Is there a test for these Disorders and how are they caused? I feel I'm really hyper or energetic a lot, I am not sure how can I be certain? Sadly many are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD and aren't. The they give you meds that are addictive. They use a standard test to see if you are hyper, have trouble with grades in school, not paying attention or not remembering much. Also whether you can concentrate and sit still. A school counselor can give this test or a psychologist.
Bipolar Disorder also has its up and down moods, from depression to euphoria. In the euphoric state, the person is overly positive, spends too much money and can't sleep. That doesn't last though.
These disorders can be confusing and it could be something totally different. If meds help, then they believe they have you diagnosed. It is based on symptoms that many of us experience in normal everyday life and is not exact. Some outgrow it. It is my belief that it stems from the homelife and carries into the rest of the world. There are several diagnostic tests that a doctor can do but heres a rough guide to see if it sounds like you:
Hyperactive people always seem to be 鈥渙n the go鈥?or constantly in motion. They dash around touching whatever is in sight, or talk incessantly. Sitting still at dinner or during a school lesson or reading can be a difficult task. They squirm and fidget in their seats or roam around the room. Or they may wiggle their feet, touch everything, or noisily tap their pencil. Hyperactive teenagers or adults may feel internally restless. They often report needing to stay busy and may try to do several things at once.
Impulsive people seem unable to curb their immediate reactions or think before they act. They will often blurt out inappropriate comments, display their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for the later consequences of their conduct. Their impulsivity may make it hard for them to wait for things they want or to take their turn in games. Even as teenagers or adults, they may impulsively choose to do things that have an immediate but small payoff rather than engage in activities that may take more effort yet provide much greater but delayed rewards.
Some signs of hyperactivity-impulsivity are:
Feeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming while seated
Running, climbing, or leaving a seat in situations where sitting or quiet behavior is expected
Blurting out answers before hearing the whole question
Having difficulty waiting in line or taking turns. http;//healthcalls.com/Questionnaire.htm
I have had this since I could remember, like before three and undiagnosed until recently. For the last seven years, my symptoms have gotten progressively worse. I was treated for depression with several medications- nothing worked. When I started meds for ADD, within a few hours, I truly felt "decrazied." I am actually emabarrassed to have been so uninformed. Seems to be a bit different in women. It had seriously damaged many relationships in my life and made me loose dear friends. I was skeptical that this disorder was a bonafide problem until I have had a reprieve from the symptoms. I was not treated until I was over 40 years old. I think you will find the site above helpful as well as informative. I hope that you do not have ADHD or ADD, but if you do, receive a prompt diagnosis.
To the posters who answer in a manner that invalidates this disorder and base their own uneducated opinions based on conjecture and/or ignorance, I can tell you in quite a subjective way that the disorder has been wonderful in ways, specifically with the abiltity to hyper-focus, but overall terrible for my loved ones and my sense of well-being. Hi just a guy...
If you are concerned about whether you might have ADD / ADHD, I would encourage you to contact a professional who specializes in ADD / ADHD. Your primary care professional might know a little about it, but because ADD / ADHD can look like so many other conditions, it's important that you get an accurate diagnosis.
As my colleague likes to say, "ADHD is a diagnosis of exclusion. In other words, we must rule everything else out that might look like it."
ADHD-like symptoms are common in anxiety, depression, PTSD, and so much more.
Here's some other things to consider:
For it to be truly ADD / ADHD, you need to be experiencing "significant impairment" across all areas of your life for longer than 6 months. Traditionally, these symptoms must have been present before age 7 - but that is changing.
It's also important to consider what else might be going on. Have things recently changed in your life? Any major events that might have impacted you??
Again - the best bet is to have a conversation with a professional who specializes in ADHD. There are some objective tests to diagnose ADHD, but the gold standard is a "clinical interview" conducted by a licensed therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, or psychiatric nurse practioneer.
Good luck.
Rory
Rory F. Stern, PsyD
ADHD Coach & "Former" Therapist
http://www.ADHDSuccessAudio.com You probably don't have ADHD. Doctors just like to exaggerate it and diagnose it to as many kids as possible. When the doctor diagnoses it... i don't know what tests they do for it |
