Hi MelMel:

It was difficult to discern from your note whether you are a woman and or a man. But I have a hunch you're a woman because all of the responses you're getting - from your doctor and your family - are text-book reactions to women with ADD who've been misdiagnosed/ignored for too long.

I can't tell you how many women come to the site after years of treatment for depression they don't have. Unfortunately, ADD is still considered a young male disorder, so doctors overlook it for many women, especially those who were never hyperactive, and they end up with a misdiagnosis of depression.

We have a great section on the site all about Women and ADD that I would highly recommend - you may find some things to print out and share with your doctor and your family.

You might also consider looking for a new doctor who specializes in ADHD... it sounds like you're a great advocate for yourself, but wouldn't it be nice to have someone who's on your side?

Good luck! - Anni

Quote

Trust me, I understand how you feel. If your doctor seems a little bit skeptical about your condition, might I suggest that look for another one. Not only that I have ADD and a learning disability, but I also suffer from depression. For some strange reason that is somewhat common, so don't be so quick to disregard that notion. It's okay that your family doesn't understand. Maybe your parents feel guilty for not looking into it or now realize that why you had difficulties in school. Don't see your diagnosis as the end but as the beginning; the beginning to a life that you now have control of. As long as you know and understand your condition, that's all that matters. I believe in you.

Quote

Yes, I'm female.

As I suspected, I did the math wrong at work. My manager was understanding, but she said that if it continued like this, my job security would be threatened. Oy.

On top of that, I was late because I looked at NEXT week's hours on my schedule. I'm constantly feeling as if my life is crumbling away from my body, despite my insatiable energy. All that energy and drive and passion isn't enough because it doesn't have laser focus. Yes, focus! I'm a car with a turbo engine but with a busted transmission and screwed up steering. That's it.

And the till was short by 12 dollars today so I put in my own money to cover up my mistakes. I don't even know if I made a mistake. Maybe it'll be 12 dollars over tomorrow and I'll have to ask for it back, haha. Oh, hilarious!

I've been thinking about switching doctors. Every time I walk into his office I try to explain all of this to him but I clam up. Maybe I should write it down? :/ If he still questions the diagnosis the learning disorder specialist gave me, I'll switch. I've had enough of this crap.

I want to be a nurse but the more I think about nursing school the more absurd it sounds. Would treatment help that much? Oy. I might kill someone.

Quote

Hi: I can understand your frustration, and have had similar experiences with doctors and with work. I, too, used to have to stay much longer to get the same things done. People called me a workaholic. I would have to do the same things over and over because I would lose my focus during the task and have to start over. People thought that was strange, or said I was too anxious. I was anxious, because the fact that this happened was scary and I got no understanding. I was a smart person, but couldn't do detail work to save my life. I didn't get diagnosed with ADD until recently (I am age 53) and I have been treated for depression many times.

The reason I finally was diagnosed is that side effects from some cancer treatments made my ADD much, much worse and I became almost nonfunctional at work. I had stopped sleeping, too. I went to many doctors, and the stories I could tell you about their attitides just make me want to cry. I was persistent, though it took three years, and finally one smart psychiatrist who believed what I was telling him sent me to a neuropsychologist for testing. He diagnosed me with ADD, and it saved my life. But then the next step, taking Adderall, even though I started sleeping and feeling better, is viewed very judgementally nby my family, friends, and other doctors. It's hard to believe how difficult people make this. I hope you can find that one doctor who will help. It's hard to look around, because doctors view you with skepticism when you change doctors a lot. And depending on your health insurance or available funds, it can be near impossible.

But don't lose faith in yourself, use these boards as support, and keep at it. Find a support group in your area, look on craigslist for community groups, use the internet - look for ADHD resources in your area, and ask those people what doctors they have had success with. Western medicine in particular can make getting the correct help difficult, so you might want to try doctors who, while still able to use prescription drugs, have a more holistic approach. GOOD LUCK!!!

Quote

Reading your post was like reading something about myself. I am 20 years old and am going through almost exactly the same frustrations right now, especially with my parents. Unfortunately, I don't have much advice to give since I'm in the same boat. But just knowing that someone else is struggling as well made me feel a little less frustrated and lonely.

Quote

The Dr. should trust the opinions and diagnosis of those he refers his patients to. It sounds like your Dr. is just trying to support his own diagnosis. If he is only going to treat what he "wants" you to have, then you need to find someone new to help.

Don't let it get you down!! I believe many of us have been misdiagnosed and misunderstood before finding someone who could help us. Do you know of anyone else in your area who had ADD? Do they like their Dr? If so, go back to your Family Dr. and explain your situation. Ask if they would please refer you to your friends Dr.

Good luck and don't let it beat you up too badly. You'll find the help you need.

Quote

The Dr. should trust the opinions and diagnosis of those he refers his patients to. It sounds like your Dr. is just trying to support his own diagnosis. If he is only going to treat what he "wants" you to have, then you need to find someone new to help.

Don't let it get you down!! I believe many of us have been misdiagnosed and misunderstood before finding someone who could help us. Do you know of anyone else in your area who had ADD? Do they like their Dr? If so, go back to your Family Dr. and explain your situation. Ask if they would please refer you to your friends Dr.

Good luck and don't let it beat you up too badly. You'll find the help you need.

Quote