ADDitude § Adult with ADD?

Public Forums > Adults with ADD ADHD > General Adult ADD Help

Adult with ADD?

Post Reply

Thread : Adult with ADD?
21 Oct 2006 @ 1:38 PM
brenr	Join Date: Sat 10th Nov 2007 Threads: Posts:
Adult with ADD? Although I have never been formally diagnosed, I'm pretty sure that I have ADD. I have researched the possibility on and off for over 10 years. All I know is that I am an intelligent, (mostly optimistic) woman who has good friends and family and yet I've always felt like I didn't really fit in anywhere. I realize many people can feel like this whether they have ADD or not, but I have read books and listened to programs on the subject and what other people with ADD have to say and so many times it sounds just like me or close to it. For instance; I've always had great ideas and I'm very creative, but I get stuck and go onto something else and I never seem to be able to finish anything I start whether it be because I tried to do something too big and had to quit, or because I just didn't have all the tools to make it work. Throughout my life I've gone from job to job as well. It's become better in the last few years, but I've learned to compensate mostly. I've also had general anxiety throughout most of my life and That's gotten better too. So this is a long post I realize, but I would like to find someone who can give me professional, and/or medical advice I what I can do to finally be able to get over that hump so to speak. Thanks Brenda R. Quote Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 8:54 PM. Reason:

Thread : Adult with ADD?

21 Oct 2006 @ 1:38 PM

brenr

Join Date: Sat 10th Nov 2007
Threads: Posts:

Adult with ADD?

Although I have never been formally diagnosed, I'm pretty sure that I have ADD. I have researched the possibility on and off for over 10 years. All I know is that I am an intelligent, (mostly optimistic) woman who has good friends and family and yet I've always felt like I didn't really fit in anywhere.

I realize many people can feel like this whether they have ADD or not, but I have read books and listened to programs on the subject and what other people with ADD have to say and so many times it sounds just like me or close to it.

For instance; I've always had great ideas and I'm very creative, but I get stuck and go onto something else and I never seem to be able to finish anything I start whether it be because I tried to do something too big and had to quit, or because I just didn't have all the tools to make it work. Throughout my life I've gone from job to job as well.

It's become better in the last few years, but I've learned to compensate mostly. I've also had general anxiety throughout most of my life and That's gotten better too. So this is a long post I realize, but I would like to find someone who can give me professional, and/or medical advice I what I can do to finally be able to get over that hump so to speak. Thanks

Brenda R.

Quote

Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 8:54 PM. Reason:

14 Nov 2006 @ 10:21 AM Reply # 1
drenoto	Join Date: Threads: Posts:
Switching Gears Brenda, your posting describes me to a tee. I have never been diagnosed but am sure I have ADD. I have the same problem - great ideas, but never see them through. I do well at work because my job requires me to constantly "switch gears" among different projects. I am on Zoloft for my anxiety and it helps but doesn't help the focusing. Any advice will be helpful. Quote Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:01 PM. Reason:

14 Nov 2006 @ 10:21 AM Reply # 1

drenoto

Join Date:
Threads: Posts:

Switching Gears

Brenda, your posting describes me to a tee. I have never been diagnosed but am sure I have ADD.

I have the same problem - great ideas, but never see them through. I do well at work because my job requires me to constantly "switch gears" among different projects. I am on Zoloft for my anxiety and it helps but doesn't help the focusing. Any advice will be helpful.

Quote

Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:01 PM. Reason:

29 Nov 2006 @ 8:20 AM Reply # 2
Tina	Join Date: Thu 8th Nov 2007 Threads: 2 Posts: 22
Talk to Your Doc I would talk to my doctor about my suspicions about having ADD. It sure can't hurt. That's what I had to do before I finally was given the diagnosis of ADHD. Quote Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:03 PM. Reason:

29 Nov 2006 @ 8:20 AM Reply # 2

Tina

Join Date: Thu 8th Nov 2007
Threads: 2 Posts: 22

Talk to Your Doc

I would talk to my doctor about my suspicions about having ADD. It sure can't hurt. That's what I had to do before I finally was given the diagnosis of ADHD.

Quote

Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:03 PM. Reason:

18 Dec 2006 @ 5:05 PM Reply # 3
SaintADD	Join Date: Threads: Posts:
Delivered from Distraction Read "Delivered from Distraction" by Hallowell & Ratey. Hallowell is an MD with ADD. There are a couple of screening tests in there, but, more important, advice on the need for and how to get an accurate diagnosis. Quote Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:06 PM. Reason:

18 Dec 2006 @ 5:05 PM Reply # 3

SaintADD

Join Date:
Threads: Posts:

Delivered from Distraction

Read "Delivered from Distraction" by Hallowell & Ratey. Hallowell is an MD with ADD. There are a couple of screening tests in there, but, more important, advice on the need for and how to get an accurate diagnosis.

Quote

Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:06 PM. Reason:

19 Dec 2006 @ 11:45 AM Reply # 4
Tina	Join Date: Thu 8th Nov 2007 Threads: 2 Posts: 22
Great Resource Yes, there is another book out called "Driven to Distraction" by the same writers. It is very good. When I opened it up I knew that was me. Good Luck. Quote Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:08 PM. Reason:

19 Dec 2006 @ 11:45 AM Reply # 4

Tina

Join Date: Thu 8th Nov 2007
Threads: 2 Posts: 22

Great Resource

Yes, there is another book out called "Driven to Distraction" by the same writers. It is very good. When I opened it up I knew that was me. Good Luck.

Quote

Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:08 PM. Reason:

1 Jan 2007 @ 8:17 PM Reply # 5
Fee Nix	Join Date: Threads: Posts:
See Your Physician My recommendation is to see your physician and seek a professional diagnosis. I was diagnosed less than a year ago and am glad I did it. But do it the right way - don't diagnose yourself. Good luck. Quote Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:10 PM. Reason:

1 Jan 2007 @ 8:17 PM Reply # 5

Fee Nix

Join Date:
Threads: Posts:

See Your Physician

My recommendation is to see your physician and seek a professional diagnosis. I was diagnosed less than a year ago and am glad I did it. But do it the right way - don't diagnose yourself. Good luck.

Quote

Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:10 PM. Reason:

17 Jan 2007 @ 3:59 PM Reply # 6
ADD RN	Join Date: Wed 21st Nov 2007 Threads: 6 Posts: 139
Find a Specialist There is so many different symptoms of ADD/ ADHD that it would be premature to diagnose yourself. I would advise if you strongly suspect you are ADD to find a specialist who believes in ADD. For me, it was a child psychiatrist even though I am over 45. It helps to know that all the difficulties you experience has a reason; and that the creative blessings can be harnessed. Dr. Hallowell has many good books and in the back this is where I found my doctor. Good Luck! with your discovery ADD RN Quote Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:12 PM. Reason:

17 Jan 2007 @ 3:59 PM Reply # 6

ADD RN

Join Date: Wed 21st Nov 2007
Threads: 6 Posts: 139

Find a Specialist

There is so many different symptoms of ADD/ ADHD that it would be premature to diagnose yourself. I would advise if you strongly suspect you are ADD to find a specialist who believes in ADD.

For me, it was a child psychiatrist even though I am over 45. It helps to know that all the difficulties you experience has a reason; and that the creative blessings can be harnessed. Dr. Hallowell has many good books and in the back this is where I found my doctor. Good Luck! with your discovery ADD RN

Quote

Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:12 PM. Reason:

27 Apr 2007 @ 1:08 PM Reply # 7
preim	Join Date: Threads: Posts:
A Ha Moment I was just diagnosed with ADD after several appointments and assessments with a medical doctor and a counselor. I had thought that I might have ADD 4 years ago but did not go and seek diagnosis. The "ah ha" moment for me was reading the book, "The 12 bad habits that hold good people back" by James Waldroop and Timothy Butler back in 2003. It is a career management book which opened my eyes to explain some of my behaviors. I was researching managerial styles (I was an Army Officer) and ran across a behavior called "lacking a sense of boundries". It fit me to a tee. The authors mentioned that this behavior was indicative of people with ADD. I was convinced! It took me 4 years to finally go and seek a professional diagnosis. I was prescribed Concerta. After taking my very first dose of Concerta my head cleared up. I was able to hold a long conversation with my husband without rambling off on several tangents. I noticed the effect immediately. I managed to prioritize, plan, and complete some of my many projects within that week alone. I am so relieved to know what was the matter with me for all my adult (and teenage) years. I see myself as unique for having ADD, in a good way. I have always been the life of the party and brought energy whereever I went. Yes, I went through many years of thinking I was "behind" my peers in school and at work and that it was harder for me to study and grasp ideas from lectures. I overcame all that by working harder and managing to get my Masters Degree. I still am amazed by my ADD and I try to read as much as I can about it. I think the better educated you are about it the better you can understand yourself and your behavior (and how you affect those around you). Quote Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:15 PM. Reason:

27 Apr 2007 @ 1:08 PM Reply # 7

preim

Join Date:
Threads: Posts:

A Ha Moment

I was just diagnosed with ADD after several appointments and assessments with a medical doctor and a counselor. I had thought that I might have ADD 4 years ago but did not go and seek diagnosis. The "ah ha" moment for me was reading the book, "The 12 bad habits that hold good people back" by James Waldroop and Timothy Butler back in 2003.

It is a career management book which opened my eyes to explain some of my behaviors. I was researching managerial styles (I was an Army Officer) and ran across a behavior called "lacking a sense of boundries". It fit me to a tee. The authors mentioned that this behavior was indicative of people with ADD. I was convinced!

It took me 4 years to finally go and seek a professional diagnosis. I was prescribed Concerta. After taking my very first dose of Concerta my head cleared up. I was able to hold a long conversation with my husband without rambling off on several tangents. I noticed the effect immediately. I managed to prioritize, plan, and complete some of my many projects within that week alone.

I am so relieved to know what was the matter with me for all my adult (and teenage) years. I see myself as unique for having ADD, in a good way. I have always been the life of the party and brought energy whereever I went. Yes, I went through many years of thinking I was "behind" my peers in school and at work and that it was harder for me to study and grasp ideas from lectures. I overcame all that by working harder and managing to get my Masters Degree.

I still am amazed by my ADD and I try to read as much as I can about it. I think the better educated you are about it the better you can understand yourself and your behavior (and how you affect those around you).

Quote

Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:15 PM. Reason:

23 May 2007 @ 9:22 PM Reply # 8
Rhonda Pawlan	Join Date: Tue 11th Dec 2007 Threads: 0 Posts: 6
Find an ADD Coach As an ADD coach, I always advise people who suspect they have ADHD to get a formal diagnosis by a psychologist or psychiatrist who deals with many ADD patients. If you are diagnosed with ADD, medication is typically the first line of treatment since it helps 80% of the population. Then I suggest self-education by reading all you can about it. Of course, my final recommendation is to work with an ADD coach for a while because pills don't teach skills! Rhonda Pawlan, M.S. AD/HD Coach Quote Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:20 PM. Reason:

23 May 2007 @ 9:22 PM Reply # 8

Rhonda Pawlan

Join Date: Tue 11th Dec 2007
Threads: 0 Posts: 6

Find an ADD Coach

As an ADD coach, I always advise people who suspect they have ADHD to get a formal diagnosis by a psychologist or psychiatrist who deals with many ADD patients. If you are diagnosed with ADD, medication is typically the first line of treatment since it helps 80% of the population. Then I suggest self-education by reading all you can about it. Of course, my final recommendation is to work with an ADD coach for a while because pills don't teach skills! Rhonda Pawlan, M.S. AD/HD Coach

Quote

Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:20 PM. Reason:

24 May 2007 @ 9:16 PM Reply # 9
Jennifer Jansen	Join Date: Mon 12th Nov 2007 Threads: 1 Posts: 1
Never Give Up I can relate to your post to a tee. I am 43, mom to 3 kids (2 who also have ADHD), and have struggled my whole life to fit in somewhere. In some ways I treasure being different. I am able to think outside the box and come up with very creative solutions to things. On the other hand my disorganization and distractability have caused me and those close to me BIG problems. Money being the biggest one. I am horrible at managing it. I do not take medication, though I have in the past and it helped. I should go back on one. I have times where I am very depressed. Somehow I manage to stay optimistic most times. I have to believe that I will find my way. Otherwise my life would have very little purpose or meaning to me! My kids keep me going. I do not want them to struggle in the ways that I have. They have a better understanding of this at an early age. I was not diagnosed until my daughter was. I saw and still see so many similarities between us it amazes me. She though as well as my son have a distinct advantage over me. They are already working on overcoming this and living productive lives despite their ADD. I never give up hope. I am different. My differences make me unique in this world and set me and all of us who have ADD apart from those who are NORMAL. I don't think life would be very fun without it quite frankly! So in closing...Embrace it and find the best way to deal. Give it the old ADD punch! This is one of my good days! Jennifer in PA Quote Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:23 PM. Reason:

24 May 2007 @ 9:16 PM Reply # 9

Jennifer Jansen

Join Date: Mon 12th Nov 2007
Threads: 1 Posts: 1

Never Give Up

I can relate to your post to a tee. I am 43, mom to 3 kids (2 who also have ADHD), and have struggled my whole life to fit in somewhere. In some ways I treasure being different. I am able to think outside the box and come up with very creative solutions to things. On the other hand my disorganization and distractability have caused me and those close to me BIG problems. Money being the biggest one. I am horrible at managing it.

I do not take medication, though I have in the past and it helped. I should go back on one. I have times where I am very depressed. Somehow I manage to stay optimistic most times.

I have to believe that I will find my way. Otherwise my life would have very little purpose or meaning to me! My kids keep me going. I do not want them to struggle in the ways that I have. They have a better understanding of this at an early age. I was not diagnosed until my daughter was. I saw and still see so many similarities between us it amazes me. She though as well as my son have a distinct advantage over me. They are already working on overcoming this and living productive lives despite their ADD.

I never give up hope. I am different. My differences make me unique in this world and set me and all of us who have ADD apart from those who are NORMAL. I don't think life would be very fun without it quite frankly! So in closing...Embrace it and find the best way to deal. Give it the old ADD punch! This is one of my good days! Jennifer in PA

Quote

Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:23 PM. Reason:

22 Jun 2007 @ 1:06 PM Reply # 10
TheDopaminekid	Join Date: Fri 7th Dec 2007 Threads: 1 Posts: 12
Open Communication More of the same thats mentioned. Hang in there. We can do it together. Open communication is one of the first steps that couples need to take. That was the first thing that was difficult. After you date your spouse, and live together married, for some time, you got to have reasons why you love being togther...rekindle the flame and help one another. hire a counselor for 1 year. We did. Need to vent...I am here for ya. Paul Big Quote Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:25 PM. Reason:

22 Jun 2007 @ 1:06 PM Reply # 10

TheDopaminekid

Join Date: Fri 7th Dec 2007
Threads: 1 Posts: 12

Open Communication

More of the same thats mentioned. Hang in there. We can do it together. Open communication is one of the first steps that couples need to take. That was the first thing that was difficult. After you date your spouse, and live together married, for some time, you got to have reasons why you love being togther...rekindle the flame and help one another. hire a counselor for 1 year. We did. Need to vent...I am here for ya. Paul Big

Quote

Last edited by Anni : 10 Nov 2007 @ 9:25 PM. Reason:

Post Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Local Time : 1 Dec 2008 10:32 PM
(Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:32:58 GMT)

Copyright © 1998 - 2007 New Hope Media LLC. All rights reserved. Your use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
ADDitude does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this web site is provided for educational purposes only. See additional information.
New Hope Media, 39 W. 37th Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10018