Introduction

I'm creating this topic to inform you all about ADD and ADHD. This is something that a lot of people don't realize they may have until diagnosed by a psychiatrist. I never knew until I took this test from my psychiatrist and she told me she thought I had ADD and now I take medication to help me focus.

ADD - Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Frequently asked questions

What are ADD and ADHD and what is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

Both cause forgetfulness, disorganization, distractability, difficulty following rapid conversations, completing schoolwork and assignments in a timely manner, keeping track of time and/or belongings, and low self-esteem.

Differences -

Symptoms of ADD:

- Sluggish or fatigued
- Well-behaved, quiet
- Underassertive, shy and drawn back
- Corteous and respectful, sometimes too much
- Modest
- Shy and unable to attract friends, trouble with relationships

Symptoms of ADHD:



-- What's ADHD at Angelfire


Is ADHD/ADD considered a disability in a school setting?

No. It is usually not too much of a hold-back but still varies from person to person. People who suffer from ADHD are allowed free and regular classes because of a non-discrimination law. Levels of teaching rely on whatever seems appropriate for the student.

How does ADHD affect my schoolwork?

You are often forgetful. You may forget pencils, schoolwork, homework, books, forget instructions given to you 5 minutes earlier and can be impulsive. You may have trouble waiting your turn and often blurt out answers without thinking or answer before the teacher's even finished the question.

Are there colleges or scholarships available with people with ADHD?

There are very few scholarships specifically for students with ADHD. If you're medically diagnosed with ADHD, you may apply for scholarships under 'disabilities' or 'learning disabilities'. However, if the condition isn't too extreme, I'd imagine any scholarship would be available to you.

How do I control my ADHD/ADD?

- Use a timer or watch to remind yourself of what is needed to be done. Make a schedule to keep yourself on track.
- Find a friend that can help you develop better work habits.
- Don't be too passive. Find things to occupy yourself with and try not to be too easily distracted.

Where should I go for help?

Discuss your issues with a physician (therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, pediatrician, neurologist). You might need to find someone to help you along the way to keep your life in order.

Facts about ADD

- Children with ADD are often diagnosed after beginning school
- ADD is present at birth and continues through adulthood
- Heredity is a strongly suggested cause of ADD
- No medical tests to definitely show if ADD is present or not. Diagnosis includes personal evaluation and other information physician gathers.
- ADD does not affect intelligence
- ADD is a lifelong illness and not curable, but medication can help stabilize your mood

Facts about ADHD

- ADHD is a neurobiological condition
- Reports have varied but usually affects 3-9 percent of the school-aged population
- ADHD is a lifelong illness and can never be cured, but medication can help stabilize your mood
- Boys significantly outnumber girls in having ADHD.

--

Not all medications are alright for you. Ask your physician about what medication might be right for you. If you have a family history of ADD or ADHD, find out information on what medications worked for them because there's a high chance it'll work for you. Sorry, this wasn't the greatest essay I've done, but I hope you've learned a thing or two.

References

Shwab Foundation
ADD at About
What's ADHD at Angelfire

no. but i knew a boy who did have it.

I think I might have ADD now.

I have both.

I dont take anything for it but I am in sertan classes at school because of it.

:-/ Sad really.

personally, I don't believe in ADD or ADHD.

Its all in the mind, I'm just like that when i'm comfortable with all of my surroundings :) f**k YO SHIT

Can you outgrow ADD or ADHD?
I can't say I know much about it.

My boyfriend says he has ADHD, but takes medication for it. I don't know what meds though.

Well, I dont really agree with the ADHD part. I think its mostly a lack of disipline.

ADD is very real. I've been on meds for two days, and I can already tell a difference. I have the attention span and coordination of a 5 year old, and have frequent anxiety attacks.

well that could be the result of not getting disiplined enough when you were younger, also. but this isn't in the debate forum, so I'll stop.

You mean me not being disiplined enough? Or people with ADHD?

I have absolutely no problems with my behavior. I've always been extremely well behaved in school. I've always been extremly polite and shy, which is uncontrolable for me.

The main problems I have are paying attention, anxiety, and issues with shyness, which was leading me to almost being depressed. Me taking medication wont completely eliminate my problems, but will definately help me. My grades have been suffering the past couple of years, due to my lack of attention, and other factors.





From what I've been told and read, some people do outgrow it, at least certain symptoms of it. Alot of adults have it, not just children.



You know, thats really really ignorant to believe. ADD / ADHD is a brain disorder, and is sometimes categorized as a learning disability. Educate yourself before saying its a bunch of crap.

same here.

i was listening to a radio talk show a year or two ago. a woman called in and said her son had ADHD/ADD. the host said that there was no such thing. he asked, "does your son play video games?" she said yes. he said, "then, he doesn't have ADHD. if he can focus on something on a long period of time, then he doesn't have it." and i think he's right. since ADHD/ADD is a "disorder" where a person can't focus on something for a long period of time, it doesn't make sense that that boy can focus on video games and have "ADD/ADHD."

^ I don't believe in it either.

All the "symptoms" for ADHD apply to me in some way. I think it's just typical adolescent behavior and that it goes away as people mature.

i think i have ADD.

Me too. It's just a different way of thinking. It shouldn't be diagnosed as a problem that has to be fixed. It seems like 50% of the people I know have been "diagnosed" with ADD/ADHD. I've been diagnosed with ADD. And I seriously don't think I have it!!

Similar topic: http://www.createblog.com/forums/index.php...=101842&hl=

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wow I can't believe how many people agreed with me O_O
this is a good thing though!
we should steal the add/adhd kid's medicine and throw it away because they truly don't need it

Um, okay. How ignorant can you possibly be.

I kinda agree with what you said before... I dont believe in ADHD, which is just like ADD, but hyperactive. I think its just a lack of discipline, and the need for attention. I have cousin with it, and I dont think he really has it. He's just not disciplined.

ADHD is a brain disorder. Some people cant function properly without therapy or medication. Yeah, I agree, tons of people seem to be mis-diagnosed with it. Some people think they have it when they only have like a couple of the symptoms. Some of the symptoms are normal.

I just dont get how you think some people dont need it though. ADD people need therapy / medication like a person with bad eye sight needs glasses. o_o