I think I have ADD (attention deficit disorder), what should I do?

My sister is attending a health science school and is studying mental disorders right now. She had recently suggested that I get diagnosed for ADD, since she claims that I seem to have the key signs of ADD. The problem now is I dont know that to do. Do I tell this to my parents?To my doctor? Do I go to a certain clinic? Just what do I do? Afterwords, lets say that I do have ADD, is this a negative thing? Will I be treated differently? Will future employers look at this fact? Is there medicine I can take that do not have side effects (I have heard the current medicine has negative side effects). I greatly would appreciate any and every advice I receive. At the moment, I am very unsure about what steps I should take towards this issue. Thank you for your time.

Additional details:

I am 17 years old
I have done my research on ADD and seem to fit into not just a some but a majority of the catigories
This is not hysteria, I am sure of it
If I am positive, it would explain a lot of things about me and why I act the way I do

When I was in college and took an abnormal psychology class, I thought that I (and everybody that I knew)could fit into the profiles for every disorder. So just b/c your sister is taking a course, doesn't mean you have ADD.
What I would do is not panic....go see your doctor and discuss concerns. I am an elementary school teacher and deal with many children who have ADD (I don't know how old you are). You will not be labeled and there are medications out there, some help, some may not. But again, I am not a doctor so your best bet is to talk to a professional.
I would discuss concerns with your parents, that's what they are there for.
Good luck!

Go to the doctor and get diagnosed. Then they will put you on medication.

ADD is commonly over diagnosed, which means alot of people are diagnosed with it but dont really have it.

I would talk to your parents and ask if you can see your doctor if you are concerned. If you truely have ADD your doctor can diagnose you and give you options for treatment.

look. don't worry about it. everybody has ADD now. i remember that the people i went to school with, half of the class had ADD. if you ask me they should even diagnose it anymore.

It is treatable with meds also some people learn how to control it as they get older! If you have trouble focusing or completing task that's definitely signs of ADD. I would talk to my parents and see a Dr. he will be able to diagnose the disorder if in fact you have it and treat it! good luck to you!

Best thing to do is learn as much as you can about the condition and see your primary care doctor for a referal to a psychiatrist...

Learn as much as you can about adhd medications.

There's even a forum devoted to discussing issues like yours.
Visit:
http://medhelp.au.tp

and ask all your questions there (you will need to register first)...

Best of Luck...