If you are reading this article and thinking about getting an assessment for ADHD for yourself, for a relative or for a friend, let me share some ideas with you.

Having attention problems is not the same as having ADHD. There are many reasons for having attention problems but only one is called ADHD.

There are many categories of attention. However, “sustained attention” is usually the most affected in ADHD. Other types of attention – selective, alternating and divided – may not show such significant deficits.

All individuals with a diagnosis of ADHD have attention problems. However not everyone with attention problems has ADHD. ADHD is an undesirable incapacity, but distractibility can be seen as a needed function or as a deficit. Just imagine that after reading a paragraph in a book, you cannot stop thinking about that paragraph, making it impossible to keep reading. If you are not able to get distracted from a thought, you will get stuck on fixed thoughts. But if distractibility is getting out of control and becomes unintended, now we have a problem.

Important symptoms of ADHD are:
Attention problems, not to be confused with intended distraction (“It is not interesting”).
Impulsive behavior (acting before thinking), not to be confused with aggressive-defiant behavior.
Fidgetiness, not to be confused with anxiety, depression, etc.


Don’t self-diagnose

Watching videos on Tik Tok or following suggestions from YouTube, Facebook or Instagram to get an ADHD assessment is not recommended.

There are many diagnoses, other than ADHD, that may better explain behavior problems in an individual. Examples include ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), learning problems, Autism, Bipolar disorder and intellectual disability. In addition to these valid diagnoses, there is always the possibility that the explanation for a disruptive behavior is “because I want to do it” or “I don’t care”.

The diagnosis of ADHD must be determined by a professional in the mental health field and requires a careful assessment that goes far beyond a simple observation or just the comments from relatives or from a teacher. We don’t diagnose learning disabilities simply by observing an individual in an office; an assessment should be done by a professional familiar with ADHD to ensure the correct diagnosis, and treatment.


Dr. Villegas is a Doctoral Level Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor with a focus on psychotherapy for children, adolescents and families. He specializes in the assessment and treatment of disruptive behavior disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder, mood disorders and ADHD. With expertise in both cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic theory, Dr. Villegas effectively addresses the issues related to anxiety and depression. He is also fluent in Spanish. ovillegas@mycruzclinic.com


Cruz Clinic | Psychiatric and Psychological Care | (734) 462-3210