Sounds like inattentive ADHD. My son, daughter and I all have that type. Generally, these indivciduals are more reserved or shy. And underarousal is a problem. Hard time getting started or motivated. And it's quite common to feel stupid at times even though you know you aren't. I can relate to thoughts being jumbled. When I started Vyvanse, I told the doctor I could finally organize the thoughts in my head well enough to write better. My writing was better organized and it came to me easily. Also, I could read more difficult text and absorb it better. My reading comprehension improved. I loved to read but at times I had to reread texts, esp. boring college texts, several times.

Elaine

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ADHD is still too often misdiagnosed as depression or social anxiety in women. Subconsciously or not, many doctors still think of ADHD as a hyper boys' disorder, when actually your symptoms do sound very much like inattentive type ADHD.

I would recommend check out this great online guide Women and ADHD that outlines common symptoms, reasons for misdiagnosis, and effective treatment options.

I hope this helps!

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Depression and ADHD can sometimes go hand-in-hand. They are common comorbid conditions. It is important to pay attention to how the medication is making you feel and work with your doctor to make any necessary adjustments. If Ritalin isn't getting the job done, don't be afraid to tell you doctor and ask for an adjustment in your medications.

Here are a few articles from experts that will help you understand ADHD and treatment options. I think they will answer some of your questions.

What is ADHD, Understanding Treatment and Diagnosis

Understanding Your ADHD Diagnosis

After the Adult ADHD Diagnosis

I hope this helps. Dena

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with some sort of testing . It does sound that you are ADD ; but some times depression will give the exact same symptoms and it really depends on how long you have dealt with them. Another thing Welbutrin a antidepressant is many times prescribed in ADHD and it used for many other disorder like quit smoking etc . also It many times prescribed with Ritalin if some of your symptoms have a depressive mood. The dose of Ritalin is very low so you will proably not have a real dramatic change ; and should be monitored for increase or decrease symptoms.

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Depression can result from years of ridicule and frustration that come from undiagnosed ADHD symptoms, at least that was what happened in my case. There was not constant depression, but serious downturns after life altering events that did not go my way.

The inattentive version of ADD is under diagnosed, especially in women. More needs to be done to eliminate the stigma that ADD is just a hyperactive disorder prevalent among young males.

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This information has been very helpful. I have been reading for days about ADD in adults and have decided to switch counslors that can help with the ADHD as well as other issues in my life.

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so many doctors and counselors these days talk to you for a few minutes, base an opinion about you and diagnose you with depression. when really, you aren't depressed.

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I am absolutely sure you have ADHD, because this is how I felt before I got diagnosed. I would get bored very easily, and I would start many things, lose interest and not finish them. The day I understood I have ADHD is the best day of my life. I've started taking medication 3 years ago and I never felt better. My life completely changed, I feel more confident and full of energy. I start every day with enthusisam, I am able to plan and organize things and I no longer find life so unberably hard. I wish I was diagnosed earlier. I wish you good luck.

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ADHD often comes with additional conditions. For me, I also have problems with anxiety.

I found that it was critical for me to find someone who was willing to address both conditions. In my case, getting on the right level of ritalin (and for me the level is rather high) helped considerably in allowing me to separate symptoms of ADHD vs. anxiety. When I am struggling or annoying my wife, it's very helpful to know whether I am struggling with my ADHD and need a management strategy or whether I need to lower my anxiety.

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I agree that it's ideal to get testing in order to get a firm diagnosis, but for a lot of people (myself included), locating a medical provider who does such testing is not easy - and I'm in a large city. I was initially diagnosed by a therapist (LISW) and spent almost a year working with my regular physician, trying to figure out appropriate medication and dosage - eventually my doc recommended I see a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation, and it was the best thing I could have done. I again had my history/symptoms evaluated and the diagnosis was confirmed, and then they increased the dosage of the medication I was on (they even increased it beyond the maximum that a regular MD can prescribe - the psychiatrist said that they're beginning to look at increasing those "maximums" , because some people just need a larger dose - either because their symptoms don't respond at a lower level or just because they're LARGER PEOPLE! Makes sense, hm?) The first day I took the higher dose, it was like having a lightbulb come on in my head. I have never felt so competent at work, and people have really noticed the difference.

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