Assessing for ADHD

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, can be challenging to diagnose accurately due to its overlapping symptoms with other mental health conditions and the potential for comorbidities. It is often missed or misdiagnosed, especially in individuals who have milder symptoms or those with other coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression. One reason for the difficulty in diagnosis is that some symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention or impulsivity, can be mistaken for typical behaviors in children or even adults. For instance, a child who is easily distracted in a classroom setting might be labeled as "unfocused" rather than potentially having ADHD. This underlines the importance of understanding the nuances of ADHD presentation to avoid overlooking it in clinical practice.

Common comorbidities with ADHD include conditions like anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders. These overlapping diagnoses can complicate the assessment process, as symptoms from one condition may mask or exacerbate those of ADHD.

This section will go over:

• Why ADHD is missed
• Common comorbidities with ADHD
• Clinical Tells
• Review of tools