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Can ADHD be misdiagnosed, and if so, how often does this occur? 

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Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD misdiagnosis is a concern that many individuals and healthcare professionals face, as the symptoms of ADHD often overlap with those of other disorders. The challenge lies in distinguishing ADHD from conditions that share similar behavioural traits, leading to incorrect diagnosis and possibly ineffective treatment. Understanding the causes and frequency of ADHD misdiagnosis is essential for both patients and clinicians. 

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The Risk of Misdiagnosis in ADHD 

ADHD misdiagnosis can occur for several reasons, including symptom overlap with other conditions and a lack of thorough evaluation. Some of the most common conditions that can be confused with ADHD include: 

Anxiety Disorders 

Anxiety disorders can mimic symptoms of ADHD, such as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. In some cases, anxiety may be misinterpreted as ADHD, particularly when a person struggles to focus or feels overwhelmed. 

Depression 

Depression shares common symptoms with ADHD, such as low energy, poor concentration, and difficulties in completing tasks. If a person is experiencing both ADHD and depression, the symptoms can easily overlap, leading to an incorrect diagnosis. 

Learning Disabilities 

Children with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, may appear inattentive or disorganised due to difficulties with reading or math. These challenges can sometimes be mistakenly attributed to ADHD when they may stem from an undiagnosed learning disorder. 

Diagnostic Error Rate 

Studies indicate that the diagnostic error rate for ADHD can be significant, especially when other conditions with overlapping symptoms are not carefully considered. Misdiagnosis can occur in up to 30% of cases, highlighting the importance of thorough assessments and evaluations in the diagnostic process. 

In conclusion, ADHD misdiagnosis is a real issue, and it’s crucial to ensure that an accurate and comprehensive evaluation is conducted. If ADHD is misdiagnosed, individuals may not receive the right treatment, potentially affecting their overall well-being.  

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Differential Diagnosis of ADHD.

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Avery Lombardi, MSc
Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

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. 

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