Can Mitochondrial/Metabolic Disorders Be Misdiagnosed as ADHD?

PostedSeptember 10, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 10, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Mitochondrial disorders misdiagnosed as ADHD is a concern, as both conditions can result in symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and irritability. However, the underlying causes of these behaviours are different, and understanding the differences is key for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Mitochondrial and metabolic disorders affect energy metabolism in the body, leading to physical and cognitive symptoms that can overlap with those seen in ADHD.

Mitochondrial disorders, which involve defects in the body’s energy production systems, can cause developmental delays, fatigue, and behavioural issues. These symptoms might be mistaken for ADHD, as children with mitochondrial disorders may appear inattentive, hyperactive, or have difficulty concentrating. However, the key difference lies in the underlying metabolic dysfunction rather than a neurological disorder like ADHD.

Common Symptoms: Mitochondrial Disorders Misdiagnosed as ADHD

Energy Metabolism

In mitochondrial disorders, issues with energy metabolism can lead to fatigue and difficulty focusing, which may appear similar to the inattention seen in ADHD. However, mitochondrial disorders also cause other physical symptoms, like muscle weakness, that are not present in ADHD.

Developmental Delays

Children with mitochondrial disorders may experience developmental delays, which can be mistaken for the developmental delays sometimes seen in ADHD, but the underlying causes are different—ADHD is not associated with metabolic dysfunction.

Behavioural Overlap

Both mitochondrial disorders and ADHD can result in behavioural overlap, such as irritability and impulsivity. However, the behavioural issues in mitochondrial disorders are typically a result of the metabolic dysfunction, while in ADHD, they are primarily due to difficulties in attention regulation and impulse control.

By recognising the differences between mitochondrial disorders misdiagnosed as ADHD and true ADHD symptoms, healthcare professionals can ensure a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Rule-outs for other conditions.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.