Diagnosis of ADHD

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Based on these symptoms, a child may be diagnosed with predominantly inattentive type ADHD, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD, or combination type ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD in Adults

ADHD in adults always occurs as a continuation of childhood ADHD. Symptoms that begin in adulthood are due to factors other than ADHD.

ADHD in adults can be difficult to diagnose. The doctor will inquire about childhood history of ADHD or ADHD-type symptoms. The patient may be asked to provide school records, or information from parents or former teachers. The doctor will ask the patients about these types of symptoms:

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• Inattention and memory problems. (Losing or forgetting things, being absent-minded, not finishing things, misjudging time, depending on others for order, having trouble getting started, changing jobs or projects midway)
• Hyperactivity and restlessness. (Always being on the go, fidgety, easily bored, taking risks, liking active and fast paced jobs and activities)
• Impulsivity and emotional instability. (Saying things without thinking first, interrupting others, being annoying to others, easily frustrated, easily angered, having unpredictable moods, driving recklessly, having high relationship and job turnover)
• Problems with self worth. (Avoids new challenges, appears confident to others but not to oneself)

Review Date: 01/27/2011
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).