You think you have ADHD. You have struggled throughout your life with paying attention and focusing. You have a need to be constantly moving. You struggled throughout your school years, barely passing or spending hours studying for tests only to fail them. You have moved from job to job, always feeling restless. You are always running late, no matter how important the appointment or date is. You forget just about everything. You think you might have ADHD but have no idea where to start. The following steps should guide you through this process.

Learn about ADHD. Despite what a great number of people think, there are very specific symptoms of adult ADHD. It is not a label given to people that are forgetful or have a lot of energy. The main symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. But that doesn't mean if you are hyperactive you automatically have ADHD. It also doesn't mean that if you don't have all three you don't have ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD can appear differently in each person. For example, Jane might be inattentive. She can't seem to pay attention to her job for any length of time, she is always distracted. But Jane is not hyperactive or impulsive at all. Jane may have ADHD, Inattentive Type. Joe might be hyperactive. He is always feeling restless, he moves from job to job because he gets bored easily. He needs to be in constant motion and starts a second project before completing what he is working on. Joe might have ADHD, Combined Type, having symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention.

For more information on the symptoms of adult ADHD:

Impulsiveness
Inattention
Hyperactivity
How ADHD Symptoms Manifest in Adults

See a doctor. Because ADHD is a medical diagnosis and can appear differently in each person, it is important to have a thorough evaluation by a medical professional to determine if you have ADHD. You can't diagnose ADHD by yourself or through online screening tests. These tests can be used to help you decide whether or not you should see a doctor and can be helpful because you can print out the results and discuss the results with your doctor.

Many people start by visiting their family doctor. Often, however, family doctors are not familiar with the nuances of adult ADHD and you might feel more comfortable and receive better care seeking the help of a medical professional that specializes in treating adult ADHD.

For more information:

When to See a Doctor About ADHD

Finding a Healthcare Practitioner

If you don't currently have a family doctor or want to find someone who is familiar with adult ADHD, you can check the following online directories:

CHADD (Children and Adults with AD/HD) Professional Directory
Attention Deficit Disorder Association Directory
Attention Deficit Disorder Resources National Directory
ADD Consults Professional Directory
National Center for Girls and Women with ADHD Professional Directory

Before seeing a psychiatrist or mental health professional, check with your health insurance company. You may need a referral or may need to see a doctor within their network.