In our busy modern world, the terms ADD (attention deficit disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is sometimes overused. Teachers who find kids to be unruly and daydreaming send notes home to parents and tell them, "Your child is not functioning. You should have him tested for ADD (attention deficit disorder)," or something like that. The problem is that not all behaviors that are disruptive in the classroom are caused by attention deficit. That's true of adults, as well. We may all experience ADD-type behaviors now and then, but the fact that we're often distracted may not mean that we have attention deficit.

These types of symptoms may arise for many different reasons. In fact, some of us have strong ADD tendencies without having the disorder at all. In the case of kids misbehaving, they could be acting out their anger or frustration about something happening in school or even at home. Adults who have cluttered houses may just be slobby people. They don't necessarily have attention deficit.

A major problem with finding out who does and who doesn't have ADD or ADHD is that their are no blood tests, no scans, no counts, none that measure a person's level of ADD. The only method of discovery currently is a set of very extensive tests that will cover events in a person's life. But here's the issue:

You can just SNAP! get attention deficit overnight. It's genetic. You have it or you don't have it when you're born. Just because someone has trouble getting things done, it doesn't necessarily mean that they have attention deficit.

So, how do you find out? The first thing you should do is go to InstantADDSuccess.com and take the preliminary test. If you find that the test is positive, then seek out professional help. Beware of family physicians who send you on your way with a quick prescription. You need to see a psychologist or other mental health pro, who can give you an extensive battery of questioning. This will help you to determine if you have the disorder or not. The tests can be expensive and you may not think that some of the questions are relevant, especially when the testing extends to your parents. But all of the questions you'll be asked are highly important in a proper diagnosis.

Try to remember that peace of mind is worth quite a lot, and you're on that path. You need to get to the heart of the problem and see what's causing your symptoms. If you find you have ADD, great! You can deal with it. If you don't, well... Find a way to deal with what is bothering you. Getting a positive diagnosis is your first step in the right direction.