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The line between genuine ADHD and everyday distractibility can feel blurry—until you know what to look for. We open the case file and walk through a clear, practical way to identify ADHD: symptoms that begin before age twelve, persist over time, and cause real impairment across settings like home, school, and friendships. No shortcuts, no vibes—just a grounded approach that blends criteria with real-life context.

Together, we unpack what inattention really looks like beyond “spacing out,” and how hyperactivity differs from normal kid energy by its severity, persistence, and resistance to willpower. You’ll hear the exact questions we use when assessing teens and adults, how to gather collateral from parents and teachers, and the surprising role sleep plays in amplifying or masking symptoms. We also map the classroom realities: the fidgeting that never ends, the detours under desks, and the conversational zigzags that jump tracks from hot dogs to Hawaii.

Differential diagnosis is the make-or-break step, so we draw sharp lines between ADHD and common lookalikes. Depression can tank concentration, but usually in episodes; PTSD may mimic restlessness and distractibility in kids, especially when hypervigilance is high; intermittent explosive disorder shares impulsivity but adds consistent aggression. Understanding these differences protects against misdiagnosis and steers better care—behavioral strategies, school supports, coaching, and when appropriate, medication. If you’re studying the DSM-5-TR or navigating a possible diagnosis for yourself or a child, this conversation gives you a field-tested checklist and a narrative lens to see the whole person, not just a list of symptoms.

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This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.