Symptoms of ADHD can present in conjunction with a plethora of other medical problems, and there are many other conditions that mimic ADHD, and could potentially obscure an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms such as limited attention, hyperactivity, and behavioral problems can be observed in patients who have a history of: 

  • Psychological Stressors
    • Life changes
    • Relationship stressors
    • Job loss, financial difficulty
    • Providers should also remember that these things can exacerbate or mask ADHD
  • Substance Use
    • Inhalants
    • Marijuana
    • Caffeine
    • Nicotine
    • Exposure to drugs in utero
  • Medication Side effects  
    • High-Dose Corticosteroids
    • Phenobarbital
    • Theophylline
  • Neurological Impairment
    • Petit mal or partial complex seizures can present with limited attention span and behavioral changes similar to ADHD
  • Psychiatric Disorders
    • ADHD commonly presents with co-morbid psychiatric disorders. It is important to consider timing of onset when considering ADHD vs. psychiatric disorders.
      • Anxiety
      • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
      • Tourette’s
      • Bipolar Disorder
      • Depression
  • Other Medical Problems
    • Thyroid Dysfunction
    • Congenital Infections
    • Sleep Disorders
    • Lead Toxicity

(Berkowitz, 2014)

(Post & Kurlansik, 2012)