Hi. My name is Dan. I may have ADD but I may not. This not a post wondering if I have it but advice on the steps I need to take to see if I really do.

Some basic info. I've had depression and social anxiety my whole life, but I wasn't diagnosed until I went to college. It became so bad for me that I had to seek professional advice. I've been on 3 different antidepressants but so far no success. Fast forward a couple years. I got by enough to keep from failing but this past fall semester my grades really plunged.

So I decided to take a semester off to evaluate my self and what I want to do with my life. I played poker during my time in college and got really into the game, so I decided I could make a living of it while I was off of college. I did for 3 months but due to lacking interest in the game and improper management I quit.

So here are some things that have lead me to believe in the possibility of ADD. I have a really hard time sticking to one thing very long. I've gone through countless hobbies but theres nothing that has lasted. Unless I become obsessed with something I can't stick with it for very long but in the end I lose interest. So with the all or nothing mentality I've ran out of hobbies and I'm hesistant to try anything new cause I'm sure it will lead be down the same road. Same with majors, I've gone through 5 different ones all ready.

Since I've moved away from college 3 months ago I've accumulated $300 in parking tickets and traffic violations, all due to misreading signs or getting days confused for street cleaning.

Most depressing of all I killed all my fish in my aquarium last week because I forgot to put in the dechlorinater.

I have a really hard time reading anything unless I find it really intresting, but reading novels is tough and tiring. I can read pages and not pickup anything due to daydreaming.

I could list loads more different things dating back to childhood but then this post would turn into a memoir. Ok. So am I crazy to believe that I could have ADD on top of what I all ready have? :confused: I know depression does impair the mind but part of the reason I get depressed is because I can't focus on things for very long be it conversations or hobbies. Now that I've moved I don't really know where to go. Before it was go to the college counseling. It was hard enough getting my parents to believe there was something wrong with me and not just some character flaw.

Do I go to a psychiatrist to get help? I'd rather find a more objective approach to the whole diagnosis process like a series of tests or something.
How'd you guys pick your doctor? Right now it seems my only option is close my eyes and put my finger on a name frome the phonebook. Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it.:)

Well, if there's a medical school nearby, you could probably get in on a study. That's how I was diagnosed, and since then I've seen two other studies on ADD that I passed up because I was too busy.

It does sound like you have a lot of ADD-like symptoms, so that might be worth looking into. There are some pretty good online tests that would be a good place to start. I guess another thing you could do is go through these boards and if three out of 4 threads that are titled "Does anyone else ... ?" you see them, and you're like OMG, yes, that describes me perfectly, then yeah, that's probably something to look into.

Hi there--vir_novum is correct-- try to find a study...or, does your health ins. cover testing? Talk to your pcp--you've said that you were diagonsed with depression and social anxiety--did a specialist dx you?

I hope you find the answers you're looking for, whether its add or not. I know for me, it was learning about add, and then getting tested that made a HUGE difference on my perspective on the things I've done in the past--and it has also helped me make the right (hopefully) choices now.

Let us know how it goes :)

Hi Dan:

As counterintuitive as it may sound, things like brain scans and computer tests are actually less accurate at diagnosing ADHD than the tried and true history and observation by a professional. Maybe some day we'll be able to dab a Q-tip on our tongues and have our neurological ailments pop up on a computer screen, but until then...

It is very important to be diagnosed by a qualified professional, however, since lots of things can "mimic" ADHD or create ADHD-like symptoms, such as depression, as I'm sure you're aware...

At any rate, if you suspect ADHD, getting seen by a doctor is probably a good idea. If you go to the CHADD Website (www.chadd.org (http://www.chadd.org/)), they have a professional directory that may be able to help you find a qualified psych/neurologist in your area.

Best of luck!