how do you know if you have ADD/ADHD w/o being tested for it??
444265
Well the first thing is to ask if you have hard time concentrating?  more than is normal?  do you misplace things often? it affects people in many different ways. For example, some people pace or walk around in circles unable to concentrate.  Others are amazingly hyper and totally out of control.  I guess what you really need to ask yourself is do you feel in complete control of your actions or to you do things impulsively without knowing why?  If you do you might have it?  Just a note.  Many doctors are very much against recognizing add and many are much more lenient so if you are not getting officially tested but are rather discussing it with a doctor first you should probably get a second opinion to make sure you are getting the correct treatment.
757862
It really depends on the student, their behaviors, and the classroom situation.  Typically, students with ADD/ADHD may need frequent breaks, color coded materials, a desk away from distractions, additional time to complete tests/assignments, or more visual aids.  The behaviors of children with ADD/ADHD can vary so much from child to child that it's hard to give a generic behavior plan.
562464
Usually the Dr. will tell you they want it tested.  Most often it is fasting (first thing when you wake up) and before meals  and before bedtime if you are being regulated on meds.
326507
I have been teaching for 12 years at the elementary level.  The best thing to do is to have the public school screen your daughter.  It could be both LD and ADHD, neither, or something completely different.  Rather than guessing, it best to have her tested and know for sure.  This is especially true since she is in Kindergarten.  The sooner you know exactly what you're dealing with, the sooner you can get services and get things under control.  You should know there is a federal law that dictates your rights in this area.  It is called IDEA.  You can internet search this law to get the scoop but basically you have the right to have your child tested by the public school for FREE and if your child qualifies then the public school must also provide services for FREE.  But many times it takes constant vigilance to get the testing done.  There are so many kids that are tested that the schedule is booked months in advance.  So you have to have patience but make them do what they say.  If they say that they will test in May, make sure they do it.  Many times they say they will test at a specific time and if no one checks on them, it does not get done.  It's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.  And remember if you don't speak up for your daughter, no one else will.  You are her biggest advocate. \nIn the meantime, you might ask her teacher how you could help at home.  Your daughter's education is a partnership and she will only truly be successful if you all are on the same page.   Hope this helps!
838823
He may not actually have ADHD.  That's a pretty good way to figure out if a child has it, but it's unethical to give someone drugs to see how they might affect the person--so it's not done.  My guess is he's been misdiagnosed, but try to get the medication switched by consulting with your doctor.
691307
go to the doctor...could be adult add
385528
There isn't a test to check from chemical imbalances.  We don't have a chemical balance blood test.  The best thing to do is see a psychologist to find out if you may have a mental illness or if you are just going through a rough time.
685091
Get a doctor to prescribe the medicine they give to people with Attention Deficit Disorder.  You will also do better on your tests/exams if you take it before them too.
245154
I also have ADD.  I was told when I was 7.  I have been on medication ever since.  I am now 24. \n\nI also just graduated with a dergee in special education.  \n\nIf you have any questions or just want to talk feel free to email me at teddybear_1829@yahoo.com
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.
1145173
It already IS bad. You don't mention meds for your ADD, but it could be a side-effect of the med. \n\nA symptom of ADHD is Impulsivity. This could explain the outbursts, but not the not realizing you are in an outburst part.\n\nKnowing you have a mental disorder, it wouldn't be uncommon for you to have more than one. Maybe one that, until now, has gone un-diagnosed.\n\nI would follow the advice of Answerer 2 and see your doctor as soon as possible.
917929
I don't know but it seems nowadays they diagnose any hyperactivity or problem behavior in kids as ADHD.  Why don't you ask this in the "Mental Health" category?
88122
well it might be you (or coffee) but it certinatly could be adhd.
419971
Yes, first get diagnosed by a physicist, if you have ADD or ADHD for sure get treatment. You will feel so much better.
1159666
With the many new treatment options that have been approved by the FDA you have many options in regards to ADD/ADHD. http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2004/604_adhd.html  http://add.about.com/cs/othertreatment/\n\nYou will need to find a good mental health professional, preferably one who is trained in geriatric issues and who is qualified and experienced at diagnosing and treating this "umbrella" disorder we call ADD/ADHD.  You may have to contact your Area Agency on Aging to find professionals specialized to the needs of senior adults. http://www.n4a.org/\n\nAfter that, you should be in a good position to discover how this disorder is adversely affecting your life and learn to effect positive change.  I would like to note, though, I do not believe that people find themself unsuccessful in life based one suspected diagnosis.  In any event, this disorder does affect lives and should be addressed.\n\nIf you do find that you have this disorder, seek out the best mental health care provider available to you.  Not all ADD/ADHD treatments work for everyone.  I am a big believer in the least invasive treatments (non-stimulant), especially for someone within your age range.   Over time I have come to prefer and appreciate the treatments found under the category of "Complementary and alternative medicine (Cam)." Here is a goverment website for CAM info:  http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/\n\nA note of caution:  There are herbs and supplements that have been shown to help treat the symptoms of ADD.  Because herbs, vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the FDA it will require research on your part to find the recommended dosages, contraindications, and adverse side effects etc etc etc before taking them.  Check the library at your hospital's Holistic Healing Center, they should have a copy of the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) equivalent for herbs, vitamins, and supplements. Here is one example of a hospital's HH Center: http://www.deaconess.com/body.cfm?id=435\n\nI hope you remember to treasure and embrace in this your sixth decade of life.  Cheers to the many adventures ahead of you.
878933
Although I've never done testing myself, I'm a school teacher so I'm familiar with the process.  Technically the school can't MAKE your mom get you evaluated or they're liable to pay for it.  However, the evaluation usually involves a survey given to all your teachers and your parents that asks all sorts of questions about your behavior and personality.  You'll probably have to talk to someone who will evaluate you as well.  There's usually no medical evaluation other than just talking to the people in your life.  It's not very stressful, so don't worry about it.  Be glad your school is trying to help you (even if you're not actually ADHD) and not just letting you struggle through school.  Oh, and the survey they give your teachers just has them check "never," "seldom," "often," or "always" for the behaviors.  There's a section at the bottom for additional notes, but it's pretty straight-forward.  Best of luck with whatever outcome you get.  :)
448274
No such thing can be determined by blood test.  There are usually questions, filling out tests, psych exams, etc. to determine such things.\n\nA diagnosis of ADHD is based on a checklist of symptoms from DSM-IV-TR.\n\nClinical Guidelines\nThe American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline for children with ADHD emphasizes that a reliable diagnosis requires:\n\nThe use of explicit criteria for the diagnosis using the DSM-IV-TR. \nThe importance of obtaining information about the child’s symptoms in more than 1 setting (especially from schools). \nThe search for coexisting conditions that may make the diagnosis more difficult or complicate treatment planning. \nItem 1. is dealt with by using an ADHD-specific instrument such as the Connor's Scale. The use of methods such as questionnaires that attempt to identify other conditions as well as ADHD would not meet this requirement. Diagnosis based on a clinician's, teacher's or parent's opinion, without the use of a scale such as Conners would also be invalid.\n\nItem 2. emphasizes that the DSM-IV requires that the behaviors be present in more than one setting, normally school and home. (This is a significant change from the DSM-III criteria - see #Historical background). A diagnosis based on the a Connors Scale completed only for one setting would therefore be invalid.\n\nThe requirement that it be present in two settings is important because in the majority of cases observers in different settings do not agree on the child's behaviour. In studies that used both teachers and parents in the United States, Canada and Australia the difference has been significant. For example, one of these studies (Wolraich, 2004) found American teachers identified ADHD in 25.5% of a group of 6,171 children but parents identified it in only 7.8%