Hi Chris,

Everything you mentioned in your post is quite typical for someone with the inattentive type of ADHD, or as some people refer to it, ADHD without the H (which is the hyperactivity and impulsiveness). My 17 yr. old son, 27 yr. old daughter and myself all have the inattentive type of ADHD which is more difficult to recognize and diagnose. My husband has the classic ADHD. My son was diagnosed at age 10 (the first in our family to be diagnosed) and I have been reading up on ADHD ever since. I have learned a great deal since then, reading more than 3 dozen books, countless magazine articles, research studies; am active in two support groups for parents of children with ADHD, attended forums and lectures and had numerous discussions with our doctor.

I also have a high IQ and had anxiety all my life and both of these helped me to compensate somewhat for my ADHD (didn;t know what it was at the time). I began to suspect that I had ADHD when my doctor had made a comment regarding individuals with ADHD who acheived a lot less than peers of the same intellegence level who didn't have ADHD. I looked up some info on IQ (I knew what mine was--147) and couldn't believe what it said someone with my IQ would be capable of acheiving and doing. It blew my mind. I started discussing it with my sister who graduated valedictorian of her class in high school and yet she told me how she felt so stupid at times. We realized we had a lot of the same symptoms.

I mentioned my concerns at my next doctor appointment and since I had previously said I didn't think I had ADHD (because I was comparing myself to my children and husband) he told me I would need to document my symptoms in writing. He told me to read "Driven To Distraction" by John Ratey and Ed Hallowell and if it sounded familiar I needed to give at least two specific examples of each symptom I thought I had. I went through all of the inattentive symptoms and gave two examples of each. Then I wrote a narrative describing my ADHD and how it affected me. It took me a while but when I returned I gave him three typewritten pages. He was impressed.

I was started on stimulant medication and I couldn't believe the difference it made. I was able to comprehend what I read much quicker, organize my thoughts better, think more quickly and my ability to write more effectively improved. My working memory improved as well. I could remember various steps that someone told me without having to write it all down. My sister read the book as well and she was convinced she had it too. She lives in another state and had already been seeing a psychiatrist for years for her depression. Some of the symptoms of ADHD can overlap with depression so she wasn't sure if her psychiatrist would believe her if she mentioned it. I helped her to pinpoint some of the differences that would help distinguish the ADHD from depression. When she mentioned it to her psychiatrist, he said it was possible but he didn't know a lot about ADHD. But she was able to convince him and got started on medication, but it took a bit longer because he was extremely conservative when it came to medication (not surprising, since he wasn't experienced in diagnosing ADHD). I have learned that not all psychiatrists are well informed about ADHD esp. as it relates to adults, women and those with the inattentive type. Had it not been for her proactive approach in learning about ADHD and being prepared, she would never have been diagnosed.

I find it disconcerting that I know more about ADHD than a lot of doctors, including some psychiatrists. I certainly don't know more than the experts but I have done a lot of homework on ADHD and it surprises me what some doctors know and don't know. From what you've said, it doesn't sound promising that your psychiatrist would be able to accurately identify someone with inattentive ADHD. You may need to really do your homework to substantiate all of your symptoms. The best advice I can give you is to find a doctor (doesn't have to be a psychiatrist) who is knowledgeable and experienced in treating ADHD in adults. It can also make a difference as to the right treatment. Many doctors underdose patients because of their own fears and limited understanding of ADHD (that comment is based on scientific research studies).

www.CHADD.org is a great place to get accurate information on ADHD and see if there is a support group in your area. CHADD is a national organization that advocates for children and adults with ADHD and provides educational materials and information on ADHD including the latest research studies.

Educate yourself and don't give up. If your psychiatrist isn't qualified to recognize inattentive ADHD in adults and doesn't keep up with the latest research and understanding of ADHD, you may need to look for a doctor who specializes in ADHD treatment.

Good luck, Elaine

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You sound a lot like me. I had never suspected ADD, because I didn't undersand it. After my psychologist mentioned it as a possibility I started reading about it and all the traits of inattentive type ADD clicked. The diagnosis has made such a difference in how I understand myself already. I'm a little frustrated with my doctor, who is reluctant to try add-specific stimulants and instead first tried strattera (a miserable failiure) and now zoloft. The zoloft does help... I am less irritable, and problems seem less overwhelming. I'm finally able to see a big goal broken down into achievable tasks and my low points aren't so low. But it doesn't help with the attention issues.

Forgive me for being blunt, but it sounds like your psychaitrist has an agenda and maybe doesn't know enough about ADD/ADHD. I can't tell from your name, but if you are a woman that could add to the misconceptions from some people, even professionals (unfortunately).

If you need an extra push to get tested, take an online self-evaluation. They aren't a diagnosis, but they can indicate that further testing is needed. I waited until I was 31, and I feel like I wasted a lot of years that could have been better. I hope you can find the help you need. Best of luck.

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Hi there,

My 19 year old son was first diagnosed with OCD and takes Prozac which has helped him tremendously with his anxious thoughts. His obsessive thoughts deal with contamination and his compulsive acts are handwashing. The Prozac naturally tamed down his obsessive thoughts so he was able to "fight" back on the act of handwashing. Soon after this OCD diagnosis, he was diagnosed with ADD. He also takes Concerta which keeps his thoughts on track. Must be a tremendous challenge to have stuck and off track thoughts. I have always admired my son's strong determination to deal with this issues. But I'm glad that there are meds that help!

My suggestion would be to find a qualified professional that is extremely experienced with ADHD. My experience is that it would be a psychiatrist or psychologist. Locate your local CHADD chapter and they should be able to provide local professionals in your area that are ADHD qualified. (go to website...www.chadd.org) I would also suggest going to the CHADD meetings to listen to professionals and to participate in support groups to gain additional information from other adults...they would be happy to share names of professionals that have been helpful. There's also a good book called, College Confidence with ADD, by Michael Sandler (I think title and author are close to correct). Michael Sandler was a college student with ADD and shares great insight and strategies for students with ADD. Because this book would be a great resource for students, I'm planning to buy it for both of my sons...my second son is more ADHD! Best of luck to you...!

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If you're in college, try going to the office called something like "academic resources" -- these are the folks whose job it is to help students with any kind of disability, learning disorder, problem with study skills... they are the "how to do better in college" office. In the US, most/all colleges have such a thing.

They probably have access to testing facilities and in any case they begin by assuming that anyone who has problems studying (etc) is their problem to help solve. They will believe there is such a thing as ADD and they have helpful ideas for how to get different kinds of brains to retain different kinds of knowledge. They understand that some people learn visually, some aurally, some by example, some by concept... they may ask you questions you never thought of before, or have never been asked, because they are not usually psychiatrists.

Good luck and yes, keep trying until you feel like your life is working for you!

lupin.

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firsit of all switch DOCTORS many doctors don't know much about ADHD in adults

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