What to do if you think you have ADHD but your parents don t?

If telling your parents is not an option, is there another family member, a counselor, or a teacher at school with whom you could talk? Scheduling a meeting at school, with your parents present, might provide you with the necessary ADHD support and confidence to discuss your concerns.

Do your parents have to have ADHD for you to have ADHD?

The answer is: It depends. The biggest cause of ADHD is genes. 1 ADHD does run in families. Even if no one in your extended family has officially been diagnosed with ADHD, you might notice family members with characteristics and traits that resemble ADHD.

Can I have ADHD if I didn’t have symptoms as a child?

The short answer is, no, adults don’t suddenly get ADHD. In order to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, several symptoms that cause impairment must be present in childhood. Specifically, signs of ADHD need to be evident before age 12.

Why do doctors not want to diagnose ADHD?

Your doctor doesn’t think that you might have ADHD. ADHD is the only medical condition for which there is no textbook. Even if a doctor wants to learn how to diagnose and treat ADHD, there are few places to get the information. Many doctors don’t consider the possibility that ADHD could be present.

Can you get misdiagnosed with ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, misdiagnosis can happen because many of its symptoms overlap with those of other conditions. The symptoms of ADHD — such as difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and finding it hard to respond to instructions — can all arise from a wide variety of causes.

Can a parent refuse an ADHD diagnosis for their child?

ADHD in kids is sometimes deeply felt but ignored or denied by parents who refuse a diagnosis. Here is advice for sitting down and speaking with a hesitant parent about your ADHD experience — and needs.

Can the NHS diagnose and treat adult ADHD?

Getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD can be a lengthy and difficult process, however, over the past 20 years there have been significant breakthroughs in research concerning adult ADHD. This research resulted in the 2018 NICE Guideline 87 that recommended the NHS (in England) should offer ADHD assessment and treatment.

How do I prepare for an appointment with an ADHD specialist?

Bring a copy of your completed checklist with you to your appointment. Write down any questions ahead of time and bring them with you. Write down things that have happened that made you think your ADHD symptoms are not under control. Note time, place and what you’re doing. Use the Symptom Checklist to help guide your conversation.

How do I find out if my child has ADHD?

Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD. If you are concerned about whether a child might have ADHD, the first step is to talk with a healthcare professional to find out if the symptoms fit the diagnosis. The diagnosis can be made by a mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, or by a primary care provider, like a pediatrician.