I didn't know you took all of those tests....It sounds like a fairly extensive diagnostic work up, don't you think? I've never had the opportunity to take the MMPI or similar test but would like to take it sometime. Were all of the results explained to you? [QUOTE/]

Anyway, i brought up these same issues with my therapist a few weeks ago. (no wonder i respond to your posts-everything sounds familiar) I think what you are describing might be your temperament, maybe related to genetics that express alcoholism? My Dad was an alchoholic, his father and his fathers father... My therapist said some of this can be issues that those with addictive biology have. I don't drink much, do you? (i used to when i was younger) Ill have to ask him about this more since i don't remember what we concluded except he said i might have an adrenaline-seeking, novelty-seeking temperament. [QUOTE/]

I can tell you that I've worked at over 30 employers and can be very brave and risk- taking despite high levels of anxiety. I've never been fired from a job; i just thrive on the newness and challenge. I've also, like you, excelled at high-stress jobs and always got promoted very quickly being known as someone who could quickly make difficult decisions in chaotic environments. I have trouble getting started when there is no stress; i procrastinate, procrastinate, and procrastinate. I wish i knew this before i chose a new career. I've taken off and traveled far away too, moving at the spur of the moment. Ha...

Anyway, you might be interesting in looking up novelty-seeking, adrenaline-seeking, and 'open to experience'. There are interesting theories about the brain's different arousal thresholds that might make sense of it. And even if you don't have ADD, the ADD type of medications can probably help with your issues. But like i said before, i wouldn't want to depend on those in the long run. But maybe they somehow regulate the arousal levels?

These are actually good personality traits when paired with conscienctious personality traits, which i think you have. And if you think about it from an evolutionary perspective, people with these traits would be very useful to a society. Gotta look at the whole picture. If you ask your psychologist about this, let me know.