The diagnosis of ADHD is often over used. In order to ensure the diagnosis is correct please read the following symptoms:

In diagnosing attention- deficit hyperactivity, physicians and mental health
professionals use the following criteria:

There must be a clear evidence of a significant
problems in social and academic or occupational
functioning.
Some of the symptoms were present before age 7.
Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two
or more settings, such as home and work or school.
The symptoms are not better accounted for by another
Mental disorder, such as a mood or anxiety disorder.
And exhibit SIX or more of the following symptoms of
innattention for at least SIX months:

1)Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
2) Often has difficulty sustaining concentration
3)Often has difficulty sustaining attention
4)Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
5)Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or work duties.
6)Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
7) Often avoids tasks that require sustained mentaleffort
8)Often loses important things
9)Often is easily distracted
10)Often is forgetful.

Or exhibits SIXor more of the following symptoms of
hyperactivity or impulsivity for at least SIX months:

1)Often figets or squirms in seat
2)Often leaves seat inappropriately
3)Often feels restless
4)Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activiities quietly.
5)Oten acts as if "driven by a motor
6)Often talks excessively
7)Oten blurts answers before questions have been completed.
8)Often has difficulty awaiting turn
9)Often butts into conversations or intrudes others.
Source: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fourthedition, 2000.


If you have been diagnosed with ADHD an estimated 80f persons improve on proscribed medications.Resisting medication due to side affects and feelings of being out of control often results in self medication with drugs and/or alcohol.See a mental health professional if you have chosen to self medicate and/or unable to maintain self coping skills to organize and structure your life style to reduce symptoms.