add? i think so. - ADD / ADHD Message Board

bhfg781 · 02-18-2008, 09:12 PM

okay i'm 16 years old.
i'm a sophomore.
all through middle school i was pretty good paying attention and also in elementary school.
now ever since i've started highschool i've just had SO much trouble paying attention.
i can if i am constantly reminding myself to but i zone off soo easily, especially if it's math or something.
but, about a month ago i took 2 ADD pills of my friends, i know i probably shouldn't have but i wanted to see if it did anything.
and what do you know, it worked really well. it wasn't my imagination or anything i'm not an idiot.
i was paying attention in math really well and focused and asking questions and i am NOT like that.
so do you think that means i have it?
i've talked to my mom alittle about it but she just says since highschool i'm just more social and don't care and i understand what she's saying, but it's not true because even if i try soo hard it is practically impossible.

so do you think if i went and got tested for it or whatever they'd diagnose it or something?
because seriousely, i'd do so much better and school would be so much easier.
or any opinions?
do you have to be like born with it?
because i don't remember paying attention ever being a problem for me a few years ago.
anything or any ideas help! i just want to be able to pay attention more! and be able to concentrate and focus. if it's interesting or something i like though, i have basically no trouble,as look as i don't get bored.

thanks!

index.html · 02-19-2008, 11:59 AM

It's certainly possible that you have ADD. But then again, maybe not.

It used to be that they felt that how ADD meds affected you determined whether or not you actually have ADD. That's no longer true. The fact is that stimulants make everyone concentrate better - ADD or not. So knowing that your friend's medication helped doesn't necessarily mean anything.

Something else you need to know is that, in order for ADD to be diagnosed, the problem must be present since before the age of 7. That said, though, alot of people aren't aware that it's a problem until they get older. The symptoms need to be there early in life but it may take longer for it to be a problem. Does that make sense?

It's very hard to concentrate when you are in high school. Your hormones are going wacko. You are forced to study subjects that don't interest you. Your parents are driving your crazy. etc.

I wish I could be more help but I'm afraid my "final answer" has to be maybe yes, maybe no.