Learning more about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can help you recognize its symptoms, but you can’t self-diagnose ADHD. It requires the evaluation of a trained professional.
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. It’s seen among children and adults, though it’s typically diagnosed during childhood.
In the United States alone, ADHD affects around
Inattention and hyperactivity are hallmark symptoms of ADHD. With how common the condition is, it’s natural to wonder whether personal challenges related to focus and energy may be undiagnosed ADHD.
Awareness of ADHD symptoms can help you seek a diagnosis, but you can’t self-diagnose ADHD.
As a formal health condition, ADHD requires an evaluation by a qualified medical professional.
You may be able to correctly recognize ADHD symptoms in yourself, but you can’t formally self-diagnose ADHD.
The following medical professionals can diagnose ADHD:
- primary care physicians
- pediatricians
- neurologists
- neuropsychologists
- psychologists
- psychiatrists
- social workers
- professional counselors and therapists
- nurse practitioners
- physician assistants
There are many reasons why complex conditions like ADHD can’t be self-diagnosed without the appropriate level of training.
A formal diagnosis is needed for treatment planning
Even if you correctly identify your symptoms, a professional diagnosis is required to receive most levels of professional care and support services for ADHD.
For example, you won’t be able to prescribe yourself ADHD medications without a professional diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms can overlap with other disorders
Without the correct training, there’s no way to know if what you’re experiencing is truly ADHD.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It involves specific symptoms, but it also has complex neurological underpinnings. It can feature structural changes in the frontal lobe of the brain.
Medical professionals who diagnose ADHD have in-depth training in these…
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