Do I Have ADHD? (DSM-5) How ADHD Is Diagnosed.

Описание: How is ADHD diagnosed in adults? In this video, I explain the DSM-5-TR criteria for ADHD, what a proper adult ADHD evaluation includes, and why there is no single test, brain scan, or blood test that can definitively diagnose ADHD.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I really have ADHD?” or questioned how your diagnosis was made, this video walks you through the full evidence-based diagnostic process step by step.

As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I break down:

✔️ The DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for ADHD
✔️ Inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined presentations
✔️ The 5-symptom threshold for adults
✔️ Why symptoms must be present before age 12
✔️ What “functional impairment” actually means
✔️ The gold-standard clinical evaluation process
✔️ Why screening tools like the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) are helpful — but not diagnostic
✔️ Common rule-outs (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, trauma, thyroid issues, anemia, substance use)
✔️ Why ADHD can look different in women and people of color

ADHD is a clinical diagnosis — not a biological one. It’s based on patterns of symptoms over time, across multiple settings, and their impact on daily functioning.

There is one evidence-based framework for diagnosing ADHD. Understanding that process helps you advocate for yourself with clarity and confidence.

If you’re looking for evidence-based mental health education without stigma or shortcuts, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe for clear, research-informed mental health education designed to help you navigate the mental health landscape with understanding and confidence.

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This video is part of the Focus Now ADHD series. Be sure to watch Part 1, where we break down what ADHD is (and what it is not).
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⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice.