What Exactly Is ADD And ADHD?

[DigitalPhoenix]

I think I have ADD because I always take these pills that my parents give me, but I am unsure if I have ADD or not.

So what does ADD and ADHD do to you exactly? And what is the difference between them? Thank you very much in advance, and I look forward to viewing your replies.

 

[WhoeverLovesGod01]

I think I have ADD because I always take these pills that my parents give me...

No-one explained to you what's going on? This is just wrong.

 

[Mskedi]

I agree. You're fourteen and have every right to know what pills you are consuming and why. Besides, how could they diagnose you without sessions about your behavior?

So... tell us. When did you go on the pills? What are they called? And how was your behavior before going on the pills? (E.g., were you able to concentrate? Were you disruptive in school?)

Also, out of my own curiosity, what is/was your diet like?

 

[DigitalPhoenix]

I agree. You're fourteen and have every right to know what pills you are consuming and why. Besides, how could they diagnose you without sessions about your behavior?

So... tell us. When did you go on the pills? What are they called? And how was your behavior before going on the pills? (E.g., were you able to concentrate? Were you disruptive in school?)

Also, out of my own curiosity, what is/was your diet like?

I started taking the pills in 2004 or something, and my behavior is angry all the time. Oh, and I cannot get to sleep at night ever, and I just eat regular food for my diet. You know, bananas, carrots, peanut butter sandwiches, and sometimes I eat cookies, but I usually eat healthy food.

But do you guys know what ADD and ADHD is?

 

[Breaking Babylon]

ADD is Attention Defecit Disorder. It's characterized by you not being able to keep your mind focused, even when you have to. It's commonly explained as "Having a TV in your mind, but you don't control the remote." So far, no one's recognized how it starts, but a popular theory is that children who suffer from ADD watched too much television as a child. This is only a theory, however.

ADHD is like ADD, with Hypertension included. I'm not read up on this, particularly, but I know that those with ADHD are prone to energetic outbursts, and are generally hyper. I've never really heard of it as 'angry all the time', but it could explain the sleeping disorder, too.

You can get a lot more information just by googling the terms. I'm positive that there are AD[H]D self-tests to determine whether or not you may have it.

God bless.

 

[DigitalPhoenix]

ADD is Attention Defecit Disorder. It's characterized by you not being able to keep your mind focused, even when you have to. It's commonly explained as "Having a TV in your mind, but you don't control the remote." So far, no one's recognized how it starts, but a popular theory is that children who suffer from ADD watched too much television as a child. This is only a theory, however.

ADHD is like ADD, with Hypertension included. I'm not read up on this, particularly, but I know that those with ADHD are prone to energetic outbursts, and are generally hyper. I've never really heard of it as 'angry all the time', but it could explain the sleeping disorder, too.

You can get a lot more information just by googling the terms. I'm positive that there are AD[H]D self-tests to determine whether or not you may have it.

God bless.

Okay, thank you very much for all the information, and I will Google it.

Oh, and God bless to you, too!

 

[Breaking Babylon]

You're very welcome. I hope you get things figured out.

 

[Mskedi]

The "H" in ADHD stands for "Hyperactivity," not "Hypertension."

Here's a little bit from NIMH on the diagnosis of it:

"
How is it diagnosed?

If ADHD is suspected, the diagnosis should be made by a professional with training in ADHD. This includes child psychiatrists, psychologists, developmental/behavioral pediatricians, behavioral neurologists, and clinical social workers. After ruling out other possible reasons for the child’s behavior, the specialist checks the child’s school and medical records and talks to teachers and parents who have filled out a behavior rating scale for the child. A diagnosis is made only after all this information has been considered."

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/adhdmenu.cfm

If you didn't go through the above, you shouldn't have been diagnosed with it. Unfortunately, there are a bunch of doctors out there who prescribe the pills without going through the proper steps. If you had gone through these steps, I imagine you would know exactly what you have.

 

[Firehotchickadee234]

ADHD Is where you have trouble Concentrating. Your thoughts go in Random Places. I have difficulty in controling my calm level and I have to see a counselor every week. I get confused very easily, and people make fun of me for it. But It's Something your parents should tell you If you Have it. That's messed up.

 

[SallyNow]

ADD is Attention Defecit Disorder. It's characterized by you not being able to keep your mind focused, even when you have to. It's commonly explained as "Having a TV in your mind, but you don't control the remote." So far, no one's recognized how it starts, but a popular theory is that children who suffer from ADD watched too much television as a child. This is only a theory, however.

ADHD is like ADD, with Hypertension included. I'm not read up on this, particularly, but I know that those with ADHD are prone to energetic outbursts, and are generally hyper. I've never really heard of it as 'angry all the time', but it could explain the sleeping disorder, too.

You can get a lot more information just by googling the terms. I'm positive that there are AD[H]D self-tests to determine whether or not you may have it.

God bless.

As already mentioned, ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder, not hypertension Hypertension is whereby blood pressure is consistantly too high. It is often caused by stress...which ADHD can create in both the sufferer and those close the sufferer. But it certianly isn't directly connected to ADHD.
ADHD is on a spectrum. There are different degrees, different types of ADHD, including ADD.
ADHD has little to do with how much TV you watched as a child. Too much TV can delay the development of concentration in kids, but it doesn't give you ADHD.
ADHD can really have a negative effect on sleep, which in turn makes people "cranky" or "angry", and also makes the ADHD symptoms worse, making sleeping worse...it can turn into a cycle. Sometimes ADHD and overwhelming anger just go hand-in-hand, regardless of sleeping patterns. I'm not sure, but I have heard it can have something to do with the general characteristics of ADHD.
ADHD can only be diagnosed by a doctor with training in psychology, or a psychiatrist. Self-diagnostic tests are not reliable. They can point out what sort of symptoms ADHD produces, and if you have any of them, but they are not to be used as an actual determining factor. Talk to your doctor about your medication and about your ADHD. That's about the best advice anyone can give.
And reps to Mskedi for posting some more information. A lot of doctors do not bother to go through the necessary steps in diagnosing ADHD.

 

[hyperken]

Is it possible to have Bipolar together with ADHD?
I have a hard time focusing my thoughts...

 

[LilyPack82]

Is it possible to have Bipolar together with ADHD?
I have a hard time focusing my thoughts...

It is possible to have them together. Definitely possible.

Focusing issues tend to be more ADD related, with BiPolar being more about dramatic temperament changes....VERY happy/hyper/up, to VERY sullen/angry/depressed.

OP-What kind of pills are you taking? What are they called?

 

[bornagainhippy]

Is it possible to have Bipolar together with ADHD?
I have a hard time focusing my thoughts...

Hi, I may a bit late but if you still need an answer........ mood disorder has long been thought of as being fairly common to co-exist with ADD. I was diagnosed with ADD about 3 months ago and the diagnosis suggested mood disorder, most likely lower end of the Bi-polar scale. Me and my Shrink are still playing around with types of medication - some good, some not so I won't offer any advice about that. I think I've read (although having tried recently I wasn't able to find any literature) that some health professionals now use the term ADHD type IV, which means ADHD plus mood disorder. It's all very tricky and frustrating business. I wish you well with it.

 

[hyperken]

Thanks for the reply

 

[ChristInAction]

thats mean. they shouldnt just give you random pills & not tell you why.

ADD is Attention Defercet Disorder
ADHD Is Attention Defercet Hyper Disorder

They make the brain waves through your brain faster & makes you hypo. Act in ways that other people wouldnt. It affects your concentration alot. In more seriose cases like my brother. It can make you really obnoixose, vilent, loud, annoying ect.

See if you can find the paket of the pills & the name of them. I can probubly tell you what they are for. No, I'm not a doctor but my brother has almost every disablity there is & takes so many pill you cant count for them all.

 

[united4Peace]

Is it possible to have Bipolar together with ADHD?
I have a hard time focusing my thoughts...

Yes one can....and anxiety etc.

Id also like to add, Im ADD (Moodswings, mild Bipolar, anxiety etc) however my oldest is fine, one could plop him down in front of the TV and he'd watch it for hours, or one could read a book to him and he'd listen and then go and get another one and another and another.
Now our other, never took to the tv. Stick him in front of the TV, it would hold his attention for 5 minutes if that, then he'd crawl away. Books...we'd start to read one and get a few pages into it and lose his interest.
As a baby he was very active.
He was behind in the walking, though he would crawl and climb everywhere, rode a bike before he was 3 also.
He didnt talk until he was over 2 as he figured if he let his older brother talk then he didnt have to...very smart child just behind in certain area's that he wasnt interested in doing LOL. When he got angry as a baby he'd turn all red, he'd even attack his older brother.
Yet at the same time he was scared of the dark, could not be alone in a dark room...neither can I though, Ive just recently taught myself .
He never took to stuffed animals or anything, having a favorite toy like other kids...yet he loves cars and is starting to get into a few stuffed animals.

Hope this helps.

No he is not on any meds...I deal with it...he's okay at school, just his attention drifts off and they have to get it back every once in awhile, it's more at home that we really see it, as he and I clash being so much the same.
We butt heads so to speak.