How do I know?

Good Evening Everyone,

I'm sure this question is often asked by people on these forums. While I know most people who read these forums are not doctors I want to ask the question.

How do I know if I have ADD?

When I was young (grade school, sixth grade) it was suggested that I had ADD. I was constantly unable to focus on my studies, fell behind in grades and often distracted other students. My Father, who doesn't believe in ADD/ADHD, said that it was a phase and refused to humor the possibility that I might have it. Needless to say, I had a lot of struggles throughout my high school years. It wasn't because I was dumb, but it was because I had trouble staying motivated, much less focused on my course work.

Well, now I am 25. I have been successful in my job, which I would not like to go into detail about. I will say it's a government position with a lot of responsibility. Despite the success, I have had a very tough time. Lately, I have been doing really bad. I have been struggling to remember things, focus on tasks, accomplish tasking in a logical order, and follow basic instructions. The worst thing of all is my inability to pay attention while others are talking to me, mainly my boss. When he talks and is explaining something to me, which is very important that I hear everything, I find myself drifting off or thinking of something else that it totally non-related.

What should I do?

-Mark

Mark, you're right that very few of us are professionals. However, I do have a son who was diagnosed with ADHD in high school. What we did is take him to a therapist. So, that's what I would suggest. These people have the resources to diagnose such a disorder and to help with treatment. So, how about doing some hunting for someone who could do this kind of assessment and make an appointment? (You can check the yellow pages and/or the Internet for therapists in your area.) Good luck. Keep us informed! If you do get this diagnosis, then note that we have a forum dealing with it!

I just wanted to say I know exactly what you mean, I relate to everything you have said. I am pretty sure I have bipolar, ADHD and social anxiety but only diagnosed with depression so far. I am trying to talk to someone so I can figure out exactly what my other issues are because my issues at work are getting really bad. I hate going to work every day because I can't follow instructions and remember things and I can never seem to please my boss.

I have depression and ADD, typical lifelong difficulties. It is very important that you are correctly diagnosed. I would encourage you to become informed but not self-diagnose. Symptoms can be associated with many different disorders.

I did not know I had ADD until I was diagnosed with depression. It took awhile to get the right combination and dosage of medication, but now it is working.

Until you talk to a doctor, try using tools to help you remember and pay attention, you will be that much further along.

Good luck and I wish you the best.

I was diagnosed yesterday with ADD (after a long process). I visited my doctor because my husband and kids were complaining that I was vacant a lot, when they spoke to me I wouldn't absorb anything, and sometimes so hyper focused in my own world it seemed I was ignoring them.
Only after visiting the doctor and surprisingly getting the referral for ADHD did I really research the symptoms. I was really surprised because it was like reading a description of myself.
I go to the supermarket for eggs and come back with bread and have to go there again.
I always felt different, but never really understood why. I was labelled lazy, laid-back, weird, chatty....intelligent and super clever also.

For me breaking point is that I can't seem to reach my goals, even though I work hard at something (in my mind), and walking against the wind is a good description.

Good luck!