how do you know if you have ADHD? What are the symptoms?

Question

im 27 and since i was a small child i have had trouble concentrating and focusing and have strange outbursts of hyperactivity, seemingly out of my control. advice pls

Answer 1

The web is a wonderful place. There are a lot of really smart people, some who are professionals who create web sites to answer questions like this. When you are asking for facts, and not opinions, the web is better that Yahoo Answers.

I put the question "symptoms of ADHD" into the search box at google.com and more than 50 web sites came up.

Check it out.

"

Answer 2

DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD
I. Either A or B:

Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Inattention

Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.

Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).

Often has trouble organizing activities.

Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).

Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

Is often easily distracted.

Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Hyperactivity

Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.

Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.

Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).

Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.

Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".

Often talks excessively.

Impulsivity

Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.

Often has trouble waiting one's turn.

Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.

Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).

There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.

The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).

Based on these criteria, three types of ADHD are identified:

ADHD, Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months

ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months

ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion 1B is met but Criterion 1A is not met for the past six months.

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000.

Answer 3

Please try this link to the Mind website

ADHD
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+ADHD.htm

It is aimed mostly at parents who feel their children may suffer, but some of the information should help you.

Also try these links, which may help:

Early signs of mental distress
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/How+to/How+to+recognise+the+early+signs+of+mental+distress.htm

Understanding mental illness http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+mental+illness.htm

Depression
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+depression.htm

Bipolar disorder
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+manic+depression.htm

Adults who have a tendency to have periods of high and seemingly uncontrollable periods of intense activity would more than likely be seen as suffering from Bipolar disorder, but you should really talk to your GP before making any self diagnosis.

If you can, make an appointment to see your GP and be as honest and open as you can about how you feel and how you react in certain situations. They can then assess you and decide if treatment is necessary, they will be able to refer you to specialist services if they think that is appropriate.

I can highly recommend the services of local Mind associations:

http://www.mind.org.uk/Mind+in+your+area/

they are easy to access, it only takes a phone call, and you don't need to be referred by anyone else. They offer a wide range of services and offer support and guidance.

Hope this information helps.

Please seek some professional help - you will be able to get treatment whatever the diagnosis, or if there isn't any major health issue then your mind will be put at rest.

Take care and good luck.

Answer 4

Well you certainly seem to have the signs,do you sometimes act the fool and make people laugh.Do you tell white lies,things like that,make stories up,if so see your Doc,he will be able to help you,you re probably ok though,if you lived in the States they would probably tell you you re fine.

Answer 5

First of all I would look it up on the internet. It will give you a detailed explanation of what ADHD is and how you know you have it if you have. If you think you do, then go to Dr. he can help you, or to a clinic where they can recommed some other help.

Answer 6

if you are worried about it and if it gets in the way of your life, see a doc. there is a series of criteria they look at but, it isn't an exact science. they are the only ones who can truly tell if you have add

Answer 7

I have adhd and i act the same exact way when i dont take my medicine. if you are worried and would like to find out go to your doctor and if you dohave adhd he will probably perscribe medicine.

Answer 8

better visit a physician, who can help you. do u have any meditation professional around yr place they might help you too. can u close yr eyes and sit in a place at least about 5 mins. try.....

Answer 9

could be diet related. Evidence is now pointing towards this idea.

Answer 10

you need to go to a professional. diagnosing yourself will get you nowhere because sometimes its hard to tell what's normal and what's not supposed to happen...