Did you know that there are other conditions with symptoms similar to ADHD? And that it’s not uncommon for some of them to occur along with ADHD?
Confusing, huh?
If you’re having trouble with your ADHD symptoms or feel that your treatment just isn’t enough, you might want to take a look at the list below and see if any of it fits you.
Here are 5 other conditions with symptoms similar to ADHD:
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Bipolar Disorder has symptoms similar to ADHD such as being talkative, impatient, and restless. Someone with bipolar disorder may also interrupt conversations, as someone with ADHD might do.
Depression and memory loss or poor memory are also common symptoms of bipolar disorder and ADHD.
Autism was recently identified along with ADHD, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder as having “shared genes” meaning that these conditions may be related. Someone with autism may have trouble with social skills and over react to certain situations, causing them to appear to be hyperactive.
People with autism may also have trouble learning and exhibit immature behavior - both common traits of ADHD.
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can also cause behavior similar to ADHD including hyperactivity, restlessness, and an inability to focus.
Lack of sleep, especially chronic lack of sleep can cause a person to be unable to focus or concentrate, affect memory, and negatively affect social skills. People who have ADHD often have trouble with sleep, making these particular symptoms even worse.
Sensory processing disorders can also be mistaken for ADHD. Someone who has a sensory processing disorder might be easily overwhelmed, unwilling to be in social situations, and can have trouble paying attention.
So how do you know if it’s ADHD or something else?
Start with a diagnosis from a trained professional. I always recommend a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. A social worker specially trained in ADHD will work also.
If you’ve been diagnosed and feel as though there is more to your symptoms than just ADHD, either consult whoever diagnosed you or seek another opinion. Your mental health is nothing to second guess.
About Brenda Nicholson
Always such great information, Brenda! Thanks for the reminder about restarting with a cleanse or something. Back in September I did a psyllium/bentonite detox for two weeks and at the same time did a trial period with no gluten, dairy or sugar and after a couple of weeks I felt amazing and renewed. I fell off the wagon after 6-8 weeks when I attended a family reunion though. I really miss how I felt, the energy I had naturally- and the best part was that after a couple of weeks my massive sugar cravings were gone. I didn’t even want a cool, refreshing Coke. I believe I had a candida yeast problem as I googled the odd symptoms I was having and it described me to a T. Weird how your body craves the foods that are so bad for you (sugar and gluten for me). Thanks again and I just wanted to chime in for once. Hope you’re much better after you got glutened!