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ADHD Diagnosis
I want to get myself checked for ADHD but I have severe anxiety, lethargy , panic attacks and depression symptoms as well . Can every doctor I see in the adhd category diagnose me with adhd and my other symptoms .
Answers (6)
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Diagnosis of ADHD will require thorough assessment from a Psychiatrist. It might be that or other illnesses may be comorbid such as generalised anxiety. A doctor will rule out all possible illnesses and not just be biased towards the diagnosis you have come up with. Best wishes.
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Thank you for reaching out. It’s good that you’re seeking clarity… ADHD and anxiety/depression symptoms often overlap but need careful differentiation.
To answer your question: Not every doctor in the ADHD category may be trained to assess all your symptoms holistically. For an accurate diagnosis, you should consult a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in both ADHD and mood/anxiety disorders. They can help rule out what’s primary and what may be secondary.
A proper ADHD evaluation usually includes:
- Clinical interview
- Standardized questionnaires (like ASRS or Conner’s)
- Assessment of attention, memory, and functioning patterns across settings
Given your severe anxiety, panic attacks, and depression, it’s important to screen for co-existing or underlying causes before concluding it’s ADHD.
Next Steps
1. Book an appointment with a psychiatrist or a psychologist experienced in adult ADHD
2. Keep a symptom diary: note when symptoms arise, what worsens them, and how they affect your daily life
3. Avoid self-diagnosis or assuming ADHD is the root of all symptoms.., each condition needs tailored care
Health Tips
Many adults with anxiety or trauma histories can show ADHD-like symptoms. A trained professional will help clarify the picture, so you’re not treated for the wrong issue. Getting this right can make your treatment much more effective.
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Thank you for sharing openly- what you’re going through can feel overwhelming, but help is definitely possible. It's quite common for ADHD to co-exist with anxiety, depression, and even panic attacks, especially if it has remained undiagnosed into adulthood. However, it's important that a thorough assessment is done to understand which symptoms are due to ADHD, and which may be better explained by anxiety or mood disorders.
An accurate diagnosis requires detailed clinical interviews, rating scales, and a review of your personal history, attention patterns, mood regulation, and functioning.
You're not alone- getting clarity is the first big step. Please feel free to reach out to me directly for assessment or guidance.
Next Steps
1. Book an appointment with a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in adult ADHD.
2. Undergo a structured clinical interview, including ruling out overlapping conditions.
3. Maintain a symptom diary and note your focus, energy levels, mood, and any triggers.
Reach out for an online or in-person consultation:
📞 NEURONAL FIX CLINIC - 74XX52XX97XX67XX61
Health Tips
Avoid self-diagnosis or taking medication without professional consultation, as ADHD medications can worsen anxiety in some individuals if not properly managed.
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A trained psychiatrist will be able to diagnose you based on symptomatology. A detailed evaluation is however required. Do book an appointment
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Dr. Vettrivel Arul
Homoeopath
7 yrs exp
Salem
Itâs good that youâre paying attention to how you feel, because what youâre describing isnât just âlazinessâ or a passing phase. When someone has a mix of anxiety, depression, panic episodes, and difficulty focusing or feeling motivated, it can sometimes look like ADHD, but it may also stem from untreated emotional stress. On the flip side, ADHD itself can cause anxiety and mood swings if itâs been unmanaged for years. The challenge is this: ADHD and anxiety often overlap, but they are not the same thing. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed as having only anxiety or depression. And many with anxiety or depression think they have ADHD, because both can cause mental fog, poor concentration, and low energy. This is why you need a clinician who understands how these conditions overlap and interact.
Next Steps
Start by seeing a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who has experience in both ADHD and mood disorders. Not every doctor listed under âADHD specialistâ will assess your whole history. What you need is someone who can do a full evaluationânot just a quick questionnaireâbut a structured assessment that looks at your childhood patterns, daily function, and emotional triggers. If ADHD is suspected, they might recommend further testing with neuropsychological tools. But even before a firm ADHD diagnosis, they can help stabilize your anxiety and depressive symptoms. That matters because when your mind is in high alert or shut down from fatigue, itâs hard to clearly see whatâs at the root of the problem.
Health Tips
For now, try tracking your symptoms with a notebook. Write down when you feel anxious, distracted, low, or panicky. Note what helps, what worsens it, and how your sleep, appetite, and energy are on different days. This not only gives you a clearer sense of your patterns, but also helps your doctor give you the right care. At home, start simple rhythms: sleep at the same time every day, take regular meals, limit caffeine, and get some movement daily even if youâre exhausted. Your brain does better when your body is on a rhythm. And remember: youâre not imagining this. The fact that youâre asking for help shows your mind is working hard to healâyou just need the right direction, not more confusion.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.