[lavendersage]

I have ADHD - I meet more than 1/2 the criteria. I have a couple of the hyperactive criteria but I'm heavier on the inattentive presentation. My BF has a thing he says to me when my attention, invariably, wanders. "Shiny things! Shiny things!" He's so right.

So, how do you explain that I can sit, literally, for hhhhooouuurrrssss untangling knotted necklaces? Or doing jigsaw puzzles? Time stands still I become so hyper-focused. And relaxed. Like I mean....rrrreeeeelllllaxed. Nothing jacks me up when I'm doing either of those 2 things. It's the closest to "Zen" I ever get.

Is that OCD/ADHD?

[-jimi-]

I think that is hyperfocus. ADD has that quite a bit.

[Claire2015]

Originally Posted by lavendersage

I have ADHD - I meet more than 1/2 the criteria. I have a couple of the hyperactive criteria but I'm heavier on the inattentive presentation. My BF has a thing he says to me when my attention, invariably, wanders. "Shiny things! Shiny things!" He's so right.

So, how do you explain that I can sit, literally, for hhhhooouuurrrssss untangling knotted necklaces? Or doing jigsaw puzzles? Time stands still I become so hyper-focused. And relaxed. Like I mean....rrrreeeeelllllaxed. Nothing jacks me up when I'm doing either of those 2 things. It's the closest to "Zen" I ever get.

Is that OCD/ADHD?

I have a few friends with ADD/HD and yeah that sounds like it, hyperfocus seems very powerful. My friend can focus on the most random things for months until she gets bored of it, but ask her to do something boring like a job or college work and she shuts down.

Almost like it isn't compatible to do something that wouldn't be stimulating.. Which is fair enough. ADD/HD can have comorbid conditions like OCD. Justin Timberlake has both ADHD and OCD and explains how its a nightmare having 2 contradicting conditions. He will be OCD so everything MUST be organised, however his ADHD kicks in and he forgets to organise himself.

Maybe best to check with your doc
Claire

[Cynical4096]

Go see a professional, only an expert can make such a diagnosis.