hi, I'm 27 and i was diagnosed with ADD only a year ago. But have suspected for years. I've had my fair share of memory issues as well, even on medication (I'm on dex). I was always losing things in school,and even now at uni. For me, when I'm on any kind of task, it helps to just be aware that I MIGHT forget something e.g why I stood up in the first place and got halfway across the room... what I have just started doing... where I just put my cell phone... even what I was going to write in my journal. Its not related to how important the task is, its just that I get distracted real easily, and remembering this helps me to not be too hard on myself. Still it can be really frustrating, and it sounds to me like that might be what you've been feeling as well? I guess I'll share some of the strategies that I use. What I do is incorporate my other senses to help my short-term memory in advance. Like, I'll mutter to myself, "keys on the kitchen table'" once or twice, then if I lose track I'll just say "where are the keys", and somehow this triggers my brain to retrace my steps. If I had intended to do something I can't always rely on my memory so I'll get a pen straight away and scribble it on my hand, which I can't lose like a post-it note.:) Another thing I sometimes do is step away from the situation, just for a while. Go for a walk or get on the phone with a friend..watch a comedy on TV, whatever takes your mind off the frustrating event. When I get back to the task I'll have a clearer head & I usually find it easier to decide how to problem-solve. There are lots of resources out there with loads of strategies. they won't all work for you cause we're all different but some will make sense to you, and can be modified to suit your lifestyle. Hope this helps some.. And hope you found your book or will soon! :)

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I am older than both your ages together and the sad fact is that it gets worst! I spend half my time looking for things I know i have. So, the things I have done is try to be in the present- my mind focused on what I am doing- I too will say out loud "Keys on the table." Or I will ask myself out loud- what am I doing? Another trick that has helped me is to have a place for each thing I use frequently so I know where it is. Once I set this up, after awhile it is automatic. That is why I don't like people moving my things. LABELing- I label and put in folders my papers. I always carry a notepad with me. I use a weekly post it note and write out the important things I need to do each day and put it on my car dashboard. Some people use grease pencils and write on their car windows remindar notes-easily wipes off. I take adderall xr and lexapro. When I get depressed or overwhelmed with work, I notice that I can't remember as well. Try harder and do it again makes things worst. I too take a break and it clears my mind.

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