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How is ADHD Diagnosed?

Overview:

A Medical Evaluation

It takes a comprehensive medical evaluation to properly diagnose ADHD

The Adult ADHD Screener is a step towards finding out if you have ADHD

Share the results with a doctor experienced in diagnosing and treating ADHD

With proper diagnosis and treatment, ADHD symptoms can be significantly improved

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*Adapted from The World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-report Scale (ASRS -v1.1).

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

A Medical Evaluation

It takes a comprehensive medical evaluation to properly diagnose ADHD

The Adult ADHD Screener is a step towards finding out if you have ADHD

Share the results with a doctor experienced in diagnosing and treating ADHD

With proper diagnosis and treatment, ADHD symptoms can be significantly improved

Most adults experience inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive behaviors from time to time. You misplace your keys. Get distracted at work. Every once in a while you may even blurt out something you didn't mean to say. But, for adults with ADHD, these symptoms appear more often, which can create difficulties managing day-to-day responsibilities.

The reality is, many adults don't even know they have ADHD. Only 25% of adults with ADHD were diagnosed as children. Some seek professional help for depression or anxiety and find out they have ADHD. Adults with ADHD may have other conditions in addition to ADHD.

Often, adults first recognize the signs and symptoms of ADHD in themselves when their child is diagnosed. ADHD has been linked to family genetics. Studies have shown that 17% to 44% of fathers of children with ADHD also have ADHD. And 11% to 38% of mothers of children with ADHD also have the condition.

There's no single laboratory test used to determine an ADHD diagnosis. Rather, your healthcare professional will likely follow a standardized ADHD checklist. You may be asked questions about your family's medical history, as well as your past and present experiences at school, work, and in social settings.

For some adults, being diagnosed with ADHD can bring a sense of relief. They can begin to see the connection between their behavior and the symptoms of the condition. And understand that their symptoms can be significantly improved with the right diagnosis and treatment.

Think you may have ADHD? Take the Adult ADHD Screener.* Then share your results with a healthcare professional experienced in diagnosing and treating ADHD.

The sooner you get an evaluation and an ADHD diagnosis, the faster you can start effectively managing your symptoms. Treatment with CONCERTA^® can help you get on the path to everyday success in managing ADHD symptoms.

*Adapted from The World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-report Scale (ASRS -v1.1).

CONCERTA® is a prescription product approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Talk to your healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Only a healthcare professional can decide whether medication is right for you or your child.

CONCERTA® should not be taken by patients who have: allergies to methylphenidate or other ingredients in CONCERTA®; significant anxiety, tension, or agitation; glaucoma; tics, Tourette's syndrome, or family history of Tourette's syndrome; current or past use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); esophagus, stomach, or intestinal narrowing. Children under 6 years of age should not take CONCERTA®.

Abuse of methylphenidate may lead to dependence. Tell your healthcare professional if you or your child has had problems with alcohol or drugs; has had any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems; has had depression, abnormal thoughts or visions, bipolar disorder, or seizure. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if you or your child: develops abnormal thinking or hallucinations, abnormal or extreme moods and/or excessive activity; or if aggressive behavior or hostility develops or worsens while taking CONCERTA®. Your child's healthcare professional should check height and weight often and may interrupt CONCERTA® treatment if your child is not growing or gaining weight as expected.

Stimulants may impair the ability of the patient to operate potentially hazardous machinery or vehicles. Caution should be used accordingly until you are reasonably certain that CONCERTA® does not adversely affect your ability to engage in such activities.

The most common adverse reaction (>5%) reported in children and adolescents was upper abdominal pain. The most common adverse reactions (>10%) reported in adults were dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, headache, and insomnia.

CONCERTA® and OROS® are registered trademarks of ALZA Corporation

This site is published by McNeil Pediatrics™, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is solely responsible for its contents. This site and its contents are intended for USA audiences only.

Questions or comments? Call 1-888-440-7903

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For information on free or discounted prescription medications, visit Access2Wellness Patient Assistance Program or call 866-317-2775.

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