Do I have ADHD?

There’s so much information about ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, online. And you might find that you share similar experiences with people who live with ADHD. Like forgetting things, having trouble focusing, or feeling restless. But these can also be common life experiences. So, you may start to wonder, do I have ADHD or something else?

It took me a long time to get diagnosed with ADHD. There were signs. Big ones, like starting a new hobby every 3 months or zoning out in the middle of conversations. And small ones, like being so distracted by my own clothing that I had to cut out all the tags.

But I did well in school for the most part, and my family didn’t really seem to believe ADHD was real. It was only later in adulthood when I was having a hard time getting work done that I knew I needed help.

What does ADHD feel like?

ADHD presents in three types of symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. A person living with ADHD may have one, two, or all three of these types of symptoms.

The experiences of living with ADHD vary from person to person. Someone may feel frustrated because they can’t get things right the first time. Or a person may be annoyed because they often lose important items like their keys, wallet, or phone. Someone else may become hyper-focused. They fixate on ideas, hobbies, or topics, and then quickly lose interest.

While ADHD may feel or look different for different people, here is a list of common symptoms of ADHD: [1][2][3]

• Often fails to give close attention or makes careless mistakes
• Often has trouble holding attention on tasks and/or activities
• Avoid or dislikes tasks that need sustained mental effort
• Excessive fidgeting, tapping, or talking
• Extreme restlessness or difficulty sitting still
• Interrupting others or finding it hard to wait their turn
• Difficulty with self-control
• Often acting without thinking
• Hyperfocus or intense fixation on an interest or activity for an extended period of time

The list above includes some, but not all symptoms of ADHD. Many people may have trouble focusing when they feel bored, anxious, or tired. People with ADHD might feel okay in other areas of their lives. But they have trouble focusing most of the time. If you think your experiences are signs of ADHD, take our ADHD test. Though this is not an official diagnosis, it can help affirm your experiences.

Could it be something else?

ADHD symptoms can be similar to symptoms of other mental health conditions. Like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or personality disorders, for example. Many people living with ADHD also have more than one mental health condition. So, there is a chance that your experiences could be something else.

Here are some examples of other mental health conditions with similar symptoms:

• Depression and anxiety: These conditions can drain your energy and fill your head with negative thoughts. It takes so much effort just to ignore those thoughts. You may not have much energy left over for concentration, willpower, or focus.
• Bipolar disorder: People with bipolar disorder sometimes make impulsive decisions. During a manic episode, they may act without thinking or considering consequences.
• PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder): People with PTSD may have trouble focusing and concentrating. They may be experiencing triggers or having unwanted, racing thoughts.

For a long time, I wasn’t sure I was “allowed” to claim ADHD as a diagnosis. A few doctors told me my trouble focusing was just a side effect of anxiety. It took me a long time to realize that it was actually the other way around: my inability to complete tasks was making me anxious. If anything, anxiety is the one thing that actually helped me focus!

I think I have ADHD, what should I do now?

If you may be experiencing signs of ADHD, consider doing one or more of these things.

Learn about how living with ADHD is for you

Look back and think about how your patterns, habits, or thoughts are related to your ADHD. How is it a strength in your life, and how exactly is it a frustration? Are there things you want to do, but ADHD gets in the way? Does ADHD feel like having a superpower? Building awareness will help you learn to cope or manage your experiences.

Reach out to someone you trust

Talk to a trusted friend or loved one about your experiences. While they may not understand what you are going through, they can offer perspective. And be there for your mental health journey. If you know someone who has ADHD, consider talking to them. You can learn about their experience getting diagnosed with ADHD. This also may help you know what to expect.

Find resources and support online

There are many ADHD resources that you can find online. One example is CHADD or Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. CHADD is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with ADHD. They provide support, education, and understanding.

Take our online ADHD test

Taking our ADHD test is a good step in understanding your experiences. This is not a replacement for a diagnosis. But you can use the results of the mental health test to start a conversation with a mental health professional.

Talk to a mental health professional

Talking to a mental health professional about your experiences may be helpful. They can help you talk through your experiences. And they may provide a diagnosis, medication, and guidance for treatment.

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