Help, I think I have ADHD?

Im 19 almost 20 and I think I have ADHD. Im almost always hyper, I have an extreamly hard time focusing or staying on track, and Im extreamly impulsive. 95% of the time I act on my impulses so much so that my parents, siblings, couisins, and friends are calling me dangerous to my self because I dont think before I act or about the consequences until after Im already doing it, when I was 15 I even jumped out of the back of my grandfathers truck while we were going about 40 mph because my shoe fell out and I went to get it. My friends and family use to say I ADHD and I always thought they were joking around But its gotten worse and Im getting worried and I need to find out if this is ADHD or not. I wont to see a doctor but I dont know what kind to go to or how to get tested. If youve got ADHD or know somthing about it, I would really appriciate your help if you could tell me if you think this is ADHD or not and if you know anything that could help?

P.s. I have a really hard time sitting still and I useually cant go to sleep until I get so tired I just Pass out. I'll lay in my bed tossing and turning or stareing at stuff. I useally fall asleep in between 3:30 and 5 and wake up at like 8 or 9. Also, I cant stop figeting, I'll crack my knuckles until they hurt, I'll bite my nails to the quick, or pick up things and just start fiddleing with them or doodleing on paper or desk or something. I getting ready to get back into colledge because I had to drop out for alittle while cause it got so bad I wasent even doing any of my work. Im also having alot of issues at work. Even though most people I work with at my job like me and think Im fun, they also say Im immature and stuff cause im so hyper and stuff. Its affecting my social life aswell as my home life, If any one has any advise that would help me I greatly apprieciate it, thanks.

I'd like to recommend a book that was given to me by my closest friend, who knows me as well as my own family, titled, Healing ADD, by Daniel G. Amen, MD. I was always a very conscientious student, perfectionistic actually, and have had a successful life in some ways; worked my way through college, raised two fabulous kids, and have done well for 30 years as an elementary teacher. Yet I have had some of the same experiences as you. My friend saw me in this book. It describes six different types of Attention Deifict Disorder. You know, human beings are all quite complex, and the better we can understand ourselves, the better we can make our lives. I am not embarrassed in the least to say that I have some shortcomings, because I know we all do; I am just relieved when I can put a name, of sorts, on some of my behaviors that don't seem to jibe with what others seem to be doing, or expect of me. I am learning how to work with myself; to recognize my strong points as well as find the areas where I need to "tweak". You probably are a very fun person who is enjoying life; at the same time, you're liable to make some impulsive choices, as I have, that can impact your life, and maybe the lives of others, in a very big way. Read this book, or explore some others, so you can find out more about yourself. Learn how to cherish all the good that is in you while you are also discovering areas that may be hurting you but that you really do have the power to finesse. Good luck!

Oh wow, uhhmm try a doctor?

go to a doctor and i think u get tests so u can get medicine for it. oh about a doctor ask ur family doctor about that or ur parents!!

Here is the cheap test... does coffee calm you down?

Most ADD meds are speed, basically... speed up your body to match the speed of your brain, which calms you down. If you have a natural "resistence" to low grade stimulants, usually that is a good way to figure it out.

Going to a doctor is obviously the better choice, but some people need a self-litmus to build the confidence to do that.

A general practitioner (family doctor) can make this diagnosis. Until you are diagnosed, don't assume you are.

It certainly is a possibility. There is a lot more to ADHD than just hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Your best option is to seek the care of a specialist. I'm not sure where you are living but in Orange County we have an excellent specialist by the name of Steinberg-Epstein.

A great thing to remember is that if you have gone this long without "treatment" there is a wonderful chance that medication might not be necessary for you. In a lot of cases ADHD and ADD are controlled by diet, exercise, healthy outlets for the energy and impulsive behavior and you can also practice the self control that is needed to get through every day life.

I likely had ADHD as a child but it was never officially diagnosed. My family simply helped me to learn to control it and that there was a time and a place more appropriate for me "explode". Though I had difficulty with it, I did eventually learn how to better control those impulsive behaviors as well.

I have a son who is ADHD and minorly Autistic as well as a daughter who has ADD....I know all too well the trials and the frustration that it brings. Which is nice about Dr Steinberg-Epstein.....her son has ADHD as well.

Go and get evaluated by a DR- they can diagnose that easily...

That is not ADHD. ADHD is when despite all efforts you can barely pay any attention. You are just being emotional if you just do things. In order to perform any action you have to consider a reason to do it. In your case you are using queues from your body on what to do, thereby you are paying attention only to what your body/instinct says and ignoring what your brain is saying.

I understand what you mean though, because in order for me to get anything done, I just have to jump in and do it. Sometimes this is bad, but usually I can just deal with any problems I run into and manage to get things done.

Kaliphoo...posted:
Here is the cheap test... does coffee calm you down?
Most ADD meds are speed, basically... speed up your body to match the speed of your brain, which calms you down. If you have a natural "resistence" to low grade stimulants, usually that is a good way to figure it out.
Going to a doctor is obviously the better choice, but some people need a self-litmus to build the confidence to do that.
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Agree with Kaliphoo. Coffee - caffeine compounds - do work for some (not all) of those with ADHD to temporarily reduce some ADHD symptoms. Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Adderall are stronger stimulants than caffeine (caffeine is a weak stimulant - alerting agent). Good luck.