Do I have ADD?

Question

I have trouble focusing on schoolwork, and can forget certain things (ie. taking out trash, go to grocery store) easily, but I also remember things that are more important to me (ie. snowboard trips, etc). It seems like I'm selectively ADD if there is such a thing. Anything to worry about?

Answer 1

One of the main things in dignosing ADD is this. Have you been this way your entire life. Everyone can go through times when they forget stuff or become distracted easily. But if this is something you have to deal with ALL the time then you probably have ADD. Many people have ADD and never have the Hyper side of it. This is why many young girls and women don't get treated properly. I have ADD and was told by a Psychaitrist that I didn't have ADD because I can read a book and I love to read. When I had every other Add symtom known to man. I fired him and found a good doctor that works with me to help me live a better life. Add is not a Mental illness It is a neuro-bialogical disorder. Your brain is just wired diffferently so to speak. Here are some more traits of people with Add. Is impaitent
Frequently interrupts people or answers their sentences for them. Has a difficult time multi-tasking or you get the (Your so smart, if you'd only apply yourself you'd do so much better) is always moving, or shaking your foot or your fingers. I do this all the time and I never notice it. As for having selective ADD it isn't that it's called hyper-focusing. And you can probably do this quite easly with something your really interested in. Do you work better under pressure. Wait until the last possible minute to do everything, Are you always running late, are you messy, do you constanly lose stuff. Do you know your smart but you just can't pull it together. Then I'd say you have ADD, and medicine helps... a lot you can't cure Add but when you fix the chemicals in your brain that are outta wack it gets much better. Hope this helps. Sorry if I'm rambling I have ADD

Answer 2

I would see a qualified clinical psychologist about it if I were you, especially if it is affecting your life. It seems to me that you could easily NOT have ADD, because there are lots of other reasons that a person might have trouble focusing on homework or forget to take out the trash.

Talk to a school counsellor about ways to improve your focus on your schoolwork. As for the grocery store and taking out the trash, write up a list of things to do in your school planner, or keep the list in your wallet, just as long as you always have it with you to remind you.

You actually sound pretty normal to me.

Answer 3

ADD is actually far more involved than it seems. In fact, Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are not even accurate names for this affliction. The main problem with these conditions is the impulsive behavior. Those who actually do have ADHD or ADD have many problems with not understanding consequences and being extremely impulsive. They make the same mistakes over and over without even seeing the consequences coming. If you really think you've got a problem I would suggest seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist for testing.

Answer 4

I suggest you read "The ADD Book" by Sears and Thompson. They spell out what it is and isn't and give some great advice to help without medication; diet, behavior modification, etc.

You really need to be evaluated by a team who does this. It usually includes a 700 point list. It is quite extensive for a reason, ADD can be something else.

To help you for now, try drinking a cup of coffee before doing school work and see if it helps.

Answer 5

No ADD. You're a teenager. You only hear and remember what you want. It will get better when you actually grow up and realize that the world doesn't revolve around you.

Answer 6

you might. i have ADHD and I've found it's easiest to concentrate on the things you like. you'll find that focusing on the things you like the most will help you learn how to focus on other things. you can also be tested. however most of those tests are a bunch a crap. i don't believe in any of those medicines they have. just learn how to use it. I've learned how to use it because we think outside the box. my things i do technology computer's/TVs/sound systems. just take what you like and engulf yourself in it.

Answer 7

That sounds exactly like ADD. I would consult your physician, there are many effective medicines to treat this. There are the classic stimulant meds, as well as the new meds like Strattera and Modafanil.

Answer 8

This is a very good blog, a beginner’s guide to abnormal psychology.
Short, clear and simple; and you can even post your question and contact the author regarding particular subject you are interested in, for FREE

http://sensitive-psychoworld.blogspot.com/

Answer 9

You do not sound like you have ADD but if you are not sure you can ask your doc to refer you to a clinic that tests for ADD.

Answer 10

Man, unless youre anything like me, you got NOTHING to worry about. i take 3 different meds... couple disorders... and a whopping case of insomnia...