[clshappy]

Hi all~ I really hope someone can give me some suggestions!! I'll TRY to be short but bare with me ;-)

I'm 31 fem. I'm sure I am leaving something out and I know you all can't dx, but if others have it I am wondering if it's possible I'm being misdiagnosed. If I am then I want to address it and change psych. I figure if I ask people who have ADHD, maybe I can feel like i'm not crazy and there is hope!!!

Current Symptoms:

*Impulsive spending (this part is bad b/c I inherited $ from my parents so any hobby I think to pursue, etc... I buy)
*Racing thoughts constant and they bounce from topic to topic.
*I feel mentally exhausted a lot, but can't stop. This is hard to explain, but if it's been a rough day then I feel super tired physical/mental, yet i'm an insomniac (I was on Ambien, but psych took me off and put me on Hydroxizine).
*In a 1 1/2 years I have "tried" to learn to sew, do photography, started antiquing, learn graphic design, learn soap and candle making, crafting and I could go on... I get overwhelmed then start something else
*Constant fidgeting, like I have to move my legs or hands, get itchy sometimes, bite my lip...
*I forget what I want to say in conversation a lot... even in mid sentence or I answer my own question
*I find myself impulsively talking, like interrupting (def when I'm excited) or getting embarrassed at what I said to someone after saying it
*I try to get organized, but I freak out thinking about getting organized. I might sit there for a bit, start, make a bigger mess and make things worse
*I lose stuff and a few months ago I think I threw away my wallet, but I still don't know (never found it ;-( )
*I feel like I can't focus or it is so difficult to focus
*I know I waste a ton of time. I'll be on the internet with maybe 10 different pages going
*I really hate interruption like my son came in and started kicking a ball while I was typing and it agitates me and distracts me to concentrate
*In certain circumstances I have to be in control, such as I have to drive...


I took a psychological test just recently. I always had issues w/school work, concentrating, procrastinating... My parents refused to have me tested (I recall a teacher suggesting it when I was like 8 or 9?). I was an avg student. I got to college and barely made it to my Associates degree. After I got married I was determined to get my bachelors degree so while working full time I did online classes and very surprisingly I did graduate summa cum laude or something like that. My classes were so easy though and many of the answers to tests could be googled... I hate studying!!

In the last 5 years I've had ALOT happen...
Nov 2007 - my dad died ; May 2008 - son born ; Oct 2008 - sister died of overdose ; Jul 2009 - daughter born ; Jan 2011 - mother committed suicide

My psych test dx (test wasn't administered by my psychiatrist) was Major Depressive Disorder recurrent w/ ADHD - Not Otherwise Specified (I've read the NOS part might be b/c I wasn't dx as a kid?) Basically the NOS means not all symptoms are apparent.
I didn't understand & I was thinking YES finally I know what is wrong with me!! My sister was dx as an adult w/ ADHD just to add, so I figured ADHD is ADHD.
I go to my psych the following week excited and expecting her to try ADHD meds as a trial, but nothing and no mention of my results, but she wanted me to see a therapist. I figured she didn't get the results yet. So I did start going to a therapist I had seen after my mom committed suicide (she is actually the one that brought up ADHD to me in the first place I should mention), but I couldn't afford the testing then. Unfortunately she can't dx and prescribe rx. When I mentioned it to my gen MD (I wasn't seeing psych then) he was like 'she's a therapist so she doesn't know.' Anywho, after talking to tx upon my return to her she said I NEED to be treated because it's playing a huge role in my current problems. She suggested I ask my psych about it. Well the following week I see my psych and she totally got offended. She asked me why I thought I had ADHD. I went in to explaining a few of my issues as best I could, but it was almost like my mouth was spitting out nothing that made sense and I told her a few of my symptoms, but she was like had you even read about it. Before I could say my test said ADHD-NOS she blurted it doesn't mean I need medicine for it, which I have read might be the case. But, on the second page of my results it recommended trying ADHD meds to see if it helps, but I was so shocked at her reaction. She's always been the cold-hearted, non-compassionate, difficult to talk to type, which is why I was afraid to bring it up. I was afraid she was going to push me to the edge so I just said ok, let it be and left. She's a whole other post though, because due to her reaction I plan to switch to another psych and go as far as to write a letter to her office about the incident. I've had horrible doctors, but she was nasty hateful and she usually is. She does her agenda and that's it.

So anyone who reads this much I really really appreciate it!! I'm like a super detailed over analyzing person. I just want to be NORMAL!! I look at others and can't imagine how and why they are how they are. I just wish I could get in to something and become successful at it!!! BTW I am soooo sorry I wrote a book and kudos majorly for anyone who can help

[Miswimmy1]

I am not sure what exactly your question was... but I hav ADHD as well and may hav overlooked something. The things you mention sound like ADHD to me, but depression can also cause trouble focusing. The need for control could be an anxiety thing. But both depression and anxiety can be comorbid with ADHD. ADHD also is hereditary, so if (i think it was ur sister u said?) has it, then it is quite possible that you may have it to.

I think the best thing to do is to get professionally tested by someone who can diagnose and prescribe medication. Also, there are some tests here on PC. Have you tried taking the AD/HD one?

I have ADD, diagnosed at 43, and I suggest finding a psychiatrist who specializes in ADD. You have listed more symptoms than I can remember. I agree, as always with Miswimmy, and depression is common to coexist with ADD because ADD symptoms can make you depressed. I was able to come off my antidepressants after starting Adderall. I could not believe how much my symptoms improved.

Good luck

[clshappy]

Originally Posted by Miswimmy1

I am not sure what exactly your question was... but I hav ADHD as well and may hav overlooked something. The things you mention sound like ADHD to me, but depression can also cause trouble focusing. The need for control could be an anxiety thing. But both depression and anxiety can be comorbid with ADHD. ADHD also is hereditary, so if (i think it was ur sister u said?) has it, then it is quite possible that you may have it to.

I think the best thing to do is to get professionally tested by someone who can diagnose and prescribe medication. Also, there are some tests here on PC. Have you tried taking the AD/HD one?

Thanks so very much Miswimmy! Yes my sister did have it and she was on Adderall. She was also diagnosed as an adult. You pretty much answered my question. Sorry, I didn't realize I never stated my question ;-) It was a lot I know... I try to be detailed.

I was hoping if I asked someone who actually had and was being treated for ADHD, then I might get a better understanding as to whether anyone can relate to my symptoms as being ADHD possibly? Am I possibly being misdiagnosed is what I am trying to determine so I know if I should try to pursue another psychiatrist and possibly another test? I think I do have it personally from what I have read.

I do believe in the co-morbid being I have depression and anxiety, but I feel like the depression and anxiety feelings have calmed down over the past year. Now that I am ready to try to move on I feel like I am getting stuck with what I think is ADHD. I've had several of my symptoms since I was a child. My parents wouldn't get me tested so I managed to barely get by. It just seems like they have become more noticeable to me. None of my symptoms seem to be getting better and I have been seeing a psychiatrist regularly for over a year.

There's a local psych that specializes in ADHD so I will try getting an appt w/ him hoping maybe he might have a better explanation and if I do have it then he can dx me.

Has anyone here had more than one psychological test or ADHD test? It just seems like 1 day of testing and the results could be affected in so many ways for it to play such a large role in dx.

[clshappy]

Originally Posted by YYZadd

I have ADD, diagnosed at 43, and I suggest finding a psychiatrist who specializes in ADD. You have listed more symptoms than I can remember. I agree, as always with Miswimmy, and depression is common to coexist with ADD because ADD symptoms can make you depressed. I was able to come off my antidepressants after starting Adderall. I could not believe how much my symptoms improved.

Good luck

Thank you so so much!! When you started ADD meds did you feel like you could stick to something and follow through? Did you notice changes that day or did it take time? I'm really hoping I can eventually just try the meds to see if they do help. If they don't then ok... on to the next thing. I really feel like personally I have ADD. I've been researching for a while now and I have only seen 1 psychiatrist other than the one that did my test, but I guess because I was referred to him, he recommended a trial, but my psychiatrist was persistent she didn't plan to try it and wanted to keep my meds the same. She suggested routine and exercise.

[Miswimmy1]

[quote=clshappy;2706254]

I was hoping if I asked someone who actually had and was being treated for ADHD, then I might get a better understanding as to whether anyone can relate to my symptoms as being ADHD possibly?quote]

Well I have ADHD and can relate to all of your symptoms haha I also am comorbid anxiety and depression. So... if ya ever wanna chat, feel free to PM me

I hope that you can get tested and get the help that you need because medication really changed my life

I knew within 30 minutes of the first Adderall that things were better. I had better focus, mood, much less tired, more aware of time, I wrote better code (programmer). It really changed my life.

[Sila]

I suggest finding a better psychiatrist. Just flat out, find a better one. One that will work with you and try to separate the tangled mess of ADHD, anxiety and depression symptoms. A lot of the time anxiety and ADHD blend together so much it's hard to tell the difference, but if the symptoms are there then they're there yknow?

I'm about to get my official eval in a couple weeks or so. I was evaluated as a kid but my mom never took it seriously. As an adult I still have the same issues, my T (can't diagnose or evaluate but understands the symptoms) and i talked about the attention span and impulsivity and fidgetyness and she agreed that I could use further evaluation and possibly medication. I'm nervous to all hell about medication, but I'm willing to try. I'm already on 2 other meds (thyroid + BC) so a third or even a fourth I'd be fine with, if it helped.
G'luck!

[Chinezinha]

I'm hoping someone could possibly shed some light on a clinic somewhere in London.

I'm just backpacking here until the end of January and am currently unmedicated. The therapist I was referred to before I left home, said that he doesn't deal with Adult ADHD and as it goes, it took months to get that appointment and left me with no time to see someone else before we came away.

Long story short....

I would just like to know if there's a walk in clinic in London that I could see someone and possibly get a referral from. I would LOVE to hear of any over the counter natural remedies anyone is privvy to also. I'm Australian and literally have no idea what's available for ADHD sufferers. I'm currently driving myself crazy and no doubt my poor boyfriend. My moods are up and down and I'm feeling agitated more often than not.

Any info or advice is more than welcome.

Sorry for a miserable post. Any help at all will be greatly appreciated.

[Chinezinha]

I posted my thread on the wrong page babes. I am still feeling this forum out.

I didn't mean to butt in with my question.
I truly am sorry.

Best of luck xxx

[Maus5321]

I am in the same boat as you clshappy. I realate to alot of the symptoms you haev mentioned. And i have gotten some good info from mswimmy. I remember in school always being fidgety. Not necessarily hyper but there were days where i was off the walls for no reason. Like almost manic hyper for lack of a better term. I do relate to the talking thing where i may say something that embarrasses me. Or I talk so fast as if i am gonna forget something. Because i will be mid sentence or even mid story and forget what i was talking about. Then i have to ask and they will have to tell me. But i have one friend who was treated as a child for add and he forgets like i do lol.....then we forget and move on. I do have trouble with the spending as well. Like recently i just started a seasonal job in a call center. I talk so fast sometimes it comes out jumbled and the person on the other end is like what. then i have to repeat myself. Also when i have to ask them there name they tell it to me and i don;t even remember it lol.....not to mention i am constantly moving around and fidgeting. I lose stuff constantly that i have had like a few minutes before. And for the life of me cannot find it. Usually my dad ends up finding what i am looking for. I will also be working on thing slike you and a dog outside will start barking or my dad will come in and start talking to me while i am on the internet or whatever the case may be and distracts me. I always have tons of pages going on my internet. I will go through 2 hours that seemed only like 5 minutes. I have been told by my dad that my mom tryed to put me on ritalin as child. Then my dad says she never tryed. Then my dad says i did. My mom says she never tried. I dunno what to believe. Then i was labeled lazy in high school when i started struggling.

I have been told i have anxiety and depression. But they came later on rather than being the forefront of my issues. I saw psychiatrist's and things for over a year but never found one i trusted. So i am afraid to go back or see if i can get tested. SO i am pretty much at the point of giving up. Because if you can't voice your concerns then where do you turn to or go to?
Sorry for being so long winded.

[fd2500]

Wow I can't believe how many of those symptoms and situations I can relate to. I have dealt with depression for years, now I'm starting to believe that it may be related to ADHD. I have never been able to stick with one thing for very long except my marriage and I have about screwed that up several times. I'm talking to my dr friday just not sure how to bring up ADHD without her thinking I'm just looking for meds. She may not but i freakout about that stuff.
Hope that made sense it takes me a long time just to write a simple paragraph. I have to read it a thousand times.