how do docs tell the difference between burnout and possible ADHD?

This is such an important question because the symptoms can overlap. Burnout tends to be situational and related to chronic stress. It often improves with rest, change in environment, or reduced workload. ADHD, on the other hand, usually shows up earlier in life and across multiple settings, not just work. Clinicians look at developmental history, school patterns, long term attention issues, and executive functioning struggles. Burnout can worsen ADHD symptoms too. So sometimes it is not either or, but both. The timeline and pattern help clarify.