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So far, it is arguably that researchers are not sure what causes of ADHD despite the fact that there are many studies which suggest that genes play a large role. Like many other disorders of sickness we know, the ADHD case probably results from a combination of factors. In the case of variability among children diagnosed with the disorder and the challenges involved in diagnosis, ADHD has good clinical validity which means that impaired children share similarities, exhibit symptoms, respond to treatment, and are recognized with general consistency across clinicians.

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The accuracy of diagnosing mental illnesses with underlying or coexisting conditions (comorbidities) can be insufficient which can lead to severe consequences for patients. For instance, healthcare providers may treat patients with significant behavioral comorbidities for anti-social behavior instead of ADHD, thus overlooking ADHD. Additionally, there is a group of children with preliminary ADHD symptoms that do not meet the full criteria, leading to inaccurate diagnosis and treatment. While there is no evidence or preventing ADHD or conduct disorder, it is crucial to develop more prevention techniques.

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Moreover, ADHD symptoms must begin in childhood (before age 12). Symptoms often progress into the teen years and adulthood. The criterion for a diagnosis differs slightly based on age, whereby:

►Children up to 16 years must show at least six symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, or both.

►Adults and youth over 16 years must show at least five symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, or both.

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And, to be diagnosed with ADHD, a person’s symptoms must also:

►Occur for at least 6 months.

►Be present in two or more settings (for example, at home, at work, in school, or with friends).

►Interfere with or impair social, school, or work functioning.

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On the other hand, stress, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and other physical conditions or illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. A health care provider needs to do a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of symptoms, make a diagnosis, and identify effective treatments. Primary care providers who diagnose and treat ADHD may refer the person to a mental health professional. In this case, during an evaluation, a primary care provider usually:

►Examines the person’s mental health and medical history, including their mood and past or current health conditions.

►Looks at the person’s current or, if an adult, childhood behavior and school experiences. To obtain this information, the provider may ask for permission to talk with family, friends, partners, teachers, and others who know the person well and have seen them in different settings to learn about behaviors and experiences at home, school, or elsewhere.

►Uses standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether the person meets the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD.

►Administers psychological tests that look at cognitive skills, such as working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities, or reasoning. Such tests can help identify psychological or cognitive (thinking-related) strengths and challenges and identify or rule out possible learning disabilities.