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lynn09 · Nov 02, 2010, 10:47 PM

Hello, fellow ADHD/ADDs! Back in 2000, my psychiatrist at that time told me that I was probably dyslexic and ADHD/ADD as a child, and was still both to some extent even though I had developed my own coping skills and techniques over the years in order to function, work full-time to support myself, etc. At the time, we were focusing mainly on the physiological and psychological effects of a series of severe allergic reactions (SJS) the previous year to every single psych med my doctors had prescribed in an effort to alleviate at least some of the symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder associated with my yet undiagnosed and uncontrolled immune-system disorder, the symptoms of which had been escalating over the decades, as well as the stress of being disabled by it all and dealing with everything on my own since I lived alone and had no family in the state, so no assistance or support.

So, yes - I have known since 2000 that I have always had some degree of ADHD/ADD, but hadn't thought much about it since I've been preoccupied with finding appropriate treatment for my immune-system disorder and getting my abusive family members out of my life once and for all. Anyway, I decided the other day to take the PC ADHD/ADD quiz (the 24-question quiz) - WOW! What a shock! I scored 74 which indicated definite ADHD/ADD and the recommendation was that I seek immediate treatment. I realized then that most of my ADHD/ADD symptoms have been mistakenly attributed to my Major Depressive Disorder and PTSD (physical/psychological child abuse) in the past. What an eye-opener!!

But, it explains so much about the difficulties I have experienced throughout my life with school, work, personal relationships, etc., despite my high IQ; why I have always required a lot of silence and solitude, and have to completely shut down and withdraw frequently; why I've always had difficulty sleeping; why I was ususally bored to death in school and at my jobs; why I couldn't handle working full-time AND maintaining personal relationships or going to school at the same time; why TV and radio commercials, loud noises (music, TV, banging, screaming and yelling, etc.), personal calls and/or conversations while at work, constant interruptions, being in large, noisy crowds, etc. - basically, why anything that distracts me and breaks my focus and concentration just drives me up the wall!!! (I also scored "severe" on the Anxiety Quiz! Guess I'll have to spend more time in that Forum, too! )

Even though I'm 60 y/o now, this is new territory for me. It's good timing, too, since I'm in the process of switching my Medicare Advantage Plan and searching for a good Pdoc and T; hopefully, I can get with ones who are experienced at treating adult ADHD/ADD (plus everything else ). Since I am allergic to most meds and numerous other chemical and environmental substances, I don't know if I'll be able to take any of the recommended ADHD/ADD meds some of which are also used to treat depression and I've had allergic reactions to already - we'll see - keeping my fingers crossed..

Anyway, I would really appreciate any guidance, information, tips, cautions, coping techniques, etc., that any of you who are more experienced at dealing with ADHD/ADD symptoms would be willing to share with me. I'm good at doing my own online research if it's on a topic of interest, but there is no substitute for input from those with personal experience. Thanks! lynn09