Seeking a Diagnosis for ADHD
Research shows that three to five percent of children have ADHD, and roughly 60 percent of these children will continue to have symptoms when they're adults. That totals about eight million adults in the United States alone, some of whom haven't received a proper diagnosis for ADHD or aren't taking any treatments for the disorder.
Even without an official diagnosis for ADHD, however, many adults may suspect that they have the disorder because they recognize the symptoms in themselves, or they learn that their child has received a positive diagnosis for ADHD.
If you are experiencing or have experienced some of the following common issues, you may want to consider seeking a diagnosis for ADHD:
- Not performing consistently at your job; or frequently quitting or being fired from your position.
- Being an underachiever in school and/or at work throughout your career.
- Inability to manage daily responsibilities such as household chores, paying bills, or being organized.
- Having relationship problems that stem from not doing what you said you would do, forgetting important events, or getting angry over minor things.
- Being constantly concerned about not being able to meet deadlines.
If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself, you should contact a licensed mental health professional or physician such as clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist, family doctor, or clinical social worker. To find a professional qualified to conduct an ADHD diagnosis, ask your primary physician for a referral.
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