Could I have ADD?

Lately I’ve been having a lot of trouble doing my work and I’m at my wit’s end. I attributed it to be lazy or having Internet addiction for a while, and then it became clear that I have some definite problems with anxiety, depression, and lack of motivation that I attributed my problems too. But I just read an account of someone with ADD having similar problems (which were part of the cause of their anxiety and depression) and I’m starting to think it might make sense.

Ever since I was a kid I’ve had trouble focusing in class. I couldn’t sit still, I would constantly read or draw during lectures, and I would often get so bored I would fake headaches or blow my nose so much I’d get nosebleeds. My parents attributed this to me being gifted, which is true (I don't mean that in a boastful way, "gifted" is just how I've been labeled by the school system), but even before my intellect developed I had the same problem- I would zone out in math class so much I didn’t understand long division or telling time and my parents had to teach me outside of class.

I continued to have similar problems in middle school. I would constantly read during class. Even if someone was reading out loud to me, I couldn’t stand the boredom and would read the same book ahead. I would also draw on my papers constantly, which I still do-it’s not uncommon for me to five or more doodles on a page of notes. However, this never caused any problems for me since I found class boringly easy, and I got straight A’s.

Now that I go to a competitive, more challenging school, I’ve been having problems. I have trouble focusing on lectures, and I often can’t remember what we talked about earlier in the day. This is especially bad in math and biopsych, which aren’t my best subjects anyway. I started surfing the web way too much, in response to me having my own computer for the first time, and started to lean on it as a crutch for when my anxiety became too bad and I needed to escape. Now I use the Internet compulsively and find it challenging to get off of it and do my homework. Unfortunately I can’t distance myself from it, since I need my computer and often the Internet to do many of my assignments. I have trouble motivating myself to do my work, and for the last few weeks I’ve lost all remaining willpower and have barely been able to do anything outside of school. I’ve still kept straight A’s for most of high school, but I’ve had to stay up very late to do my work and don’t have any after-school extracurricular activities. Lately my grades have been dropping and I’ve been turning assignments in late or not at all, but I haven’t been staying up as late because I don’t have the energy to. I guess that’s where the depression comes in. To be fair though I'm usually very stressed and sleep deprived, which could be a factor in why I can't concentrate.

I’m sorry for the rant, but I’m not very good at consolidating my writing. I could really use someone else’s perspective. Does it sound like I have ADD, or I am just too bored and burned out?

 

Hey everyone, thanks so much for replying. I have been thinking more and more that I relate to the experiences described by people with the primarily inattentive subtype, but I will try not to fall prey to psychology student syndrome. I will be seeing a psychiatrist for other reasons in July so I'll bring it up then.

I know that that is usually the case, but I think that in my situation it would be relatively easy to miss if I did have ADD. I've shown a lot of possible signs since childhood (I think the early symptoms I describe peaked in 2nd grade), just not the ones that catch people's attention. I've never interrupted people or acted out in the ways that usually make people suspect ADD. Even when I missed directions, made careless mistakes, read/drew at the same time as working, took too long to complete an assignment because I couldn't concentrate, or faked illness to escape class, people assumed I was just a bored gifted kid. My tendencies to fidget, pace, and drum on the floor have always been overlooked as quirks. You're totally right that there are a lot of other things that could explain my current problems, but I think I should at least consider the possibility of ADD.

"I hope I can offer a different opinion here. I don't know if you have ADD or not since I don't know you and I don't know the criteria, but I suggest looking up the criteria for diagnosis in the DSM-V. The DSM-V is basically the bible of psychology (that's what my therapist said, haha), and it lists diagnosis criteria for countless different mental illnesses, disorders, and conditions. It's a great tool to learn exactly what a specific condition entails and what symptoms are common/necessary.
Unlike the opinions of everyone above (their opinions are completely valid, by the way, this is just my opinion), I think if you see that you meet criteria and you believe you have ADD, then a self diagnosis is valid. Of course, make sure you're thorough and well-researched. But I don't believe a professional diagnosis is necessary if you don't want/can't get one. If you want to (and can) see a professional and get a professional diagnosis, then you should. But if you want to learn to cope with your (possible) ADD without professional help, then that is an option for you, too. "

Thanks so much for your advice. I checked the DSM-V criteria and I counted about 8 symptoms that apply on their checklist out of the minimum five required for a diagnosis. But given the subjective nature of some of the symptoms, and my preexisting anxiety/depression problems, i think it would be best if I get a professional diagnosis.


"Personnally, what worked out for me was to do at least 5h of sports a week (I did 2 session of 2.5 hours of rock climbing per week, but you can spread it out more than that). I thought I would never have time to do it, but forced myself to take the time to exercise and turns out my school work took half the usual time it took to get done, so I win this 5h back in the end! Also, when I want to study, I go sit at the very exact same spot in the school library, turn off my phone and try to force myself to study."

Thanks, those sound like good ideas. I've been thinking of working out more this summer anyway so maybe it would be a good idea to establish a regiment. I can't drive yet so going to the library/staying late after school might not be be possible, but finding a different spot to study sounds like it could help.