Should I try to get diagnosed?

<p>So, basically, I have a number of family members who have been diagnosed as ADD, and we share a lot of the same, eh, quirks. It's pretty clear that I have it, but at this moment, I still manage to get nearly perfect grades. My parents have done research and are afraid of the side-effects of meds (and I don't particularly want to have to try and remember to take something every day...I rarely get my vitamins as it is.) So, if it's not really affecting my grades, is it worth it to get something like this checked out for other reasons?</p>

<p>Yes. If you can afford it, it is good to know exactly what is up with yourself. Getting a diagnosis does not equal going on medication. You might end up NOT getting good grades all of a sudden one day and if you have that information, it will help you (and possibly professors) deal with the problems that your quirks can bring. Keep in mind that although this board deals with academics, ADD affects interpersonal relationships throughout your life so a diagnosis can be good to have. Good luck.</p>

<p>yes yes yes!! I got perfect grades in high school and then everything collapsed once I got to college. I was the first one diagnosed with ADD in my family, although I'm sure at least half of my cousins have it. If you feel you're coping right now, that's fantastic, but you might as well do everything possible to keep things that way! Also, look into medication with an open mind - some people really can't tolerate it, but for others it's a miracle. I got my parents to give me my medicine until it was working, but now that I'm on medicine, I DO remember to take the pills by myself! and that is pretty exciting when you've spent your life forgetting everything!</p>

<p>Abuse the system. Get yourself tested. Its a no lose situation. Either you get extra time on everything or your back where you started. I'm sorry if I have a very pessimistic view on this subject but I go to private school where 35% of the kids discovered some learning disorder and now have extra time in school as well as the SATs. Truthfully I think its just because parents can't accept that their child isn't going to get an A on every test. Quite frankly they shouldn't. But yeah if you can afford the test take it.</p>

<p>One true story for you:</p>

<p>Sister-in-law got sick in college and the Student Health office gave her some cold medicine. She went back a couple of days later and reported that while her cold hadn't gotten much better, she had been able to focus on her studies in a way she never had been able to before. Student Health sent her to a Psychiatrist who screened her for ADD. Bingo. She's been on medication ever since. Direct quote: "This changed my life." She already was an A/B student. Her grades didn't change much, it is just that her whole life got a whole lot better when she could stay focused.</p>

<p>If you want to get tested, do it.</p>

<p>nbnyc44, your reply wasn't even relevant to this discussion.....we are discussing getting diagnosed, and getting medication.....crazynovelist didn't mention anything about getting special accomodations....and they are reluctant to get help in the first place....they are obviously not trying to abuse the system</p>

<p>I'm not saying that the system is not abused, but I think that probably has a lot more to do with the entitlement that many private school students feel....you should look at the root of the problem there than in the diagnosis of ADD....my life is 110% better since I got diagnosed and started medication, but I have no interest in getting accomodations....it's a shame that even medication now has a stigma, because if people are abusing medication it is very obvious, it makes them worse or it makes them hyper while it brings true ADDers back to a normal focus</p>

<p>I was skeptical about LD/ADD even through medical school, until becoming a parent. Many very bright people are not able to focus enough to reach their full potential without a structured environment, medication, or both.</p>

<p>nervedoctor: you are not alone. I think a majority of people don't get it until they see the ADD in action, or rather INACTION! I have a hard time to this day believing my kids cannot JUST DO IT, even though I know better. It is nearly impossible to explain.</p>