I Think I Have Symptoms of ADHD: How Do I Know If I Have It?

If you’ve been struggling with focus, restlessness, or disorganization, you might wonder if it’s because of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There isn’t a blood test that confirms if you have ADHD, so how can you know for sure?

Here at Body & Mind Consulting in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Lisa Webb, MBA, MPH, PsyD, and Ken Robins, MS, PhD, offer ADHD evaluations to help pinpoint the source of your symptoms. 

Read on to learn more about the ADHD diagnosis process.

Learn to recognize the symptoms of ADHD

Learning to recognize the symptoms of ADHD is your first step toward finding the answers you need. The sooner you detect a potential issue, the sooner you can reach out for an evaluation. 

ADHD symptoms vary, but they often fall into three categories: inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Inattentiveness

You might find it hard to concentrate, constantly misplace things, or feel like your thoughts are racing. Feeling forgetful or disorganized can take a big toll on your career or personal life.

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity can look like fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, or feeling driven to keep moving.

Impulsivity

Impulsivity might show up as speaking without thinking or interrupting others. Impulsivity can also keep your mind racing. You might hop from activity to activity. For some people, impulsivity can lead to shopping problems, difficulty saving money, or regret (from decisions made rashly). 

You may find yourself experiencing symptoms in just one of these categories, or you may find yourself experiencing symptoms in all three categories. Both are normal.

Consider your history

ADHD often starts in childhood, so think about whether these symptoms have been present for a long time. Even if you weren’t diagnosed as a child, untreated ADHD can continue into adulthood.

Schedule an evaluation 

Several different conditions can lead to these symptoms. For example, depression can also cause brain fog and trouble concentrating. So, the only way to know for sure if you have ADHD is through a professional evaluation.

During an ADHD evaluation, your Body & Mind Consulting provider gathers detailed information about your symptoms, history, and how these challenges affect your life at home, in social settings, and at work.

You may need to fill out questionnaires or rating scales to understand how symptoms present across different settings.

ADHD can occur with other conditions, which is why ADHD evaluations may also include cognitive or psychological testing to rule out other conditions like anxiety or depression. People with ADHD, for example,  are 50% more likely to have anxiety.

Based on this comprehensive assessment and the clinical guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), Dr. Webb or Dr. Robins determine whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and discuss treatment options if necessary.

How ADHD is managed

If your ADHD evaluation reveals that you have ADHD, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone and there are effective treatments. Here at Body & Mind Consulting, our team uses brain wave mapping to learn more about your brain and shape your treatment plan.

Your specific treatment plan may include:

• Medication 
• Therapy 
• Brain wave synchronization with Sonal Braincare™ 
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) 
• Supplements and nutraceuticals to support your specific wellness needs
• Lifestyle changes like better sleep, exercise, and mindfulness 

If you have comorbidities — two or more mental health conditions that occur at the same time — we can help you manage them too. If needed, Dr. Webb and Dr. Robins can recommend therapy, lifestyle changes, and other treatments for anxiety or depression.

The bottom line is that if you think you have ADHD symptoms, don’t wait to call our office. With the right treatment, ADHD is manageable, and you can shift from merely “surviving” to “thriving.” 

Don’t forget: you can also book an appointment online.