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theotterone · Oct 27, 2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BohemianPrincess

I've been diagnosed with ADD, but I've noticed I can sit and read a novel in just a few hours with no distractions or breaks. Is it possible that I dont have it? Maybe I just dont concentrate well on things Im not that interested in. Is that possible?

Hon, that is called "Hyperfocus".

I too can sit and read a 500 page hard cover book in 5 hours if I have no interruptions. I can also sit for quite a while. I can work on a crochet project for hours, or if I am into a computer game time can get away from me and I have been in front of the computer for hours! For those of us with ADHD, if we aren't interested, forget asking us to pay attention!

There is a type of ADD or ADHD that when I was tested in 1985 at age 10 the medical community didn't realize was there. My daughter tested as this as did I as an adult. It's "Inattentive ADHD". For me the "H" didn't stand for Hyperactivity, but HYPOactivity. I was so exhausted at the end of the day from trying to function in a non-ADHD friendly world and trying to appear "normal".

While medication has not "cured" me, I have worked hard with a coach to learn what types of organization, reducing distraction and self awareness works for me. Until recently (mid to late 90s) the medical community thought this was a childhood issue only. Now that more and more adults are diagnosed and treated, we are swelling in numbers. Yet the general public doesn't know/understand this so we feel very much alone.

As long as you are very honest with the professionals you are working with (and even bring up you are unsure about the diagnosis. This is YOU, you have the right to question!) they should be able to accurately diagnose and treat you! Know too that you are NOT alone and supported here! If there is anything I can do to help or you think anything I may have learned since my own diagnosis or experience can help, feel free to PM me!