How to be sure?

[Ashfaren]

How to be yourself sure that you have ADHD/ ADD? Not through doctors diagnosis, but by yourself. I don't feel like ADHD, i am confused about diagnosis!!

[quietlylost]

It's a good question to process with your provider. You can be honest with them about your questions or doubts. Maybe they can help give you examples of what they see that says yes or no.

You can also do different screening assessments to see if you fit the mold. For example, there's the Adult Self-Report Scale Screener which you can find online. It can also be good to read books on ADHD, such as "Driven to Distraction" to see if the stories seem similar to yours.

Ultimately it's up to you if you agree with the diagnosis or not. It's important to ask yourself what the diagnoses means to you, and also what the diagnosis would mean for the next steps in your life and your care.

If you're on the fence, you can also write down two columns and list ideas on each. On one side put evidence that shows that you do have ADHD, and on the other side put things that make you think you don't. Maybe one will outweigh the other, maybe not.

Diagnosis isn't always the most important thing, though. What's important is that you get the help you need to achieve the goals you desire. Good luck!

[Ashfaren in reply to quietlylost]

very truly said. Thanks a lot

[QuirkyCookie in reply to Ashfaren]

I agree with quietlylost that reading books can be helpful. Don't stop at one book if it doesn't resonate with you. I still had doubts even after a 7-hour neuropsychological evaluation. I had it done because I've felt from a young age that my mind worked differently; however, it wasn't until I began reading books about ADHD/ADD that I had absolutely no doubt that I have it. Best of luck to you!! Oh, and remember, ADHD management strategies can still help people who don't have ADHD, so if you're feeling like you have some of the characteristics and symptoms it doesn't hurt to use ADHD tools