disord. 2020 Apr;24(6):875-888. doi: 10.1177/1087054716664413. Epub 2016 Aug 22. PMID: 27554190.

¹⁰ Mechler K, Banaschewski T, Hohmann S, Häge A. Evidence-based pharmacological treatment options for ADHD in children and adolescents. Pharmacol Ther. 2022 Feb;230:107940. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107940. Epub 2021 Jun 23. PMID: 34174276.

¹¹ Malloy-Diniz L, Fuentes D, Leite WB, Correa H, Bechara A. Impulsive behavior in adults with attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder: characterization of attentional, motor and cognitive impulsiveness. J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 2007 Jul;13(4):693-8. doi: 10.1017/S1355617707070889. Epub 2007 May 18. PMID: 17521490.

¹² Caplan R, Guthrie D, Tang B, Nuechterlein KH, Asarnow RE. Thought disorder in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2001 Aug;40(8):965-72. doi: 10.1097/00004583-200108000-00019. PMID: 11501697.

¹³ Avisar A. Is the deficit in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder a concentration deficit? Appl Neuropsychol Child. 2023 Oct-Dec;12(4):344-352. doi: 10.1080/21622965.2022.2114353. Epub 2022 Aug 23. PMID: 35998286.

¹⁴ Kofler MJ, Singh LJ, Soto EF, Chan ESM, Miller CE, Harmon SL, Spiegel JA. Working memory and short-term memory deficits in ADHD: A bifactor modeling approach. Neuropsychology. 2020 Sep;34(6):686-698. doi: 10.1037/neu0000641. Epub 2020 May 21. PMID: 32437194; PMCID: PMC7483636.