How can someone distinguish between ADHD and being normal?
but I can focus when playing games:)and I mean hyper focus
Answer:
Don't waste your time trying to give yourself a diagnosis. I believe that ADHD symptoms are some of the same ones as just being intelligent, basically it is like when you are trying to learn something that doesn't interest you, your brain waves aren't working as hard and the person can be at an average to below average level where as if the subject interests you your brain is at an above average level. I have ADHD but I don't pay attention to labels like that, just remember that if you are not doing as well as you would like on a boring subject be patient with yourself and don't jugde yourself for it. You will make up for it on the other subjects. This part of ADHD also seems like a natural state it only makes logical sense. Try to do what interests you more and you will be more successful as anyone would. This is not always easy if you are in school and you have to learn what you are , but just ride it out after school it gets much easier.
get a degree in the proper medical field and or see a person with a degree in the proper medical field
You can't it depends if you need to have it.
its when its really severe...like really hyper annd i'm talking uncontrollably hyper.and focusing.thats just a small thing as everyone has that reallY:P
good luck:)
Below is the clinical definition of ADHD from DSM IV. In order to be properly diagnosed, you would HAVE TO see a mental health professional. The professional would use the below guidlines to determine if you had ADHD. Any sort of self diagnosis would be improper, unofficial, and prone to error.
FROM DSM IV:
According to this manual, the following is a description of the criteria needed to meet a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.
A. Either (1) or (2)
(1). 6 (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:
Inattention
(a) often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
(b) often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
(c) often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
(d) often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behaviour or failure to understand instructions)
(e) often has difficulty organising tasks and activities
(f) often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).
(g) often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
(h) is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
(i) is often forgetful in daily activities
(2) 6 (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level
Hyperactivity
(a) often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
(b) often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
(c) often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
(d) often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
(e) is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
(f) often talks excessively
Impulsivity
(g) often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
(h) often has difficulty awaiting turn
(i) often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games)
B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years.
C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school [or work] and at home).
D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder)
"Helloeveryone" has a good list of the possible symptoms. Just remember that ADD/ADHD people can often concentrate on T.V. and video games quite well, but may have trouble with other things, as on H.E.'s list. ADHD people often get more easily frustrated with things and may loose patience more readily than others. Don't listen to people who are just giving opinions. ADHD is a condition. The fact that doctors are not certain what the cause of this condition is, does not disqualify it as affecting the lives of people in many ways. We still don't have a truly concrete understanding of cancer, but we do know it affects lots of people. If you want further informaitn, you can go to a doctor to get a diagnosis. If you are in school, then you can get some suggestions for your studying, and also some schools will make "accomodations" for ADHD students, such as allowing the use of a tape recorder for classroom notes, etc. Don't be embarrassed if you think you may have ADHD. Many people who are beleived to have or have had ADHD have been leaders, and innovative people who have made more positive impact on our society than "normal" people. One thing you can do is to look up the effect of foods on this. Look online for "food allergies and ADHD", and see what you come up with.
The medicine and health information post by website user , ByeDR.com not guarantee correctness , is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
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