i think i have ADD, how do i know for sure?

Question

im 15 now,i cant concentrate and it takes me days to do a 5min hw i don't understand whats wrong with me. i just want it to go away, i talked to my guidance counsler in school and he said he highly doesnt recomend taking the test and even if i do there is no yes or no answer they just tell you what syptoms you have which is pointless since i experiance them and obviously already know what they are. is there anything i can do myself?

Answer 1

This sounds like it could be ADD or it could be depression and anxiety. Tell your parents or guardian and ask if you could go see a counselor or your doctor to find out what's going on.

ADD almost always shows up with impaired performance in school. People who have it describe the experience as similar to being surrounded by 50 televisions, all tuned to different stations and set at the same loud volume. Then you are told to pay attention to only one. This is extremely hard to do, and so it becomes difficult to hear instructions or remember things that happened.

Depression and anxiety often show up as trouble completing tasks, as well. However, the person finds themselves avoiding the task by doing other things. They are aware that they are skipping the work, but they feel better (less anxious) distracting themselves from a difficult task. They may also suffer in work or school performance, but they are usually aware that they have developed an avoidance habit. They just have trouble controlling it.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I have ADHD. I was diagnosed somewhere in college. I was prescribed medication, which although controversial, seemed to help me a lot. After I finished graduate school I discontinued the medication. It has been 3-4 years since I have taken it but recently I decided that I might go back on it. The moral of the story is that there is medication that could help you. I would talk to your parents and request that they take you to the doctor. Concentration is a large part of an ADHD diagnosis, but there are also many other symptoms, mostly related to attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Do you find yourself butting into conversations at inappropriate times? Do you feel like a motor that is constantly going? Do you always feel the need to tap your pencil, feet, or get up for no reason in the middle of class? Getting prescribed medication for ADHD is a long process that involves quite a bit of testing (provided that your doctor is ethical and is not just a pill-pusher). Very often you will also meet with a neurologist and/or a psychiatrist. You will take IQ tests and other psychological tests. Have you tried going to extra help at school to see if being in a more structured environment will help you to stay on track? There are other ways to reduce the symptoms of ADHD without medication. I write a lot of "to-do" lists and prioritize my goals. You can also work on decreasing any impulsivity by thinking through what you want to say instead of just blurting it out. If you find yourself drifting off, try to refocus. I also carry around a stress ball to help me to avoid fidgeting. Sounds silly I know, but all those things have helped me.

Answer 3

you could be hitting hormone change big time. ADD doesn't just come on one day. I was never diagnosed with ADD, OR HA-DD, BUT I have it. The only reason it needs to be diagnosed is to slow you down with medicine. If you recognize there is something wrong, you are ahead of the game. Most deny there is a problem, (it is always someone else's fault they are in trouble). It can be an asset if you accept it and work ways around it. Study time, means do it first, with the t.v., radio off. When you get stuck, quit for a while, but, don't give up. In school take notes (helps you stay focused on boring stuff teacher is telling you.) I barely graduated from high school, but landed good jobs with two major corporations. anything I learn to do I do better than most, and I have lots of things going at the same time. Whatever the problem, hang in there, you will be fine. (as long as your parents don't kill you)

Answer 4

It sounds to me like you definetly have symptoms of ADD, however, only a medical doctor can tell you for sure. Tell your parents to make an appointment for you to see your family doctor, who can then refer you to a psychiatrist. Don't let your primary care doctor diagnose you, but insist on a referall to a psychiatrist. Too many primary care doctors make the mistake of prescribing ADD meds without making a full evaluation. This is why ADD is so overdiagnosed.
Once you have the referral for the psychiatrist, make an appointment with him or her. The psychiatrist can evaluate you and determine whether or not you have ADD and if you need to be on meds. Medication, along with counseling, is the best method for treating ADD.
Once the diagnosis has been made and the treatment has started, have your parents set up a meeting with your school's special education director to form an IEP (individualized educational program) that gives your teachers instructions on how to accomodate you so you can learn the best way possible. You might need extended time on tests, a separate room for testing, a modified schedule, a notetaker, or other accomodations.

And don't be discouraged. Many of the world's finest scientists, writers, musicians, philosphers, and politicians have or had ADD as well. Most people with ADD are very bright and creative and are capable of great things if they are treated properly.

Answer 5

I don't think ADD is only determined by a lack of concentration. I'm not an expert on this subject but there are other factors too such as; being aggressive or withdrawn. i think they're different to other kids & are highly strong-willed & can be self-destructive.
If you have problems concentrating, I've heard of a herbal remedy which might help; it's called Concentration essence b Dr Vogel (most health shops sell them).
Please ignore my advice if it sounds like nonesense! I talk too much.

Answer 6

Symptoms Include:
Lack of concentration, spurts of throwing fits, anger problems,over active sex drive, disturbances in sleep,and learning disabilities. My brother suffers from it and it helps to go see a doctor for it.

Answer 7

try some herbal remedies IE: Before you need to focus on something drink a hot glass of green tea it will help you concetrate. and talk to your parents, your parents have a better idea of what is good for you thatn your guidance counselor

Answer 8

well im not selling this method but i have friends who snort adderal it is a horrible drug that leaves u in a zombie like state... it gets things done though honestly speak to ur parents about it so they can take u to a physician who will properly test ur sypmtoms. another thing is to make a schedule for the day of everything u need to do fill it up from when u wake up to when u fall asleep this works for me as a person who is diagnoised with add and refuses to take adderal . make a schedule fill out ur entire day and stick to the schedule...it worx trust me...good luck buddy

Answer 9

You might want to talk to your parents and to your teachers they can probably help you out with what u should do

Answer 10

Watch the movie "Natural Born Killers" If you get it, then you have ADD.