Is ADHD a serious health condition?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a severe mental illness, associated with major impairment and a high comorbidity rate. Particularly undiagnosed ADHD in adulthood has serious consequences. Thus, a valid diagnosis is important.

Is ADHD considered a serious health condition?

The short answer is “yes”. The US Center for Disease Control's (CDC) review of ADHD starts with the statement: “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a serious public health problem affecting a large number of children and adults” (http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/research.html).

Is ADHD a serious health condition under FMLA?

For employees and family members affected by ADHD, FMLA may be an option to care for unique needs related to ADHD if criteria are met for ADHD to be considered a serious health condition as defined under the law.

Is ADHD a mental disorder or a disability?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disability condition that is characterized by excessive impulsivity and hyperactivity. Those with ADHD may also have problems focusing on particular tasks or exhibit high inattention levels as well.

Is ADHD a disability or coping mechanism?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental health condition that affects the way people think, behave, and navigate everyday life. According to federal law, it can also be considered a disability if it negatively impacts your ability to succeed at work or school.

Is ADHD a Brain Disorder?

Can you get SSI for ADHD?

Having attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD) is not an automatic qualification for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but a documented diagnosis can be helpful if the condition and the impairments are severe enough. ADHD is included in the category of Listed Impairments, under the SSI guidelines.

Is ADHD a special needs?

Regardless of how well he or she performs in school, a student who has trouble concentrating, reading, thinking, organizing or prioritizing projects, among other important tasks, because of ADHD may have a disability and be protected under Section 504.

Does ADHD qualify as a permanent disability?

Yes. Whether you view attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as neurological — affecting how the brain concentrates or thinks — or consider ADHD as a disability that impacts working, there is no question that the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers individuals with ADHD.

Does ADHD count as a permanent disability?

12 Since persistent functional impairments such as poor organizational and time management skills, difficulty with note-taking, reading comprehension & written expression constitute a permanent disability, ADHD clearly qualifies as such.

Can ADHD cause mental illness?

Although ADHD doesn't cause other psychological or developmental problems, other disorders often occur along with ADHD and make treatment more challenging. These include: Mood disorders. Many adults with ADHD also have depression, bipolar disorder or another mood disorder.

What health category does ADHD fall under?

Despite being classified as a neurodevelopmental mental health condition, most experts and doctors are moving towards an understanding of ADHD as a strictly neurodevelopmental condition. Having ADHD does not automatically mean you have poor mental health.

Does ADHD fall under other health impairment?

It's important to note that IDEA includes 13 categories of disabilities. One of these categories is called “specific learning disabilities.” ADHD is covered under a different category, called “other health impairment.”

Are people with ADHD discriminated against?

Disability is considered to be a protected class, and adult ADHD is classified as a medical disability (or, more commonly, a learning disability). As such, if an employer fails to provide reasonable workplace accommodations to an employee who has adult ADHD, it could be considered workplace discrimination.

Why does ADHD have life expectancy?

ADHD can reduce life expectancy by as much as 13 years, but its risk is reversible. Learn how to mitigate the risks in this video, with Russell Barkley, Ph.

Is ADHD considered medical or mental health?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental health condition. While people may use different terms for ADHD, technically it does fall into the broad category of “mental illness.”

How ADHD affects life expectancy?

Childhood ADHD persisting to young adulthood may typically shorten life expectancy by nearly 20 years and by 12 years in nonpersistent cases compared with concurrently followed control children.

Can ADHD be claimed on taxes?

As we mentioned earlier- yes! ADHD does qualify as a disability, provided that the impairment is severe enough. Many cases of ADHD are mild or moderate in nature.

How hard is it to get disability for ADHD?

An ADHD diagnosis, in and of itself, is not enough to qualify for disability benefits. As a child, you must have had measurable functional impairments (which show up as recurring poor performance in school) and as an adult, you must have measurable functional impairments that keep you from working.

Do adults with ADHD get benefits?

They must prove that there is a reason why any condition would make someone higher risk. There are benefits available which you may qualify for, however a diagnosis of ADHD by itself does not automatically entitle you to receive them.

Does ADHD make you tired?

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms associated with ADHD — and one of the least talked about.

Is ADHD medication addictive?

Regarding individuals who do have ADHD, a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) research study found that taking Adderall or Ritalin did not increase their risk of addiction to these drugs or other drugs.

Is ADHD considered to be Autism?

ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other.

How do you prove ADHD disability?

To demonstrate that your child struggles in these areas, you need to gather documentation and evidence from mental health professionals and teachers. Common forms of evidence include psychological treatment notes, medical records, classroom evaluations, and test scores.

What qualifies ADHD as a disability?

Qualifying for Disability Benefits

Similar requirements are in place for an adult with ADHD to receive federal benefits—the condition must cause an inability to do any "substantial gainful activity" and have lasted for at least a year. Applications for disability benefits are considered on a case-by-case basis.

How do you get tested for ADHD?

If you are concerned about whether a child might have ADHD, the first step is to talk with a healthcare provider to find out if the symptoms fit the diagnosis. The diagnosis can be made by a mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, or by a primary care provider, like a pediatrician.