So what is the difference?

Between someone who has ADHD, and someone who's just disorganized? Or forgetful? Or impulsive? Or has a short attention span? Is it the severity? Is it that the person with ADHD truly can't help it? Is there some kind of physical test that can tell if you have ADHD?

What I'm wondering basically, is how do you explain ADHD to someone else (someone who doesn't know much about it)? I won't know if I have it until I see a psychologist, but I worry that if he/she does diagnose me as having ADHD, that there are people in my life who will just not believe it. I worry that they'll say I'm just a disorganized/forgetful/lazy person who hasn't tried hard enough. And I worry that they may be right.

i found you some links i hope they help
adhd http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/symptom.htm

if you have it you are by no means lazy
read threw this hope it helps
also search google for it
muffy

Thanks muffy.

your welcome
heres one for ADD I got it out of link above this forum
hope it helps
www.livingwithadd.com

Honestly, I have found it SO HARD to explain my brain to my parents. They have incredibly strong work ethics, and everything seems so obvious to them. Like, you don't have money? Get a job! They don't even consider that there maybe other issues involved. It is very hard to explain how I am to other people, even when giving them a printout of symptoms that say "the person with ADD is not lazy, blah blah blah".