As ADHD diagnoses continue to rise, doctors are urging people with problems such as poor concentration, restlessness and forgetfulness not to assume the condition is the only possible explanation.
The same symptoms can be caused by anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, thyroid problems, medication side effects or other medical and psychiatric conditions. In some cases, ADHD may exist alongside another condition rather than account for all of a person’s difficulties.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning its symptoms typically begin in childhood and continue into later life. NHS guidance says an assessment should consider how difficulties have affected different areas, including education, employment, relationships and home life.
For adults seeking a diagnosis, specialists may ask about behaviour at school, speak to someone who knows the patient well and review their medical and mental-health history. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence says ADHD should be diagnosed only after a full clinical and developmental assessment by a suitably trained professional.
ADHD symptoms can overlap with other conditions
Difficulty concentrating and agitation are also seen in conditions including generalised anxiety disorder, depression and bipolar disorder. Poor sleep can further affect attention, memory and emotional control, making the picture harder to interpret.
The NHS advises GPs to consider conditions such as autism, Tourette’s syndrome, anxiety, depression, addiction and learning difficulties when assessing someone for possible ADHD. The Royal College of Psychiatrists has also warned that a diagnosis based solely on a questionnaire or self-assessment is not sufficient.
That does not mean a rise in diagnoses proves people are being wrongly labelled. ADHD can go unrecognised for years, particularly in women and people whose symptoms are mainly inattentive rather than hyperactive.
However, experts say identifying the underlying cause matters because treatment depends on the diagnosis. Anyone experiencing persistent problems with attention, memory, restlessness or impulsivity should speak to a GP rather than relying on online tests or attempting to self-medicate.
