Do I have ADD/ADHD?

I'm not sure if I have ADD or ADHD, but I have a terrible attention span. Even when I try to focus or pay attention to small important details, I find my mind almost fighting to wander off. I'm not sure if its just one of the side effects of my depression, but I've embarrassed myself multiple times and quite often appeared stupid because of my missing important details of a conversation that I ask about almost immidiately after they say it. I used to joke that I have ADD but now I'm not so sure as my attention span has gotten so bad to the point of it threatening my safety. Plus If I do have it I really don't want to have to take any drugs..
So my questions are:
1)How do you know that you really have ADD?
2)Are there any natural supplements that help treat it?

My meds provider who treats me for bipolar I tested me for ADHD (supposedly that is the correct label; no longer use ADD--even though I was never hyperactive), but my "learning style" was so complicated--I would highlight basically the whole textbook (couldn't tell what was important) & also needed to TYPE my notes over & over again & read aloud to remember. I basically memorized all my textbooks in college, but didn't understand the concepts (I was a good faker).

My room-mate in college actually moved out due to my typing all night long--typing & retyping notes (before computers so it was loud--an actual typewriter w/a ribbon!!)--somehow that physical act (as well as reading out loud) helped me to concentrate & remember--but not understand. I got excellent grades, but I couldn't put any of that knowledge to use in a practical way.

I do take medication (Concerta) & started taking it about 15 yrs. ago. What a difference. So helpful for me. But explore all your options. I think it is essential for me every day to take Concerta--just as it is my bipolar meds.

We aren't allowed on PC to say whether or not you have a certain disorder, but if you feel strongly about it, I would check into getting yourself tested and go from there. And don't be deceived, ADD is still a disorder, just as ADHD is...the only difference is that with ADD there is not the amount of hyperactivity that goes with ADHD. I hope you find answers to your questions once you get tested.

I plan on getting tested as well. I've lost about 8 jobs in the last 15 years due to bad work performance. I have no organization skills and I have been labeled in the past as lazy, slow, stupid, etc. I just want to know for sure, my self esteem in non-existent at this point.

ADD does not exist anymore in the DSM IV. It is ADHD with or without hyperactivity.

thank you skully...I had no knowledge of that...

Yeah you have the add .It started with me could not focus when I was In school trying so hard to listen to the teacher but it was hard I end up daydreaming and the teacher ask me a question on the board and I was omg and I said I dont know what were talking about and everybody started laughing and she thought I was being rude and she sent me to the principle office .And he ask me why I wasnt paying attention and I told him I was trying to pay attention but could not focus and was easil distracted .Its start out where you can not focus on the little things and the big things .And with homework or important book work it seems boring and you be moving your hands or feet a lot thats how add and adhd works.Good luck just find a specialist that work direct with adhd.

If you dont want to take meds just take omega fishoil that natural and you will see that you will start being able to focus and have a clear mind.If you take that and you start feeling better than you know you have add or adhd.I just take one pill every mornning.