How do I know if I have ADHD?

There is no blood test or scan that confirms ADHD — diagnosis is clinical, based on a detailed interview, standardized rating scales, and often information from other people (family, a partner, teachers).

Signs that may indicate ADHD in adults: persistent difficulty with organization and time management, chronic procrastination, frequent forgetfulness, difficulty sustaining attention on long or boring tasks (alongside hyperfocus on topics of interest), impulsivity (saying or doing things before thinking, difficulty waiting), restlessness (a feeling of your "engine running" even while sitting still), and a history of similar difficulties going back to childhood.

Next steps: see a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD; many insurance plans cover this, and in countries with a public healthcare system, it may be possible to get an evaluation through a community mental health clinic or outpatient service. It can help to bring observations from family members or a partner about behaviors they have noticed.

Important: many other conditions cause similar symptoms (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, hypothyroidism). That is why a professional evaluation is essential — not just to confirm ADHD, but to rule out other causes.