Do I have ADHD?

We are available to offer peer support if you're questioning whether you have ADHD. Nonetheless, please note that we are not medical experts. It's not unusual to question whether you have ADHD with the current state of the world. However, it's essential to recognize that Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD) is a real neuro-developmental disorder that can greatly affect your life. While sometimes it can be beneficial, it can often be detrimental if undiagnosed.

Dake a short "Do I Have ADHD?" quiz or watch an unofficial Test video from TotallyADD. Both tools have undergone expert review and can quickly indicate whether you're displaying ADHD symptoms. It’s a start.

The American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 (also used in Canada) provides established guidelines for ADHD diagnosis. Clinicians will assess the extent to which symptoms apply to the individual in childhood and adulthood. At least five symptoms must be present for diagnosis in adults, but symptom presentation can change over time. The DSM-5 lists three presentations of ADHD: Predominantly Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined. Below is a summary of each presentation's symptoms.

Unfortunately, you will likely need to become your own advocate; start by educating yourself about ADHD. Don't let comments like "Doesn't everyone have ADHD nowadays?" discourage you. Understanding the condition is key to managing its symptoms, such as impulsivity, restlessness, and problems with attention, memory, time management, and planning. Download the ASRS Screener and ASRS Self Report Scale from the World Health Organization to track your progress as you learn about the condition and develop new strategies or treatment plans.

Getting a proper diagnosis is important. Finding a doctor who understands adult ADHD can be challenging — finding any doctor in Victoria is hard enough. ADHD has only recently been recognized as lifelong. Nonetheless, pursuing a diagnosis can be a significant turning point in your life, helping you move forward with a better understanding of your condition.

You can also find access to assessment centers, ADHD coaches and therapists in our resources center.

ADHD predominantly inattentive presentation (ADD)

• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes

• Has difficulty sustaining attention

• Does not appear to listen

• Struggles to follow through with instructions

• Has difficulty with organization

• Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort

• Loses things

• Is easily distracted

• Is forgetful in daily activities

• Daydreaming when not stimulated

ADHD predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation

• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in a chair

• Has difficulty remaining seated

• Runs about or climbs excessively in children; extreme restlessness in adults.

• Difficulty engaging in activities quietly

• Acts as if driven by a motor; adults will often feel inside as if a motor drives them

• Talks excessively

• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed

• Difficulty waiting or taking turns

• Interrupts or intrudes upon others

Also: Self-deprecating, empathetic, sensitive, creative, funny and caring with a desperate need for purpose and understanding 💖

ADHD combined presentation: The individual collects all starts and meets the criteria for inattention and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD presentations. Please be aware ADHD can show up differently in females and is less commonly to be diagnosed.

Common Co-Disorders Not Spoken About Enough!

To obtain a thorough diagnosis of ADHD, it is important to take into account the possibility of other coexisting conditions since about 60% of individuals with ADHD also have such comorbidities. Relying solely on a checklist evaluation is insufficient; hence, discussing your medical history with a mental health professional is crucial. Although we are unsure of the reasons for this, it cannot be overlooked that we, as a population comprising only 5-7%, have a significantly higher incidence of these co-occurring disorders:

• Learning differences, dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia.

• Behavioural or conduct problems.

• Complex PTSD / trauma.

• Anxiety (GAD), depression (MDD), bipolar, dysthymic disorder, rejection-sensitive dysphoria other mood disorders.

• Self-esteem issues, self-harm, eating and substance use disorders.

• Sleep disorders, including insomnia, sleep breathing disorders and restless legs syndrome.

Ask your doctor about these common disorders associated with ADHD and any other issues that may not have been addressed during the evaluation. Treating the entire self is necessary for optimal results, and good doctors welcome questions about adjacent disorders.