Do I have ADHD?

First off, I'm not sure if I have ADD or ADHD(If I have either) because I'm not sure the difference.

I never thought of myself as ADHD when I was younger but once I got in junior high it seems like its a big possiblity. Everyone my age(teens) can sit still for a while but I can't! Even when I go to church I need something to entertain me because I can't just listen to someone. I have noticed I am sort of messy and my room is cluttered(as hard as I try to stop it)! One more thing, I feel like I act too young for my age. I can't pass up playing with a new toy if I see it or fixing one of my doll's hair! I don't really play with toys but I love them! I think I would play with them if it wasn't for the pressure of everyone telling me not to.

By the way, I'm not completely crazy and hyper all the time. I actually think I have depression now! I really, truly do. Is it possible to have ADHD and depression? I don't think my mom will take me to the doctors.

The difference between ADD and ADHD is usually the H, the hyperactivity. People with ADD often seem to be the opposite of hyperactive, they are sometimes even described as hypoactive. All the activity is going on in the head, for a person watching them it might look like they are just sitting around doing nothing for hours. ADD is now officially called ADHD the inattentive type.

Mood disorders like depression very often go hand in hand with ADHD, actually they are more common in people with ADHD than in people without, so it is possible that you have both.

I would recommend a very active online forum www.addforums.org They will be able to answer many of your questions!

oh you have ,both

but you can try the test online , im sure you will past
and depression , is a by product of ADHD
YOU MITE GROW OUT OF THIS
but demand you mum takes you to the doctors today

why not look up the symptoms online that way you could now for sure.

First of all, I think that ADD and ADHD are way over diagnosed so I support your mom in not taking you to the doctor unless your grades and other areas of your life begin to suffer. it is possible to have ADHD and depression at the same time. Track your symptoms, but unless your grades and social life are suffering, I wouldn't become to concerned.

Talk to a school health nurse. ADD is actually in adults.

It's more common for boys to have ADHD. I don't think playing with toys is a bad thing. How old are you?

Anxiety can make you depressed. Talk to your mom about scheduling an appointment for you to talk to a counselor.

Balletbaby - The initial symptoms you describe do have the sound of ADHD, but more information would be needed to definitely make such a diagnosis. Are you having any trouble in school? Did you have any behavior or emotional problems when you were younger (ADHD diagnosis usually requires that there be symptoms prior to age 7)?

In answer to your other question, it IS very possible to have both ADHD and depression. Also, sometimes depression can look like ADHD, especially in kids and teens. I would recommend you talk to a school counselor as a first step. He or she should be able to help you better understand what's going on.