[Corkscrew55]

I am a junior in college in a health care major and I am one failed test away from getting dismissed from my major. I have always been a poor test taker because I have difficulty retaining material. I have had this issue my entire life but my parents never suspected adhd because I'm very shy and keep to myself, never drawing any attention. My parents did not believe in medicating either. I have had difficulty with reading comprehension my entire life, I have to read things over and over and over again for them to click. I got by in high school with b's and c's, math being my worst subject. I have always been a hands on learner, anything else never clicks. However, my issue goes deeper than just academia.
I often find myself taking long pauses to gather my thoughts in the midst of telling a story. I consistently interrupt people's conversations, sometimes with statements that make no logical sense being introduced. I cannot study or accomplish anything with noise or distractions in the background. Criticism brings me to tears and I'm often viewed as emotionless by my friends because I constantly zone out. I lose focus during normal tasks like laundry and cleaning the house and I'll come back in a room and see a mess and get mad at myself for my lack of attention. The past year I have seen a big increase in my procrastination and it's starting to really hinder how I go about my daily routine.
I have some questions:
1) Do these symptoms seem like ADHD or ADD?
2) If so, how should I tell my pcp doctor about this? I know there is a huge stigma around college and adderall type medications, how can I assure her that I am not going to abuse it if she chose to prescribe it?

[sideblinded]

Corkscrew55 Hello and welcome to PC.

I have ADHD and a lot of what you describe could very well be ADD. I cannot say for sure as I am not a therapist or doctor. I can only say that most of the things that you describe seem to mimic the symptoms of ADD. You did not say anything about feeling restless or not being able to sit still as with hyperactivity issues so maybe that is not part of your problems so ADHD could be ruled out. The H is for hyperactivity. You must have had these other symptoms since childhood starting around age 6 or 7.

A careful history of your academic and behaviors must be discussed with your doctor and actual records or teacher comments would be helpful although not essential. You must be able to give an accurate history of your struggles and they may do some testing as well. The tests by themselves do not constitute a diagnosis but rather it is an overall history, evidence and testing that gives the clinician the means to decide.

If you do not have any history of substance abuse then if you do get diagnosed with ADD or ADHD then you should not have any problems going on a stimulant. Not all people react the same way to stimulants so it is a trial and error period like with any other med. There are other meds that can be used if stimulants are not right for you or your doctor thinks another med is better. I would not go to your doctor and specifically ask for a stimulant. See how it goes first. Best wishes.

If you have any questions about how to navigate this site feel free to contact a community liaison or moderator. Best wishes here on PC.

[CANDC]

Welcome to Psych Central (PC) corkscrew. Sorry to hear you have been suffering from symptoms that make test taking difficult. Many people here at PC go to a psychiatrist and get a diagnosis and meds.

Personally I deal with stress through meditation, exercise, yoga and music. Getting sleep may be the single one thing that keeps me in balance. If you are not sleeping or having bad side affects, contact your psychiatrist and tell him what is happening so you can make adjustments.

Some people at PC will find a therapist will also help them sort out the roots of their life.

Many people find compassionate, caring people here at PC. Some people find the forums give them the compassion and empathy they seek. http://forums.psychcentral.com

There are articles that go into more detail about coping
http://www.psychcentral.com

Please feel free to private message any of the Community Liaisons by left clicking on the name in blue to the left of their post) for questions or just to share.

[kaliope]

hi corkscrew
it looks like sideblinded gave you some very good information to follow. going in for an evaluation with all the information of you past history is the best approach. it does become a problem when the symptoms interfere with your functioning. welcome to psych central. you will find we have several forums where you can post about your concerns and receive feedback from other members. you will get a lot of support here. again, welcome

only a doc can diagnose you.