Parents might question does their child really have ADHD after getting a diagnosis. And they’re not alone. In fact, my kid’s diagnosis came as a bit of a surprise. A quick internet search can bring up reams of pages that list ADHD symptoms, and it’s easy for parents, teachers, or caregivers to pick out symptoms that match the child’s behavior and so to assume they have ADHD. It’s common for some kids to be more active, impulsive, or distracted than their peers. So I wanted to make sure my child had a correct diagnosis, and I had a long talk with his doctor to make sure I understood the diagnostic process. This convinced me that they didn’t just look at some cookie-cutter list of ADHD symptoms and match them with my rambunctious boy. This article summarizes some things that I learned, which may be helpful for any parent who feels unsure about their child’s diagnosis.
The issue
It’s common for most children to show symptoms resembling those of ADHD occasionally or in specific situations. ADHD is a brain-based developmental condition that impacts around 8% of children. Kids with ADHD often have difficulties that are not typical for their age in two main areas: paying attention and controlling hyperactive or impulsive behavior. When it comes to attention, children with ADHD may display certain common behaviors typical of attention deficit, such as the following:
- Has trouble noticing small details
- Struggles to stay focused on tasks
- Doesn’t seem to listen when others are talking
- Finds it hard to follow instructions
- Finds it difficult to stay organized
- Gives up easily on challenging mental tasks
- Gets distracted easily by things around them
- Forgets important information
- Often misplaces items
Children with ADHD can also show signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity, which may include some of the following behaviors: 
- Fidgeting with their hands or feet or being restless
- Getting up from their seat when they’re supposed to stay seated
- Running or climbing in situations where it’s not appropriate
- Having difficulty playing quietly
- Always moving, as if they can’t slow down
- Talking more than usual
- Answering questions before they’re fully asked
- Having trouble waiting their turn
- Interrupting others during games, activities, or conversations
Looking at this list, many parents might think their kids fit the description of children who really have ADHD, and adults might even see themselves in it. For example, my boy is very energetic today. He’s constantly on the move. He hasn’t been following instructions and keeps interrupting conversations. Does this mean he has ADHD? Can a diagnosis really be made just by using a checklist of symptoms? No, it cannot. There’s no lab test to confirm if someone has ADHD. A proper diagnosis requires the knowledge and expertise of a trained professional who understands mental health conditions. If a parent, teacher, or caregiver isn’t sure if a child has ADHD, it’s important to reach out to a professional experienced in evidence-based assessments and treatments. Advocating for the child starts with getting the right help.
And why is the right diagnosis important? Simple: ADHD can be managed in kids with the right support and treatment. This may include behavioral therapy, medication, natural supplements such as Zoomind, and accommodations at school or home. It’s also important to understand that ADHD is a lifelong condition and may present differently in different stages of life. This means that the treatment plan will need to be adjusted as the child grows older.
How can someone tell if a child really has ADHD or another condition?
Experts who are well-trained in assessing and treating ADHD know the key signs to look for before making a diagnosis. Here are some of the things they consider when determining if someone has ADHD.
Does this child have multiple symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD is identified by a pattern of specific symptoms that happen together, not just a few isolated ones that might be common in the general population. The standard diagnostic guidelines for ADHD (DSM-5) explains that for a child to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must show at least six symptoms from either the inattention list, the hyperactive-impulsive list, or both and symptoms must be present for at least six months to diagnose ADHD. However, more recent research suggests that for preschool-aged children, symptoms should persist for 12 months or more to rule out normal developmental behavior.
Many children meet the criteria for both lists. Having one or two of these symptoms doesn’t mean a person has ADHD. For example, most people have trouble focusing or feel restless sometimes. A diagnosis is more likely when a child shows many symptoms from the lists combined. True ADHD is different. It’s a neurological and developmental condition where symptoms last much longer.
Did the symptoms begin during childhood or adolescence?
ADHD is a condition that usually starts in childhood or during early to mid-teen years. It is very unlikely to begin in late teens or adulthood, though in some cases it may be diagnosed later than childhood. In fact, about 99% of people with ADHD show signs before the age of 16. If a 17- or 18-year-old suddenly starts having trouble focusing, it’s important to look for other possible reasons besides ADHD. Sometimes, people might not clearly remember when their symptoms first started. To correctly diagnose ADHD, there needs to be proof that the person had trouble with ADHD symptoms as a child or teenager.
Do the symptoms occur in different settings?
ADHD is a neurological condition, so children with real ADHD are expected to show symptoms in more than one place, like at home and at school. If the symptoms only happen in one setting, it’s more likely that something in that environment is causing the behavior, rather than ADHD.
What are other possible causes, and have they been ruled out?
A proper diagnosis takes time to look at the whole picture. For example, if a person says, “I can’t focus,” it shouldn’t be immediately assumed that it’s ADHD, since there could be other explanations. People with anxiety often have trouble focusing, and those with depression may also struggle with concentration. Kids with ADHD are often hyperactive, but anxious kids can show similar hyperactive behaviors, too. Proper diagnosis is all about exploring every possibility before reaching a conclusion.
How do supplements like Zoomind help with ADHD symptoms?
Zoomind is a non-prescription dietary supplement designed to support attention, clarity, and focus, particularly for individuals with ADHD. Each capsule contains L-Tyrosine, phosphatidylserine, and omega-3 fatty acids, which aid neurotransmitter production and brain health. L-Tyrosine boosts dopamine, enhancing cognitive performance. Phosphatidylserine supports brain cell communication, and omega-3s may help reduce ADHD symptoms like inattention and impulsivity.
FAQs
How do you know if it’s ADHD or laziness?
People with ADHD are sometimes seen as lazy, but this happens because their minds work so differently. They often struggle to focus and may find it hard to finish tasks on time, even though their brains are constantly working. A lazy person is inclined to give up in the middle of tasks, because they are unwilling to work. When a child does really have ADHD, they are generally willing to try, but are frustrated by their inabilities, and feel guilty when they don’t complete the task.
How do you know if you really have ADHD?
To get a clear diagnosis, a doctor needs to evaluate the symptoms. ADHD can cause a variety of signs that might be mistaken for other issues, like depression or anxiety. For example, everyone loses their keys or forgets things occasionally, but with ADHD, this happens much more frequently, making daily life harder to manage.
What feels like ADHD but isn’t?
Many different conditions can have symptoms similar to ADHD, such as mood disorders, diabetes, or hearing issues. It’s important to get a correct diagnosis from a mental health expert to make sure the right treatment is provided.
Is ADHD overdiagnosed?
It isn’t clear if ADHD is overdiagnosed. Some people believe ADHD is overdiagnosed because the number of cases has gone up over the years. However, it’s possible that some individuals who are diagnosed might not actually have ADHD, or more awareness of the condition is leading to more cases being identified.
