How do you tell someone you think they have ADHD?

Answer 1

Good question! I haven't told my folks yet that I have been recently diagnosed!

You don't mention how old you are...and I presume by the wording of your question that you haven't been officially diagnosed yet. If this is the case, it might be worth talking to someone with ADD expertise, in confidence, to determine if a diagnosis is likely. I don't know if you have free access to this kind of advice through college etc (we do in the UK).

Then I suggest you write all the indicators down that make you suspect ADD. Everything from particular events in your childhood (ADD symptoms have to be present before 7yrs) and how you felt then to how you feel now.

When its all listed it will help you justify your suspicions to your folks if you really need to. You may find they need little convincing or are surprisingly supportive. Good Luck!

It's a shame you should HAVE to convince them. Hopefully, they'll be supportive and want to help you.

It might help to provide some informational pamphlets for them to read. Don't overwhelm them them with a stack of books and medical research/studies. :)

I don't mean to worry you but you should be prepared for a skeptical reaction. Often people are less than sympathetic when it comes to illnesses or disabilities that they can't actually see or have tangible proof of.

I'm in my thirties and my mom and step-dad are either in denial or simply refuse to accept that I (and 2 of my sisters!) suffer from varying degrees of ADD, depression, and anxiety. I sincerely hope you have a better support system than I've had. You'll fare far better than I have.

Good Luck and take care.

Answer 2

I have suffered with adhd and a learning disability my whole life, and thought and i was told i was stupid, crazy ,Doctors often treat for deppression, axtioty . you should see if there is a phycotheropist in your area they deal and test for add and adhd. I will tell you if you find out you do have it and get on the right meds and see a phycotheropist it will change your life.I was told in 2001 and thought ok, so i new there was something wrong. as i am getting older 42, it has gotten out of control, so i decide to get on adderal and seek help. and now i no, with guidence and direction i am going to live the life i always wanted to,and not have the fear of pleasing and pretending anymore.my marriage and family will have so normalse. this is hard on everyone as well as your self. you have to take the first step,and ask questions and stay foused on what you are asking. I no that with my adhd ,i bring every pain and hurt and i sound like i am out of it. i tend to cancel doctors appt. this one i cryed all day and got my pressure out before i got there and kept on track. my question was ok i no i have it, but is all this part of it, and for once i felt understood and a glimmer of hope. go to the phone book or internet and look up adhd there is a test to see if you fit it, or go to CHADD.ORG and see if that can help you locate some one who test in your area. hope this helps. oh you don't have to convince anyone if your doctor isn't listening or having you go to a phycotist then maybe you need another doctor. you owe this to your self and you are worth it.

Answer 3

Contact a doctor; if not possible, try contacting an advocate like a family friend or school counselor to help your parents understand. A doctor would be available to diagnose and treat you. Most parents are uneasy to think their children could have a mental disorder like ADHD, but if the right person could talk to them they would more than likely be understanding.

Answer 4

say " do you have adhd?"