How Do I Know If I Have ADD?
342436
ADD (actually it's ADHD) is onew of the most studied conditions in medicine- it's definitely not a farce.  You don't have to be hyperactive to have it- it's more about your brain's ability to organize and focus.  A good book to read is "Driven to Distraction" by Hallowell and Ratey.  The most thorough and up-to date book I have read on the subject is "Attention Deficit Disorder" by Brown.  You should seek a clinical consultation, preferably with someone who is experienced in recognizing ADHD.  Correct treatment can make a  huge difference in your life, so so whatever it takes! P.S. contact me if you want more info...
134720
A condition isn't the same as a disorder.\nTo clarify, if you take a substance and that substance creates a result does not mean that the previous condition was a negative one, or that the new condition is a positive one. Take cocaine (or Ritalin) for example.\n\nI also think that using medications for ADD is rarely appropriate as it can be treated or cured using appropriate behavioral strategies.
479423
I think you do have ADD. go to your Dr. tell them the same info. try the med. if you don't like the effects of the med. discontinue using it and try something else.(if you tell the Dr. the same story your sure to get the med.)
396910
Are you on medication?  If not, you may want to check into it.
514499
How do I supposed to know?
208262
Sweetone referred you to the DSM-IV.  That is the Daignostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition.  YOu will find a copy in any university library if they offer a teachign degree or degrees in psychology.  \n\nThey are two separate categories, though connected - ADHD includes hypercativity while ADD does not.  They aren't necessarily identified as specific learning disabilities - there is not yet agreement about that.  The terms did not really come into common usage until the 1980's and it was not really until the 1990's that most people involved in he school system for example would have heard of them.\n\nMany people believe as one of the previous posters does, that these disorders do not exist.  However, recent research using the latest MRI and other imaging technology has showm differences in brain function and brain activity in individuals with ADHD and ADD.\n\nThe websites I've attached may help you.
1137814
check Add/Remove in control panel.
1091549
Very hyperactive, poor grades, lack of attention span...are some symptoms. I know a child who was almost diagnosed with ADD but it turned out he was suffering from epilepsy and having brief seizures where he'd just space out. So be careful in the diagnosis, involve a professional and teacher's help.
988404
If you have ADD as a child you continue to have it through life.  If you are treated with meds for the condition as a child you will be treated with meds for the condition through life.  Look up Ritalin and methamphetamine on any med site, such as www.webmd.com and you will see that the two meds are similar in the actions and structure.
540248
The only person that can truly determine if you have ADD or not is a pysichiatrist after loads of evaluations, I'm afraid. :/
256587
Please do not listen to martinamagrace.   ADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.\n\nyes there are side effects to medication.  the effects on people are different as no one is the same. \n\n\nThe syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition. There are no blood tests, brain scans, or psychological tests that definitively diagnose it.  Not all Attention Deficit Disorders display the same exact symptoms.  There are many combinations of cognitive and behavioral problems that may exist.  Symptoms of this syndrome may include: Poor impulse control and internal self-monitoring, attention inconsistencies, chronic procrastination, the need for instant gratification, poor organizational skills, hyperactivity and hypoactivity, poor peer relationships, poor concept of time, and the need for highly stimulating activities.\n\nEven though the syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition, children should not be left to flounder with their difficulties when there are treatments available that will help.  Failure to treat ADHD carries significant risks whose lifelong consequences are well known: Failure to get an education, poor self esteem, substance abuse, and antisocial behaviors that become habitual and can contribute to failure at life. \n\n ADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.  It is a chronic developmental disorder which is genetically based.  It is not a learning disability, but can co?exist with learning disabilities in approximately 25 to 33 percent of those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.  There are studies that have found that stimulants are the single most effective way to treat this disorder.\n\n People are understandably squeamish about ADD/ADHD and medicating children who are otherwise healthy.  When the public deals with issues concerning children, they don’t want to believe that ADD/ADHD is a real problem that requires medication because it is often treated with Ritalin which is a controlled substance.  Unfortunately, there is no type of medication that will cure ADD/ADHD.  The use of medication to treat it, however,  is very controversial.  \n\nPeople seem to be worried that children will abuse the medication or that the drug will make them lethargic which is a major misconception about Ritalin.  Ritalin is stimulant which increases brain activity, enabling those with ADD/ADHD to control impulsively, regulate behavior, screen out extraneous stimuli, and increase attention span.  This may appear to calm the ADD/ADHD person while over?stimulating those who do not have this disorder.  Most people who need medication, that is with abnormal brain function, do not abuse it; however, the potential for abuse is always there.  \n\nCollege students cramming for an exam and professionals preparing for a presentation are turning to Ritalin.  They obtain Ritalin by telling doctors that they are having problems paying attention.  This kind of abuse is dangerous.  Ritalin affects a normal brain differently, and it can make you sick.  For the person with normal brain function, there are many potential side effects including elevated blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, agitation, headaches, and insomnia.\n\nAnyone who watches the news knows that more and more people are being treated with Ritalin and other stimulants, and the treatment rates vary widely from one community to the next.  Many people come to the conclusion that doctors are simply drugging healthy children into submission.  Skepticism is justified.  Consumers can be led to think they’re sick when they are not.  Ads may encourage them to blame poor discipline or lack of accomplishment on a disease, perhaps even consider getting disability compensation.\n\nThough most research supports the belief that ADD/ADHD is a brain-based disorder, more specific and detailed criteria needs to be established to diagnose someone with this dis
43309
There are many different medications for ADD. My little brother tried Adderal XR, but it had WAY TOO MANY EMOTIONAL SIDE EFFECTS. (But keep in mind that everyone is different!) He is currently taking Concerta and the emotional side effects have disappeared!
966643
add? im not really sure, there are alot of symptoms there.
176099
The syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition. There are no blood tests, brain scans, or psychological tests that definitively diagnose it.\n\nThere are many combinations of cognitive and behavioral problems that may exist.\n\nADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.  It is a chronic developmental disorder which is genetically based.  It is not a learning disability, but can co?exist with learning disabilities in approximately 25 to 33 percent of those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.\n\nThere are studies that have found that stimulants are the single most effective way to treat this disorder.  Followers of the news know that more and more people are being treated with Ritalin and other stimulants, and the treatment rates are different from one community to the next.  \n\nUnfortunately, there is no type of medication that will cure ADD/ADHD.  The use of medication to treat it, however,  is very controversial.  \n\nRitalin is stimulant which increases brain activity, enabling those with ADD/ADHD to control impulsively, regulate behavior, screen out extraneous stimuli, and increase attention span.  This may appear to calm the ADD/ADHD person while over?stimulating those who do not have this disorder.  Most people who need medication, that is with abnormal brain function, do not abuse it; however, the potential for abuse is always there.\n\n College students cramming for an exam and professionals preparing for a presentation are turning to Ritalin.  They obtain Ritalin by telling doctors that they are having problems paying attention.  This kind of abuse is dangerous.  Ritalin affects a normal brain differently, and it can make you sick.  For the person with normal brain function, there are many potential side effects including elevated blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, agitation, headaches, and insomnia.\n\nA thorough evaluation of the person’s abilities, including appropriate screening for learning disabilities, should be made.  A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD may then be determined by assessing the difficulties the person has with their ability to stay on task, control impulsivity, and maintain attention and organization.  A person with ADD/ADHD, left undiagnosed and untreated, is at a greater risk of underachievement in the classroom and on the job, substance abuse, poor relationships, lack of self esteem, and problems with the law.  While Ritalin is effective in reducing these risks among ADD/ADHD sufferers, it should be used in conjunction with other methods.
582843
What are the symptoms?
801962
Check with you doctor there are several tests they can give you for ads (adult deafest syndrome) and Alzheimer's. It's best to get checked early because some of these can be treated and controlled.
1100380
ADD can be caused by environmental factors such as cleaning chemicals or personal care products. The chemicals in these products can throw off the bodies chemical balance causing add symptoms. I read a study that stated that 80% od ADD cases are caused by environmental factors.