What does ADHD often get mistaken for?

What is ADHD commonly mistaken for

Bipolar disorder and ADHD. The most difficult differential diagnosis for doctors to make is between ADHD and bipolar disorder. These two conditions are often hard to distinguish because they share several symptoms, including: mood changes.

What is ADHD most commonly misdiagnosed as

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; anxiety)

When you have ADHD, there's a lot to be anxious about! It's no wonder half of us are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. While you'll often spot the two together, some clinicians are quick to diagnose anxiety, but not ADHD.

Can ADHD be misdiagnosed as something else

ADHD symptoms may overlap with the signs of other conditions, leading to misdiagnosis. For example: Feeling distracted or having difficulty focusing can be a symptom of ADHD and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

What does everyone with ADHD have in common

People with ADHD experience an ongoing pattern of the following types of symptoms: Inattention–having difficulty paying attention. Hyperactivity–having too much energy or moving and talking too much. Impulsivity–acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control.

What is like ADHD but not

Anxiety, depression, learning disorders, physical health, and many other conditions can cause symptoms that look like ADHD but aren't.

How do you know if it’s ADHD or something else

In the attention domain, children with ADHD often show some of the following:Difficulty paying attention to details.Unable to maintain attention to the tasks at hand.Not listening when spoken to.Trouble following through on instructions.Difficulty organizing him- or herself.

What is not ADHD but similar

Anxiety, depression, learning disorders, physical health, and many other conditions can cause symptoms that look like ADHD but aren't.

How do people with ADHD think

The mind of a person with ADHD is full of the minutiae of life (“Where are my keys” “Where did I park the car”), so there is little room left for new thoughts and memories. Something has to be discarded or forgotten to make room for new information. Often the information individuals with ADHD need is in their memory…

What disorder is closest to ADHD

Studies have shown that symptoms of bipolar disorder often overlap with those of ADHD, making it hard to diagnose both of these disorders. Bipolar disorder is marked by mood swings between periods of intense emotional highs and lows.

Is there a quiet type of ADHD

One type of this disorder is called ADHD Inattentive Type. This condition often is overlooked by parents, teachers and coworkers. Therefore, health care professionals often do not diagnose it until the person is older. Sometimes, individuals with ADHD Inattentive Type will be mischaracterized as shy or withdrawn.

Do I have ADHD or am I just smart

Misdiagnosis is not uncommon when high IQ and ADHD collide. Very bright children who are also highly active are sometimes misdiagnosed with ADHD. On the other hand, some highly intelligent children with ADHD can focus on things that interest them for an extended period of time, which can lead to misdiagnosis as well.

What if I think I have ADHD but I don t

Another really important possibility to consider if you weren't diagnosed with ADHD is that you could be struggling for other reasons. For example, maybe you've been under a lot of stress recently. (Um, hello, global pandemic…) And that stress could be causing a lot of symptoms that look like ADHD.

How anxiety can look like ADHD

On the surface, ADHD and anxiety can look similar. It's not uncommon for people with anxiety to be misdiagnosed with ADHD, or vice versa. Take trouble with paying attention, for example. Both anxiety and ADHD can cause people to tune out and get caught up in their emotions — just for different reasons.

Do people with ADHD think faster

People with ADHD don't really think faster than people without it, but it can sometimes seem like they do. People with ADHD do think differently though, in a sense.

Do people with ADHD talk a lot

ADHD, Combined Presentation is a neurobehavioral disorder that is characterized by both hyperactivity (moving constantly including in situations where this is not appropriate, fidgeting, excessive talking, restlessness, “wearing others out”) and impulsivity (making hasty, unplanned actions such as interrupting others …

Can girls with ADHD be shy

While some people still believe that ADHD can only manifest as hyperactivity – that's not always the case. That means inattentiveness is a main symptom, too! They may present shyness or are timid and still have ADHD.

Do people with ADHD like small talk

Small talk can be the Achilles heel for people with ADHD, however. Some find small talk boring, while others find it mystifying or even terrifying.

How does high IQ mask ADHD

High IQ may “mask” the diagnosis of ADHD by compensating for deficits in executive functions in treatment-naïve adults with ADHD.

Does high IQ look like ADHD

Misdiagnosis is not uncommon when high IQ and ADHD collide. Very bright children who are also highly active are sometimes misdiagnosed with ADHD. On the other hand, some highly intelligent children with ADHD can focus on things that interest them for an extended period of time, which can lead to misdiagnosis as well.

Do I have ADHD or am I just not focused

Lack of focus, the telltale symptom of ADHD, goes beyond simply finding it hard to pay attention. It also means: being easily distracted. finding it hard to listen to others in a conversation.

Can you have silent ADHD

Adults with ADHD Inattentive presentation can seem quiet and shy when you look at them. Their symptoms may appear timid and they might often be left out in social gatherings. On top of that, they cannot seem to stay focused.

Do I have ADHD or high anxiety

Someone with an anxiety disorder may have trouble concentrating in situations that make them feel worried or nervous. In contrast, someone with ADHD may experience difficulty concentrating even in situations where their mind is calm and quiet.

Do I have ADHD if I have anxiety

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety are separate conditions, but for a lot of folks they come as a package deal. About half of adults with ADHD also have anxiety disorder. If you're one of them, the right treatment can improve your ADHD symptoms and ease your anxious feelings, too.

Do ADHD people have higher IQ

ADHD and IQ

There's a common misconception that a person with ADHD automatically has a low IQ. Other people may believe that ADHD is always associated with high IQ. But neither of these assumptions is true. Depending on the severity of symptoms, ADHD can affect a person's ability to function at school and work.

Are ADHD people socially awkward

If you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you might find making and keeping friends, talking to co-workers, or just saying the right things in a social setting difficult or awkward.