4 Signs of ADHD That Can Mimic Other Conditions

4 Signs of ADHD That Can Mimic Other Conditions

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be the cause of many of your mental health struggles. Are your problems at work, at home, and in relationships with others related to ADHD?

It’s possible that, even if you do have ADHD, you might not realize it. The symptoms of this mental health condition are complex and can appear similar to those of other mental health problems, leading you down the wrong road in terms of understanding your mental health care needs.

In order to find resolution, you need the right diagnosis and treatment plan. If you think you could have ADHD, get in touch with Dr. Ronald P. Winfield and the team of psychiatric and mental health specialists at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates, LLC of North Chelmsford, Massachusetts.

1. Social withdrawal: Depression or inattentive ADHD?

The classic symptom of ADHD, inattention, can also be a sign of depression. If you experience this symptom, you might seem withdrawn, detached, and disconnected from others. Life with both depression and ADHD can also result in social withdrawal.

Inattention due to ADHD is different from the detachment that can affect people suffering from depression. However, depression co-occurs in many ADHD patients, and it’s possible that you could be experiencing the effects of multiple mental health conditions at once.

Instead of assuming that your sense of disconnection from the world around you is related to depression, explore other potential explanations, including ADHD, with your experienced and knowledgeable provider at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates.

2. Risky behaviors: PTSD or ADHD?

People with ADHD may display behaviors that don’t take risk into much account. That’s also true of individuals living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you notice that your behaviors, or those of a loved one, are particularly risky, don’t jump to conclusions about the causes. But, seeking evaluation from a mental health care professional is an important step toward keeping well-balanced and safe.

3. Anger management and ADHD

Living with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD is extremely frustrating. People in this situation might find themselves struggling with high levels of internal frustration, anger, and despair. You might also find that your untreated ADHD often gets you into conflicts with others that you then struggle to resolve.

In addition to healthier anger management strategies, you may need help dealing with the root causes of these conflicts, which may be related to your ADHD. When you understand what’s really going on with your mental health, it’s easier to get a grip on your emotions and behaviors.

4. Self-medication and ADHD

The pain of untreated ADHD can result in individuals self-medicating with alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, food, and other types of addictive substances and behaviors. Self-medication can help in some ways, but more often than not also results in unwanted complications in your life.

With the support of the mental health care professionals at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates, you can learn more about your underlying psychology and psychological care needs. When your mental health is better managed, self-medication may start to seem less necessary, and it may be easier to quit addictions.

Based on a comprehensive evaluation,your provider at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates diagnoses your potential ADHD and creates a treatment plan that addresses your unique health care needs.

To start your treatment with our team, contact Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates online or over the phone and book your appointment today.

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