Do I have A.D.D.? Or am I just any other college student...?

Question

I was always a very good student until 8th grade when "drama" occurred and I had no interest in school. I know I have potential to do very well, but I never cared throughout high school. Now I'm in my 3rd year of college, and I actually WANT to study! The problem is I have so much trouble concentrating. People say that's just an excuse, and part of me thinks it is too. However... there are times when I really love the material I'm learning in class, but when I need to study or write an essay, no matter how much I'm trying to focus, all I hear all the tiny noises around me. Even when I talk to friends it's hard not to get bored and start thinking of other things.

I know I should go see my school's learning disability center and ask them about it, but I'm scared they're going to think - "You're 20 why would you have ADD now? You're just a bad student" kinda thing.

Answer 1

ADD people can't even appreciate the material that the teacher is discussing in the classroom.

What I believe is that you are an audio learner.  You are not as visual, so when a teacher is lecturing, you truly "get it."

What you need to do is make a routine for yourself where you know you are not to be disturbed by the phone or anyone so that any tiny noises you hear won't become an alarm for you to feel like you have to be social.

You've gotten used to being social because drama is an exercise of acting or doing what your intention is.  For example, you memorized words for drama, because you wanted to perform correctly for yourself and your fellow actors.

Otherwise, my hunch is that if a qualified professional did analyze you, I don't believe your going to find out that your ADD.  I think you got used to wanting to be social and not taking time out for yourself as a routine to study.