Quote:
Originally Posted by sprezzatura15
I was reading a short story last night, in which the author was diagnosed with ADD. He said he had a hard time concentrating on anything that didn't interest him, but could concentrate a long time on things that did. That reminded me of myself, so I wondered if I have ADD.
I'm a junior in college, and it's really hard for me to keep up in school, because I always get distracted when the time comes to write a paper or study for a test. I start doing something, anything, to avoid doing the task I have to do. When I get sidetracked, sometimes for hours, I end up staying up all night worrying about my assignment and distracting myself with the Internet. I also find it hard to focus on and retain information in my textbooks, because the reading is very dry, and I rarely take the time to clean my room.
Being an extremely slow-moving person naturally, with a fairly even-tempered disposition, I wouldn't fit the stereotypical "ADD" personality, but I still wonder about it, because I get so distracted with everyday tasks. I've asked a counselor if I have ADD, and he says he doesn't think so, but he's never actually tested me for it. I'm really getting frustrated with the way my school is going, and if I knew there was a reason for the way I'm a little off like this, it would make me feel a lot better.
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There is no way of really knowing if a person has ADHD based on school work alone.
In order to identify what is wrong, you have to see a professional--sooner, rather than later would be best in your case (all cases really), especially if school is being affected. If you are declared a dependent student then you can still be claimed on your parents insurance. You should look through the phone book for a psychologist or other therapist who can do a psychological assessment. 2nd choice would be to see a psychiatrist (they aren't usually as educated on neuropsychological testing as a psychologist though).
If your parents don't have insurance or you can't be claimed, you could then go to student health/student counseling--whatever you call it there. They no doubt will be able to assess you or refer you to someone who can. The sooner you do this, the better off you will be.
When you call up therapists, ask them if they have experience in diagnosing and treating adults with ADHD--if they say no, ask them if they can refer you to someone who does. Good luck!