[rachel45]

Hi,
I am a 15 year old girl. I am concerned I may have ADD, however I am not sure if I am just being paranoid. For the past few years, I have struggled paying attention in school. Often, I find myself daydreaming and missing what the teacher said, even if I wanted to hear it. Despite this, I am in advanced classes and maintain fairly good grades. I also am notorious for procrastinating. No matter how important an assignment is, I can't get started until the day before it is due. The same goes for studying. It takes me a very long time to do even simple homework assignments because I usually get distracted and go on my phone or start daydreaming. I don't have any symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsiveness. I am not sure if it is worth confronting my parents because I would hate to come across as being a hypochondriac. I was hoping I could get a second opinion from others. Thanks!

[Miswimmy1]

You sound exactly like me when I was 15. Luckily, I was already seeing a psychologist for other emotional issues who was very open to exploring the possibility of having ADHD with me. From what you are describing, it sounds like ADD-inattentive type. Is there is a learning specialist or a counselor at your school? I would start by setting up a meeting with them and explaining your issues as they pertain to school. If they think it's worthwhile to test you for ADD, then they could help facilitate that conversation with your parents. They could also probably do the testing at school for free (if you go to a public school) to see if you qualify for any services or accommodations.

A side note- I don't think "confronting" your parents is the right way to go about telling them, if you decide to tell them. I think explaining to them on a premise that you are having trouble at school and explaining the symptoms you are experiencing and asking them if it would be possible for you to be tested is a better way to go about it. I imagine they want you to succeed at school. If a diagnosis will help you understand how to better learn the material and manage your symptoms, I can't see any objection in them allowing you to get tested. The worst that can happen is that the test will come back negative.

[sideblinded]

Hi rachel45

Some of the things you describe can be traits of ADD. It could also be just about anything. Stress, hormones, and worries can cause the kinds of things you are describing. You don't have to be impulsive or hyperactive to have the inattentive type of ADD. ADD starts in early childhood and continues throughout the school years and for most continues into adulthood.

If you have a real concern that you may have ADD, talking to your parents is a good option as they can set you up with a therapist or doctor who can help you sort it out. It is great that you are getting good grades. I don't think your parents would think that you are a hypochondriac. This isn't like a fever or headache. I will say this...If you do have ADD, it is best to have it diagnosed early so you can get it treated. I was diagnosed with ADHD way into adulthood and my life suffered a lot due to not knowing that I had it.

I wish you the best my dear