Could I Have ADHD?

Check out

You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy?!? by Kate Kelly & Peggy Ramundo
http://www.amazon.com/You-Mean-Lazy-Stupid-Crazy/dp/07432...

and

www.additudemag.com is the best adhd resource on the web that I've found.

The go get an eval :) Be prepared... first off they (psychologists or social workers) rule out physical conditions (usually in conjunction with your doctor), then there's about 3-6 hours of testing in office and it costs several hundred dollars *typically*. In our area it's about 800 for a social worker to test and about 600 for a psychologist to test. Insurance coverage actually *exists* now (used to magically disappear at age 18), but not all insurance will cover.

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Honestly, the best person to ask is a psychiatrist. Find one that specializes ADD/ADHD & talk to them about your concerns. If you do have it, they can not only confirm it, but start you on a course of treatment. If you don't have it, they can help you or direct you to someone who can help you with these symptoms.
Best of luck!

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These are also symptoms of anxiety and depression. I suggest that you make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the possibility.

There are also tests on line for depression. Perhaps take one of them.

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Hi L.,

Before you jump on the ADHD bandwagon, there are things you can do to get you to a baseline of health so that, whatever the diagnosis, it will be accurate. The abundance of synthetic chemicals in our bodies do weird things to us and they contraindicate just like pharmaceuticals do...once you pile more and more in your system the contraindications just go haywire. I recommend a detox of your body and your home. Once the chemicals are actually gone, then retake your test.

My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and it turned out it was simply chemical toxicity. Laundry detergent, window cleaner, bath soap, and even McDonald's hamburgers (with their pesticides, preservatives, antibiotics and hormone) were simply wreaking havoc on her system.

There is no way that this condition can not be man made. When I was a girl, there was maybe one class clown in the entire grade. Now, everyone is medicated because they can't sit still and they have to speak to everything.

This is just a thought. It helped so much in our home and has made my life and my little girl's life so much easier and happier. If you're interested in how I did what I did, private message me and I'll walk you through it.

God bless,

M.

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You sound just like my son! I had him tested and nope! He was diagnosed as" bodily kinestetic". Wth? Basically he can't concentrate or sit still but doesn't need meds. Whatever, he is still doing poorly in school and a booger. Get tested. If they can/will help you you will feel so much better!

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ADHD is not a disease. It is not something you run out and medicate.
Many famous people have had and have ADHD, like Einstein for one. Beethoven, another, Newton, Mozart, Tom Cruise.

At your age, if you are succesful and living a good life what is wrong? You have overcome the ADHD, using it to your advantage.
It is not an excuse. Some people say "well I have ADD, so it's hard to do xyz." To me that's a bunch of baloney, it's just not your passion, or you aren't that kind of minded person. We can't all do calculus functions while driving, or compose music.
If it is not hindering your day to day life then why worry about it? If it is then see a psychologist.

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Not sure why Jo G is so offended. My husband was diagnosed with ADD as an adult. My two kids have ADD and ADHD. I am pretty sure that I have undiagnosed ADHD.

Many people go undiagnosed until they are an adult.

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Those are many of the symptoms my husband shows and he was diagnosed with ADHD and clinical depression. He's also bi-polar. It was one of those online ADHD quizzes that tipped us off. His previous dr never suspected ADHD. When my DH approached his new dr with ADHD she said he hit the nail of the head. There are many things you can do to help with the symptoms, like going to bed and waking up at the same time, leaving yourself notes, planning your day and writing down everything you need to do that day. Some people can do these things and avoid medication. Changing your diet to one that is as organic and all natrual as you can afford may also help. However, definintly see a dr about it. ADHD is adults is harder to diagnose than in children since its symptoms are similar to many other conditions, so do your research before hand to see what else it might be so you can have an informed and educated discussion with your dr.

A.

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Add is not a disease it is a disorder, you are born with it you don't catch it! As someone who has struggled with ADD my whole life I find your post very offensive.

Having scolded you, based on what you said I wouldn't say you have ADD nor would I say you don't. I do wonder why you want to have it? Medication won't do squat if you don't have it. If you want to know, see a psychiatrist not a webpage.

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I agree with the others. Don't try to self-diagnose. Get in with a specialist like a psychiatrist who can assess your symptoms and conduct a thorough evaluation.

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Man, that sounds like everyone I know, LOL

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The problem with on line research is you get all kinds of information, and not all of it is reliable. I agree with Jo that it's not something you "catch" but you're not necessarily born with the disorder - it can be aggravated by nutritional imbalances as well. There is also a difference between ADD and ADHD. Some of your symptoms could indicate the "hyperactivity" part, but also could mean something else - for example, restless leg syndrome. Getting upset very easily, not being able to focus, and not being able to bring yourself to do something can be signs of depression.

So, before you start diagnosing yourself, you have a couple of choices. You can see a professional and consider medication, which is a bit of a commitment because sometimes the first few don't work and/or they cause other problems (such as personality changes). You can also make nutritional changes through proper, balanced supplementation. There is also a new product (just released in February) which deals with focus, mental clarity and stress relief. No stimulants, 5 calories, no caffeine, no "crash" afterwards, no artificial sweeteners, no sugar. You can get it from trained nutritional consultants and thereafter buy on line.

I don't believe ADD/ADHD is a disorder that is a "you have it or you don't" kind of issue. It's a spectrum. Some people have it, and it's easily dealt with, and others have it very badly and control it with medication. I believe it's difficult to diagnose oneself...but you say you're "considering getting diagnosed." I say, if you really don't think you can handle it, you should see a psychiatrist, because the symptoms you describe could be ADD/ADHD, or something else entirely.