If you are concerned about whether someone might have ADHD, the first step is to talk with a healthcare provider to find out if the symptoms fit an ADHD 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. The healthcare provider will look to determine whether the child has another condition or conditions that might explain the symptoms better, or that can often occur at the same time as ADHD. For children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends1 that healthcare providers ask parents, teachers, and other adults who care for the child about the child's behavior in different settings, including at home, school, or with peers. Read more about recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD. ADHD often lasts into adulthood. Symptoms might look different at older ages. For example, in adults, hyperactivity may appear as extreme restlessness or wearing others out with their activity. Find out more about ADHD in adults. For more information about diagnosis and treatment throughout the lifespan, please visit the websites of the National Resource Center on ADHD and the National Institute of Mental Health.
When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, parents often have concerns about which treatment is right for their child. ADHD can often be managed with the right treatment. There are many treatment options, and what works best can depend on the person, their family, and their environment. (See the next tab for more explanation.)