Symptoms and Diagnosis
- soulsunleashed
- July 12, 2025
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions worldwide, affecting approximately 6 million children and over 11 million adults in the United States alone (CDC, 2023).
While ADHD is commonly associated with hyperactive children, its symptoms span a wide spectrum, often evolving across life stages and presenting unique diagnostic challenges. Identifying ADHD requires more than spotting a few distractible moments—it involves a rigorous clinical evaluation, accounting for symptom persistence, functional impairment, and ruling out other causes.
This guide delivers the latest, evidence-based overview of ADHD symptoms and diagnosis, helping parents, clinicians, educators, and individuals recognize and accurately assess this complex disorder.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can a child be diagnosed with ADHD if they only have symptoms at school?
Can ADHD look like anxiety?
Are there medical tests for ADHD?
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD for the first time?
KEY TERMS
ADHD Symptoms in Children
In young children:
Hyperactivity is often the most visible symptom
Emotional regulation problems (tantrums, frustration) are common
May appear “driven by a motor”
Comorbidity
Over 60% of individuals with ADHD have at least one additional psychiatric disorder Faraone et al., 2023, complicating diagnosis. Common co-occurring conditions:
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Anxiety disorders
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Depression
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Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
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Learning disabilities
Late Diagnosis in Females
Girls often go undiagnosed due to:
Less disruptive symptoms
Better masking of difficulties
Misinterpretation of inattentiveness as “daydreaming”
Late diagnosis increases risk for depression and anxiety in adulthood.
