I'm nearly 40 and was diagnosed a year and a half ago. I take Ritalin 3 times a day. It works for me, but I'm considering possibly switching to the extended release version, since I tend to forget to take my meds at times...

I have depression, too (dysthymia, to be precise). Mix social awkwardness with a tendency to speak before thinking and I've experienced similar situations to what you've described. I've seeing a clinical social worker for counseling and one thing he's helped me to understand is that these situations are a two-way street; it's not just my/your fault that these misunderstandings happen. It's easy to blame yourself and try to take full responsibility for what has happened, but the other person has a part in the situation, too. It's important to realize that you're not the only one who has issues!

It's interesting to hear you say that you really try hard to build teamwork at your workplace. I find that it really takes some effort for me to come out of my shell and to be sociable.

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Hi, my sister was only dx a couple of years ago. it was such a relief to realize why she struggled with friendships. she has often spoken out of turn and tend to talk more than most! One thing I think you should consider is perhaps your co worker was having a bad day, perhaps she is a sensitive person or maybe you have spoken out of turn a couple of times and didn't realize. My sister would get caught up in other peoples emotions. She is a good person and would never mean to upset anyone. It's hard for her but don't loose confidence your doing all you can, every day you can learn more about yourself and work out how to adapt to those 'normal' people!! Take care PinkLisa

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Rose, You can do it Rose. We ADDers are smart people. I was DX last yr at 56. Took it upon myself after being harassed at work. Wondering why I could not multitask as fast as my coworkers or remember things. My boss ad this annoying mantra with me " You were trained on that last year, Why can't you remember that?" I had no idea. Thought I had Alzheimers. Only AD/HD. I suggest you consider what other writer stated, every interaction takes two people to make it happen. Own that You may be sensitive. I am. Yes coworker could have had a bad day.

I've gotten in lots of trouble with too many quick remarks that came out of my mouth harsher than I meant, more spontaneously than anything. That is my ADHD killing me in the office. Over reaction, immediate uncontrollable responses get misunderstood. Mine were often fueled with sarcasm due to my own frustration on the job. I did not know how overwhelmed I was with the job. But my little side remarks came out more like outbursts. The words seemed to release my internal pressure. Unfortunately, I did not always know how upset I was about work. Meanwhile, my occassional inappropriate remarks or behavior had me sitting infront of the supervisor. Always felt like being in the principle's office. I felt bad, but was not able to explain why something happened.

All the misbehaving and 'bad mouth disease' reduced with time release Adderall. My memory improved. I indeed could remember things I was taught a year before. Medication is a marvelous thing when it works to improve my life. Admittedly, the 'bad mouth disease' was a function of hyperactivity, a busy brain, sarcasm, anger, competitivenes, and my overall personality. I think I covered everything. The sad part for me is, when I think ahead, I only say outloud 25% of what comes into my head. That must be the roaring motors of ADHD streaming through my brain.

Find a mantra or phrase you can say to yourself when moments get screwy at work. Something to ground yourself. Like, " I am an honest professional. I am a good friend and coworker. I am good at my job." Then menatally, jump back to work . You can do it, Rose. I know you can. Meffie

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