How do I convince my parents I have ADD?

Question

From what I read online and at the library, I'm 98% sure I have ADD and need medication. I have all the common symptoms and now that I'm beginning to drive I am worried that it may cause an accident without proper treatment. The problem is I have a history of abusing prescription drugs (I don't anymore) so I don't want them to think I'm just trying to score some Adderall.

Does anyone know of a way I can convince them I have ADD without it being obvious??? I'm afraid if I just tell them strait forward they wont believe me and I'll be stuck till I can see my own doctor (18yo I think?).

Answer 1

Go back online and research alternative methods for treating ADD.  There has been much success in treating ADD symptoms with meditation, yoga, etc.  If you can present your parents with non-drug treatment alternatives you may have a better chance of getting their support.

Answer 2

Can't you just ask them to make you a doctor's appointment?  Say you are not feeling well and want to go to the doctor.  

Then explain your concerns to doctor.  Let doctor tell parents if he/she thinks you have ADD.

If that doesn't work, talk to your school counselor or principal.  Sounds like parents need to hear about the ADD from someone in a position of authority . . . . such as doctor or counselor or principal.

Answer 3

tell them you are having problems with your concentration and its affecting your preformance in school, so you would like to see a neurologist to get the problem cleared up. if you have truly have ADD, the neurologist will dignose you and give you a perscription for the meds. if they are concerned about you abusing it, have them hold onto it for you, and they can just give you the pills in the morning or whenever you need them. best of luck to you :]

Answer 4

There are many people who don't "discover" they have ADD/ADHD until they are adults. It causes a lot of confusion in the person that has it and it causes loss of friends because the person with it can just be very hard to be around. If you are starting to drive it could very easily cause road rage,which you don't need. You need to be straight forward with your parents and if they don't want to help you then go to a mental health clinic. You are 18, considered an adult and so they could work with you on payment plan or do tests for next to nothing. You are smart and wise to see this in yourself and I for one hope that you get the help you need.  Good luck to you!!

Answer 5

Download the list of symptoms and show them to your parents. Ask them to take you to a pediatric neurologist. He'll do a sleep test, which will diagnose you if you do have ADD.

A simple thing you can do to test your symptoms is to drink a cup of coffee before you do something you must concentrate on. If it helps your concentration, that can be a sign that you have ADD, as stimulants tend to help with concentration in a person with ADD.