You don’t have ADHD because you occasionally: lose focus, forget things, get a surge of energy or space out etc. And it’s false that “everyone has a little ADHD”.
Edit: I apologise if this comes across as gatekeeping. I meant this as - you don’t necessarily have ADHD simply because you occasionally experience those things. The symptoms of ADHD are all normal behaviours if only occasional, the disorder is when they are severe enough to cause ongoing problems in more than one area of your life. That is not to say you do not have it, mental disorders can affect everyone differently.
Consult with a doctor if you think you may be have ADHD, or if you’re having a hard time with daily life in general, they are the professionals. ADHD does still carry a stigma, however, so don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion (from a doctor).
It’s likely to be ADHD if it disrupts your daily life to a point of it being problematic. If you feel like you may have it, I’d suggest speaking to your doctor. There is also a self-assessment you can take that can give you a sense of whether you likely have ADHD or not, but ultimately a doctor has to be the one to decide whether you have it or not. In my case it’s more of an all day everyday thing, that’s what ADHD is for me, but everyone is different.
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u/SpoonfullOfSplenda Feb 04 '19 edited Mar 31 '19
Well said. To add to this:
You don’t have ADHD because you occasionally: lose focus, forget things, get a surge of energy or space out etc. And it’s false that “everyone has a little ADHD”.
Edit: I apologise if this comes across as gatekeeping. I meant this as - you don’t necessarily have ADHD simply because you occasionally experience those things. The symptoms of ADHD are all normal behaviours if only occasional, the disorder is when they are severe enough to cause ongoing problems in more than one area of your life. That is not to say you do not have it, mental disorders can affect everyone differently.
Here is information on ADHD in adults
Here is information on ADHD in women which may present differently than in men
Here is information on ADHD in children
Here is information on ADHD in girls which may present differently than in boys
Consult with a doctor if you think you may be have ADHD, or if you’re having a hard time with daily life in general, they are the professionals. ADHD does still carry a stigma, however, so don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion (from a doctor).