Ritalin for the Suspected ADHDer

Q: If one had never been tested but finds that Ritalin perks one up to focus and concentrate is that a sign of ADHD? I have always been nervous and think the Ritalin could make the nervousness worse. 

First, I wouldn’t take an prescription medication unless it was prescribed for you. Just wanted to get that out of the way.

Next, many of the symptoms you describe do sound ADHD-like. But I am not a trained psychologist or medical doctor.

My best advice would be to find a professional who specializes in ADHD to give you a full diagnostic evaluation.

Here is a list of providers – https://add.org/professional-directory/

And a self-test from ADDA – https://add.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/adhd-questionnaire-ASRS111.pdf

Another list of providers – https://chadd.org/organization-directory/

Try a self-assessment first, then search for a provider in your area for the evaluation. Take the results of the self-assessment with you to explain your thinking. When it comes to ADHD having the diagnosis is essential to finding proper treatment.

Good luck!

xoxo

–  Liz