One of the most mis-diagnosed mental health issues is ADD/ADHD. Often times, as a child, individuals will present with symptoms that may mimic ADD/ADHD when they might really be experiencing bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, or stress. If you or someone you know is trying to figure out if he/she indeed does have ADD/ADHD, there are some things that should be thought of from the start:

  • Did you take medications or receive assistance in school or counseling when you were younger? 
  • Are you having trouble focusing?
  • Difficulty keeping your attention span?
  • Feeling a little manic even?
  • Having trouble finishing tasks?

I suggest seeing your regular MD first for a full physical. Then, seek a psychiatrist for help with getting on medication if you aren't already on some. You can bring with you the results of a quiz on whether or not you may have ADD/ADHD with you. There are many sites out there that you can find free quizzes on- i.e. http://psychcentral.com/addquiz.htm.  He/she can then determine if what you're dealing with is indeed ADD/ADHD, or something else.

Psychotherapy, as well as possible medications, could be the answer you're looking for in dealing with whatever it is you may be diagnosed with. With talk therapy, you can begin to build the tools to manage symptoms of interrupted concentration, inability to focus, stress, and anxiety. This, in conjunction with possible medication management, may be the relief you are seeking- whatever the diagnosis in the end may be. I also recommend reading this book as well as one travels on this journey:

You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!: The Classic Self-Help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder by Kate Kelly, Peggy Ramundo, and Edward M., M.D. Hallowell

See more posts about:
No items found.