ADHD involves problems regulating attention, which leads to problems with other skills like planning, organizing, starting tasks, and following through. It’s not a lack of effort or intelligence. It’s a difference in how the brain manages attention and behavior. Although it starts in childhood, ADHD affects both children and adults.
ADHD is a difficult diagnosis to make. This is primarily because its main symptoms — problems with attention and impulse control — are shared with many other disorders. For example, depression and anxiety both involve problems with attention, concentration, and memory. Anxiety and bipolar disorder involve racing thoughts. Poor sleep can impact daytime concentration and memory. Etc.
As a result, it can be helpful — and is often necessary — to “dig deeper” to confirm or disconfirm an ADHD diagnosis. Because of their addictive potential and the possibility of exacerbating anxiety symptoms, many providers will require ADHD testing before prescribing a stimulant medication for ADHD.
