Many adults consult a healthcare professional for symptoms consistent with ADHD: Problems with attention, concentration, organization, problem solving, fidgeting or impulsivity. Sometimes these symptoms have been present throughout the lifespan and affect functioning in multiple areas of life, which may make a diagnosis of ADHD appropriate.
However, some or all of these symptoms can occur for other reasons, including:
- Mood or anxiety disorder
- Substance use
- Sleep disorder
- Thyroid problems
- Hormonal changes
- Medication side effects
Distinguishing between these different sources of impairment is essential to determining the best approach to treatment and management of the condition.
A neuropsychological assessment using cognitive tests is not essential for diagnosing ADHD but can be helpful in situations where cognitive deficits could have an impact on academic and career development. It can also be helpful in determining whether symptoms may an expression of the extremes of intellectual functioning, i.e., giftedness or disability.
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