[ivygirl21]

I don't see a therapist do to money and the lack of it so I tend to look up things on my own. I'm not saying I have it, because you can't really diagnose yourself based on pure internet research. But I did find some sites on ADHD and was looking at the symptoms, I have nearly all of them. And I've had most of them my entire life without anyone suspecting a thing about it. I had always wondered why I'm not social, why I cannot hardly concentrate and things like that. Maybe I am right, maybe I'm wrong. Thoughts?

Here are the symptoms I found on the sites:

• Chronic lateness and forgetfulness.
• Anxiety.
• Low self-esteem.
• Employment problems.
• Difficulty controlling anger.
• Impulsiveness.
• Substance abuse or addiction.
• Poor organization skills.
• Procrastination.
• Low frustration tolerance.
• Chronic boredom.
• Difficulty concentrating when reading.
• Mood swings.
• Depression.
• Relationship problems.

And here are mine:

• Chronic lateness and forgetfulness. (since childhood)
• Anxiety.(since childhood)
• Low self-esteem.
• Difficulty controlling anger.(since childhood)
• Impulsiveness.
• Poor organization skills.(since childhood)
• Procrastination.(since childhood)
• Low frustration tolerance.
• Difficulty concentrating when reading.(since childhood but love reading)
• Depression.
• Relationship problems.(since childhood)

I would really love to see a therapist and/or doctor to get a proper diagnosis but it's not an option as of yet. Hopefully I can go soon.
Thanks for any help you all can offer.

[Skully]

I would suggest maybe taking a few internet quizzes and print out the results. Also take the above list with you, along with quiz results, to your doctor and discuss it with them. I know the online quizzes don't hold much importance but at least they show your doctor that you are serious about this. If you do not have health insurance try your county mental health agency (in the US?) and they have to provide you with service regardless of your ability to pay. Also, many have samples of brand name meds they could give you. Most stimulants that treat ADHD are off patent and have generics available. I used to take Adderall 20mg 3 times a day (90 pills) and the cost was only $40. NOT the Adderall XR, that is a little more expensive, but others like ritalin and dexadrine are much cheaper and work pretty well.

[chiggins814]

idk where you are from but in NJ there is a thing called charity care at some hospitals. if you call one of them and tell them your symptoms alot of times they can work with you on cost. i was on it and paid nothing. if the doctor does put you on meds there is prescription charity that runs through the pharmaceutical companies and you can get your meds for free also. its just stuff that you have to look into...