hi

some of u may know that i found out i had adhd about 2 months ago..
its been an amazing time... so many questions awnsered!! and one of the best bits has been meeting so many lovely people who are just the same as me.
really so wonderful... i have started liking me for the first time ever!!!(am 30)
i have a formal dsylexia diagnosis, and have often been diagnosed as depressed, and DORE have diagnosed me with cerbela developmental delay..however today was my first trip to the psychiatrist.. i was warned that they might not be open to the idea... and it was more of a step to get to see a specialist... and yes he has refered me to the specialist.. so now another four month wait.

However because i've got a BA and an MA (very difficult to get... so much blood sweat and tears) and because i said i can hyperfocus on cooking and sex.. he basicly says its much more likely that i have an unstable personality type... that i am histrionic...
He says that it is impossible for people with ADHD to focus on anything ever... and so because i can focus on somethings... i don;t have ADHD..
now i know that lots of u guys can focus on somethings... uh this forum for ex!!!! would be great if any of you know of any medical links etc.. that i can show him to back me up... It's not that i'm i denial about being unstable!! I know that!!! i've been living with me for 30 years!!! its just that i think a big part of the reason for my instability is my ADHD.

Thanks lovely people.

Robin

I was diagnosed after my BA/MA. The fact that I had those degrees probably delayed my diagnosis. I went to see a shrink and told him I had ADD; he sent me for an IQ test! Since the results showed "slightly higher than normal," he decided I did not have ADD and treated me for anxiety/depression.

About 8 years later, he decided I had ADD. You should see his face when I told him that stims lower my blood pressure and relax me and that if I take stims in the am I can sleep 3 more hours.

I don't blame him; Knowlede about adult ADD was very limited a few years ago and most ADD people have comorbidities (anxiety, depression, etc.). The point that Hollowell makes is that the higher the IQ, the longer it can take for an adult to be diagnosed (because we can compensate and fake). I've always wanted to take the IQ test on stimulants and I would like to re-take the GRE (grad school admissions test) as well - my assumption is that I'll do better.

The bottom line, Robin, is that you can be histrioncic or whatever else, AND still have ADD. Get a second opinion.

Snappy.

I was diagnosed after my BA/MA. The fact that I had those degrees probably delayed my diagnosis. I went to see a shrink and told him I had ADD; he sent me for an IQ test! Since the results showed "slightly higher than normal," he decided I did not have ADD and treated me for anxiety/depression.

About 8 years later, he decided I had ADD. You should see his face when I told him that stims lower my blood pressure and relax me and that if I take stims in the am I can sleep 3 more hours.

I don't blame him; Knowlede about adult ADD was very limited a few years ago and most ADD people have comorbidities (anxiety, depression, etc.). The point that Hollowell makes is that the higher the IQ, the longer it can take for an adult to be diagnosed (because we can compensate and fake). I've always wanted to take the IQ test on stimulants and I would like to re-take the GRE (grad school admissions test) as well - my assumption is that I'll do better.

The bottom line, Robin, is that you can be histrioncic or whatever else, AND still have ADD. Get a second opinion.

Snappy.Ugh me too Snappy! IQ in elementary school (test taken in quiet, stimulus free room ;) interesting huh?) came back 187.

The info on adult-persisting ADD is getting around very slowly indeed. I myself have been misdiagnosed, and I do have several co-morbid conditions as well. OP, I was also incorrectly diagnosed histrionic :rolleyes: but lets face it...you and I are intelligent enough to do our own research right?

Get a second opinion, or bring a stack of books with the current and correct info to the doc you have. Become a part of the movement to get the right info out there, and help the others who may follow after you. You'll feel great about it and maybe get the proper diagnosis at the same time.

HTH!

Crazy

loversinc,

I do not know what you Brits call someone like your shrink but here in the unruly USA we call em' donkey holes where "donkey" is a synonym for the same beast usually referred to by a three letter word. Said beast name is in Bible but I can't say it on the internet. Another cue is proctologists use donkey hole to inspect one's colon.

Crazy~Feet is kind that is cause she is from the south. I am near NYC where everyone is rude.

I still say your shrink is a donkey hole. If the DH is hanging a shrink shingle you shouldn't have to bring him info the shingle tacitly asserts he stays current on. Shrinks here get 2 to 5 hundred smackers/hour. (smaker=dollar=half pound) I have no problem with their fee as long as I don't have to teach them their craft. Fire the DH now.

Bob

PS Whenever I ramble such as above post it is cause I didn't take my Adderall. I didn't take cause I have day off cause I did two days worth of work yesterday and am beat.

l

Crazy~Feet is kind that is cause she is from the south. I am near NYC where everyone is rude.






PS Whenever I ramble such as above post it is cause I didn't take my Adderall. I didn't take cause I have day off cause I did two days worth of work yesterday and am beat.
LMAO!! Crazy~Feet is kind because she wants to be, and was raised in several counties in PA, some ruder than others. I can get down and dirty if I choose to be. I also find it an interesting and amusing game to use my large vocabulary to make my points without insulting anyone (I do not wish to be banned either).

Once upon a time I was a biker and that ought to say it all right there :cool:.

I ramble terribly when off my meds and sometimes even on them, just for the sheer fun of it. Rambling posts are par for this forum's course.

Crazy :) (smiling nicely, this time)

Could you find a different doctor? I'm not sure about how the health care system in England works, but if it's like here, you can get a different doctor if the one you have does not meet your needs.

I have heard that not as many doctors understand ADHD in the UK, so I hope you find a doc that understands and can help you!

Crazy,
I am cut to the heart. What a flaming you dished me out.

But you are right and I am wrong. That is why the flaming was so hot.

Between the time I posted and the time I read your flame-Bob-with-nitromethane I wrote and sent the below to a good (forget good - the only other person besides wife I am completely honest with) RN friend. Are you ready for this? You won't believe it. I have never had my own words bite me in the, hmmmmmmmm, face, yeah, that is it, face before.

Email to RN friend ... (names changed to protect the innocent) I left my real name Bob unchanged :D

Good_RN_Friend,

I am looking for an accomplice. I sent you a white paper by George Bush, no "W". (Harvard Medical School - incidentally HMS shrinks are deemed by peers at the top of the ADHD research heap. That is what prompted me to look for works by HMS shrinks). You did not respond. You probably did not understand my motive nor did I explain. I will this time at end of doc.

See:
http://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/BushLab/
http://www.esi-topics.com/add/interviews/JosephBiederman.html

I am no shrink lover but those boys know their stuff. Their innovative, methodical, break-through research results are not, however, trickling down to the lowly MD's and even many shrinks who are in the best position to spot ADHD symptoms. Nor are they reaching the "rectal hole" MRI technician you interfaced with that thinks ADHD is a "personality" type. The statement by Joseph Biederman MD, "ADHD ... [is] a highly morbid brain disorder affecting males and females equally, of likely genetic etiology, and with associated severe risk for psychiatric and cognitive comorbidity" sold me on the veracity of their findings. Frankly, if Joe asked me I could have saved him tons of research. I'm it. As profound as his research is, it is nothing new to me. It is new, though, to the ADHD unaffected world of mankind.

Said paper showed the possibility that the dACC brain section serves both executive functions and motor control functions. I have long known that I have motor control problems. And so do the majority of ADHDers. It usually shows in an inability to write cursively. I can't do it. My hand will not follow brain's cursive commands resulting in ragged handwriting and a conscious perception that my hand refuses to go where brain directs. (I know technically my brains refuses to direct hand. I am detailing perception not scientific truth).

George Bush's research may provide the basis for an objective ADHD detecting test based on motor control responses. Motor control responses are much easier to quantify than very subjective patient responses to questionnaires. The TOVA (Test Of Variables Attention) that I took hands down gave the most accurate view of what I experience. It is a step in the right direction. Interestingly it is a measure of motor control responses. I was very surprised to learn that some ADHDers slip under the TOVA radar. So TOVA alone is not enough.

ADHD skews every psychological test. How can any test return accurate results if patient is unable to focus?

Whether you care to believe it or not, the truth is the medical community at my local level is profoundly ADHD ignorant.

I am under medicated. The fix should be easy but is not. The local medical "establishment" (sorry for the out-of-date cliche) believes that if ADHD exists 40mg of Adderall is more than enough to manage it. Dr. GoodShrink "may" be the exception. I am not sure because the titration path he enumerated for me was Ritalin, Adderall XR, Adderall XR+Strattera. ADHD internet boards consensus is the majority of adult ADHD sufferers need more than 40mg Adderall. 40mg is what they max kids out at. There are no standards for adults. Every doctor shoots adult doseage from the hip. Dr. GoodShrink did tell me when I was on 80 mg of Rit that I could take the full 4 20mg tabs all at once in the AM. Truth be told, if I listened, it is possible that the problem would have been solved long ago. But I did not for good, if not wise, reasons. Every other doctor said "don't do that." You said it. I, at the time, got buzzed from 80mg so bought into the group mentality. That was inspite of feeling the all day efficacy of "all at AM once" and with buzz lasting no more than a few minutes.

Being under medicated can be worse than not medicated. A little "birdy" told me that somewhere between 60 to 80 mg of generic IR Adderall all at once in the early AM is paydirt. Of course, both you and I know I would never take more than a wise doctor prescribed. So "birdy" must remain annonymous.

Motive: I need documentation from a source that my doctor will believe. Because good doctor will never believe me and "how do I know" 60 to 80 mg/day is paydirt. "Birdy" has no med licence.

Incidently, more than 80mg early AM will keep me awake. More than 40mg will keep me awake if NOT taken early AM. "Birdy" told me that too. Insomnia is disastrous because no sleep invalidates the ADHD efficacy of stimulant meds. I know many folk think "Birdy" is none to smart but "Birdy" kept getting same response over and over.

Let's do cost comparison: 2 Adderall 20 mg XR/day $250/month. 2 Stattera 50mg/day $275/month; total $525/month. It works. But so does "Birdy's" plan. Low end first: 2 Adderall 30mg IR/day $75/month. 4 Adderral 20mg IR/day $90/month with $90/month being worse case scenario. My TightWaddedHMO won't pay name brand - generic only.

I need documentation that Birdy has answer.

Help please. This is for me a very serious matter. I cannot afford Dr. GoodShrink's solution. I do not know if he would amend it. I do know Dr. GoodDoctor will up the dose if I can produce documentation.

Please help. Please.

Bob

Crazy,
I am cut to the heart. What a flaming you dished me out.

But you are right and I am wrong. That is why the flaming was so hot.

Between the time I posted and the time I read your flame-Bob-with-nitromethane I wrote and sent the below to a good (forget good - the only other person besides wife I am completely honest with) RN friend. Are you ready for this? You won't believe it. I have never had my own words bite me in the, hmmmmmmmm, face, yeah, that is it, face before.
Oh dear! Bob, I am sorry that came across as a flaming incident, please accept my apology? I did not mean it as a flame at all, I actually was LMAO to even for one second be considered a "native" southerner :o...so sorry...~-~giggles~-~.

Lemme set things right OK? Its pretty common for ADDers to misunderstand things and its sometimes hard for anyone to get things across on the comp (I know this all too well).

Come back in time with me to before I was diagnosed for a minute. I have been one kind of internet junkie or another for many years. Chatrooms amused me highly because I would choose chatrooms that specialized in something I understood very well, and then there would always be someone who wanted to argue. I have always exelled with verbal banter, and developed a keen sense for how to let loose the skill I have. I did NOT realise that in the mind of the unmedicated ADDer, argument creates an adrenaline cascade and that feels good to us. I cannot recall the book, but I know listed under "Games ADDers Play" are such things as "Let's have a fight" and "I bet I can make you react".

Eventually I moved on to forums and stopped chatting. I started hardcore couponing (yes such a thing exists LOL) and ya know what? No matter where ya go, if there are too many women? There is gonna be a fight! However in a forum one can be deleted, warned or banned if you get ugly...so I had to hone my skills somewhat. To my old forum pals this ability became known as "the KZSpecial" and I would get PMs pouring into my my box "Hey! We need you...look at this dummy! Go and get them, I cannot do what you can do and get away with it. Time for the KZSpecial!"...and I would go, usually, because my friends are like me or they would not be my friends. I have never been banned for the KZSpecial and I hope never to be, and I am somewhat of a threadkiller. Many arguments have been lost to me at one time or another.

That forum is now sold to another site and I can no longer let loose the KZSpecial there any more. Oddly, when I was in chat, that ability of mine was called "The Flamethrower" :o so you see, you sensed that correctly, but you were not the victim of the Flamethrower or I would have gotten a warning by now.

Maybe I need to join an ADHD chatroom and see how the Flamethrower functions in a place like that? Its a skill after all ;) and I don't have many skills IMO. It was dubbed the Flamethrower for much the reasons you mentioned. As a rule, I am pretty nice, or so I am told. I like to believe that, so "Flamethrower", a tool I can employ, not the person I am at heart. I was nice at heart in PA too, but you gotta deal with the fast pace and rudeness you come across in the great Northeast and I adjusted to that, and to the attitudes here as well...poorly in both places I must admit. Some things just never make sense to me about this planet let alone a few states on this continent.

I was actually cracking up so hard at the thought of being a native southerner. I will always be a Yank to these people around me in real life (not here at ADDF though, nobody here is that black/white minded that I have seen) although I have picked up slang and habits and mannerisms from sheer exposure.

I was not mad at the idea of nice=Southern at all. In fact PM me if ya wanna know what its like to move from PA to SC anytime. I love to talk!

Email to RN friend ... (names changed to protect the innocent) I left my real name Bob unchanged :D

Good_RN_Friend,

I am looking for an accomplice. I sent you a white paper by George Bush, no "W". (Harvard Medical School - incidentally HMS shrinks are deemed by peers at the top of the ADHD research heap. That is what prompted me to look for works by HMS shrinks). You did not respond. You probably did not understand my motive nor did I explain. I will this time at end of doc.

See:
http://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/BushLab/
http://www.esi-topics.com/add/interviews/JosephBiederman.html

I am no shrink lover but those boys know their stuff. Their innovative, methodical, break-through research results are not, however, trickling down to the lowly MD's and even many shrinks who are in the best position to spot ADHD symptoms. Nor are they reaching the "rectal hole" MRI technician you interfaced with that thinks ADHD is a "personality" type. The statement by Joseph Biederman MD, "ADHD ... [is] a highly morbid brain disorder affecting males and females equally, of likely genetic etiology, and with associated severe risk for psychiatric and cognitive comorbidity" sold me on the veracity of their findings. Frankly, if Joe asked me I could have saved him tons of research. I'm it. As profound as his research is, it is nothing new to me. It is new, though, to the ADHD unaffected world of mankind.

Said paper showed the possibility that the dACC brain section serves both executive functions and motor control functions. I have long known that I have motor control problems. And so do the majority of ADHDers. It usually shows in an inability to write cursively. I can't do it. My hand will not follow brain's cursive commands resulting in ragged handwriting and a conscious perception that my hand refuses to go where brain directs. (I know technically my brains refuses to direct hand. I am detailing perception not scientific truth).

George Bush's research may provide the basis for an objective ADHD detecting test based on motor control responses. Motor control responses are much easier to quantify than very subjective patient responses to questionnaires. The TOVA (Test Of Variables Attention) that I took hands down gave the most accurate view of what I experience. It is a step in the right direction. Interestingly it is a measure of motor control responses. I was very surprised to learn that some ADHDers slip under the TOVA radar. So TOVA alone is not enough.

ADHD skews every psychological test. How can any test return accurate results if patient is unable to focus?

Whether you care to believe it or not, the truth is the medical community at my local level is profoundly ADHD ignorant.

I am under medicated. The fix should be easy but is not. The local medical "establishment" (sorry for the out-of-date cliche) believes that if ADHD exists 40mg of Adderall is more than enough to manage it. Dr. GoodShrink "may" be the exception. I am not sure because the titration path he enumerated for me was Ritalin, Adderall XR, Adderall XR+Strattera. ADHD internet boards consensus is the majority of adult ADHD sufferers need more than 40mg Adderall. 40mg is what they max kids out at. There are no standards for adults. Every doctor shoots adult doseage from the hip. Dr. GoodShrink did tell me when I was on 80 mg of Rit that I could take the full 4 20mg tabs all at once in the AM. Truth be told, if I listened, it is possible that the problem would have been solved long ago. But I did not for good, if not wise, reasons. Every other doctor said "don't do that." You said it. I, at the time, got buzzed from 80mg so bought into the group mentality. That was inspite of feeling the all day efficacy of "all at AM once" and with buzz lasting no more than a few minutes.

Being under medicated can be worse than not medicated. A little "birdy" told me that somewhere between 60 to 80 mg of generic IR Adderall all at once in the early AM is paydirt. Of course, both you and I know I would never take more than a wise doctor prescribed. So "birdy" must remain annonymous.

Motive: I need documentation from a source that my doctor will believe. Because good doctor will never believe me and "how do I know" 60 to 80 mg/day is paydirt. "Birdy" has no med licence.

Incidently, more than 80mg early AM will keep me awake. More than 40mg will keep me awake if NOT taken early AM. "Birdy" told me that too. Insomnia is disastrous because no sleep invalidates the ADHD efficacy of stimulant meds. I know many folk think "Birdy" is none to smart but "Birdy" kept getting same response over and over.

Let's do cost comparison: 2 Adderall 20 mg XR/day $250/month. 2 Stattera 50mg/day $275/month; total $525/month. It works. But so does "Birdy's" plan. Low end first: 2 Adderall 30mg IR/day $75/month. 4 Adderral 20mg IR/day $90/month with $90/month being worse case scenario. My TightWaddedHMO won't pay name brand - generic only.

I need documentation that Birdy has answer.

Help please. This is for me a very serious matter. I cannot afford Dr. GoodShrink's solution. I do not know if he would amend it. I do know Dr. GoodDoctor will up the dose if I can produce documentation.

Please help. Please.

BobI like your letter and hope it brings you positive results. I am truly blessed; my psychiatrist is just loaded with ADHD himself and I have no problems with him believing anything I say, and he will go to battle with me over the misunderstandings presented to my daughter and I by RX plans, school systems, etc.

I currently juggle several forums, as an advocate for people with neurodifferentialities. Its my mission in life! I expect to get back to school once my youngest is older and then watch out! This Flamethrower has something very important to say to this world, and I can manage it a lot better now :). I have a better handle on the rules, and I can be extremely pursuasive when I am convinced I am right.

My meds are right for me. Hyperfocus does exist. ADDers can perform quite well at times and miss the radar entirely, and lots of ADDers ramble on meds and off and thats just the way we are (I understand!). Lots of truths and lots of myths to dispel. Sounds like a KZSpecial might be in order huh?

Crazy

loverinsync,

Do what Crazy~Feet said and ignore everything I said.


Crazy,
You rule.

But I am busted. My frustration with shrinks stems in part from my quasi-legal med management plan. Heck (note I did not say H*ll) it is a down-right illlegal med management plan. But how does one manage when one's managers are ill-informed. That cat "Beiderman" forced me to put science back into ADHD.

It is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo frustrating. What to do when "managers" are stupid?

No, you are right. I am wrong. Your post to loverinsync was right on target. You the women!

No kidding, when on my meds I have no problem abstaining from inappropriate "words." I get it. The word in question is connected with porn sites and no one, not even me, wants ADHD_Forums connected with that stuff. So, it is no excuse, simply a statement of fact, words such as those in question get out before "brain" knows it without a little Adderall to help things along.

Why you rule? I used to discriminate against high IQ people because of my perception that "they" (ok it is prejudice) solve all debates with "I am educated, you are not. I am smart, you are not" which to my 120 IQ made as much sense as .... (I already said no meds today) .... how about cow manure?

But cats like you and Nova that have extrodinarly high IQ’s taught me that not all high IQ folks suck. Some Italians kill for money. Most do not. I am half WOP hence the Italian illustration. Some Irish drink like fish. (Bad metaphor cause fish do not consume alcohol) but most do not. The other half of me is Irish. You and Nova are the brains that know enough to share your gift. I love you guys.

I’m cool. Busted? Yep! But sometimes "busted" is a good thing.

Dang (not D*mn) (yep, I am a wise "posterior appendage") . If only I didn’t blow today’s meds yesterday, man I’d be rocking and NOT busted.today.

Things are cool.

Peace.

Bob

PS You know and I know the closer to NYC one is, the worse one's attitude is. :D

loverinsync,

Do what Crazy~Feet said and ignore everything I said.I thought it was good advice myself, but the OP can ignore me too if he likes :) and everybody is permitted to give input here Bob.


Crazy,
You rule.

Awww shucks :o I wish my family and my community agreed with that!

But I am busted. My frustration with shrinks stems in part from my quasi-legal med management plan. Heck (note I did not say H*ll) it is a down-right illlegal med management plan. But how does one manage when one's managers are ill-informed. That cat "Beiderman" forced me to put science back into ADHD.
I'll let ya in a secret Bob. Go to the medications forum under Metadate and read my posts about my RX plan. :D My RX plan met the Flamethrower for real! You joined after that time and missed that bit. I have posts referencing that particular moment of frustration in my life scattered all over this forum and it was actually in my sigline for a while!

It is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo frustrating. What to do when "managers" are stupid?Or when anyone is stupid and ill-informed for that matter? Its a tough call, there are so many variables! I try very hard to provide information within the proper parameters and then go over people's heads ;). Other times I vent here, wanna see what I sound like when someone stupid makes me mad?

http://www.addforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=312045&postcount=586

No, you are right. I am wrong. Your post to loverinsync was right on target. You the women!Sometimes I am right and sometimes I am wrong. I like the idea of being "the woman", wish everybody thought I was! That made me smile.:)

No kidding, when on my meds I have no problem abstaining from inappropriate "words." I get it. The word in question is connected with porn sites and no one, not even me, wants ADHD_Forums connected with that stuff. So, it is no excuse, simply a statement of fact, words such as those in question get out before "brain" knows it without a little Adderall to help things along.I did not see you use any inappropriate words. And sometimes a a posterior located orifice is just that and it cannot be helped. I seem to notice that many times throughout my life!

Why you rule? I used to discriminate against high IQ people because of my perception that "they" (ok it is prejudice) solve all debates with "I am educated, you are not. I am smart, you are not" which to my 120 IQ made as much sense as .... (I already said no meds today) .... how about cow manure?Ahhh but ya see Bob, I may have a genius IQ? But I am so severely ADHD I am merely a high school graduate, and that was a struggle. I was only recently diagnosed and I am already 40...no college diploma yet...but I make a choice to focus on the years I have left.

I have concluded that many people with a lower IQ than I have also have more common sense than I have. IQ means nothing if you cannot even get through the day without a meltdown. All of my intelligence can fail me if I cannot get my words out in a way others can understand. I believe that makes it even harder for people to understand that I actually do, indeed, have ADHD :mad:...somehow certain people want to equate ADHD with lack of intelligence, ergo since I am clearly intelligent, I am just lazy or making excuses. UGH!

And to this day, intelligence does not help me with higher forms of math one bit. I just cannot bring myself to care what X equals, and for simple math I happen to own a calculator. Other people can use the skills of higher math in a meaningful way and I am glad they can, but I am not one of those people~!

But cats like you and Nova that have extrodinarly high IQ’s taught me that not all high IQ folks suck. Some Italians kill for money. Most do not. I am half WOP hence the Italian illustration. Some Irish drink like fish. (Bad metaphor cause fish do not consume alcohol) but most do not. The other half of me is Irish. You and Nova are the brains that know enough to share your gift. I love you guys.Heh...I am 1/4 Italian and half mixed Celtic madness (Irish/Scots/Welsh) :D. I have to share my gifts or in my perspective I would be wasting them. Why have them if not to share them? I don't look down on anyone or make assumptions if I can help it...I cannot always help it though. I do try!

I cannot speak for Nova (I love her too) but I can love you for posting and working through a rough moment. Lots of people refuse to even admit to things, let alone face them. That's bravery and a good thing IMO.

I’m cool. Busted? Yep! But sometimes "busted" is a good thing. We all have to be "busted" sometimes to grow and evolve. If one is never wrong, one is static and probably in denial. How healthy is that??

As long as nobody is in hand cuffs style shackles, its all part of the process.

Dang (not D*mn) (yep, I am a wise "posterior appendage") . If only I didn’t blow today’s meds yesterday, man I’d be rocking and NOT busted.today.
I sincerely doubt I would rock so hard without 81 mgs of Concerta in my bloodstream! Some of my unmedicated posts make little sense to those who don't make similar posts :o. Its all good....

Things are cool.

Peace.

Bob

PS You know and I know the closer to NYC one is, the worse one's attitude is. :DYep cool, peace and everything that comes with it!

Crazy

The man apparently lacks an undersatanding of ADHD.
ADHD is an inability to control focus. We can be hyperfocused on things we like for hours, even days, and sometimes we can be overfocused on the really trivial stuff that bugs us. the thing that stands out is an inability to CONTROL what we are focused on.

You can do whatever you want, but for myself, I think I would consider finding a different doctor if I could.


Me :D




hi

some of u may know that i found out i had adhd about 2 months ago..
its been an amazing time... so many questions awnsered!! and one of the best bits has been meeting so many lovely people who are just the same as me.
really so wonderful... i have started liking me for the first time ever!!!(am 30)
i have a formal dsylexia diagnosis, and have often been diagnosed as depressed, and DORE have diagnosed me with cerbela developmental delay..however today was my first trip to the psychiatrist.. i was warned that they might not be open to the idea... and it was more of a step to get to see a specialist... and yes he has refered me to the specialist.. so now another four month wait.

However because i've got a BA and an MA (very difficult to get... so much blood sweat and tears) and because i said i can hyperfocus on cooking and sex.. he basicly says its much more likely that i have an unstable personality type... that i am histrionic...
He says that it is impossible for people with ADHD to focus on anything ever... and so because i can focus on somethings... i don;t have ADHD..
now i know that lots of u guys can focus on somethings... uh this forum for ex!!!! would be great if any of you know of any medical links etc.. that i can show him to back me up... It's not that i'm i denial about being unstable!! I know that!!! i've been living with me for 30 years!!! its just that i think a big part of the reason for my instability is my ADHD.

Thanks lovely people.

Robin

Crazy,

I got to slip in one last thought before ceasing the hyjacking of loversync's thread.


I'm too "got what we need" now for a college diploma to make any financial differance. But it bothered me for decades because I knew I could "do" college if whatever is wrong with me wasn't wrong with me. I fudged up on my latest IQ test which came in a 119.5. But whatever my IQ is I simply wanted to live up to it. I do not wish I was a professional athletic or a professional musician. Why? I don't have what it takes. Never did. Never will. It doesn't bother me. However, I can engineer anything. I do not give a hoot what it is, I can engineer it. So why don't I have an engineering degree? I know now but didn't up till about 2 years ago. Guess what? I'm ADHD and it's a bad case to boot. That disparity between what I am and what I could be drove me bonkers.


In spite of all my barfing on doctors I have grown in respect for psychologists. My psychologist helped me see the obvious. I was suppose to be the first in family line to be a college grad. My dad had that expectation based on grammar school performance. Well, it didn't happen. Even though my wife and I own a very expensive house (for our area) and have all the other BS that is suppose to measure success Dad thinks I am a failure and has for decades. A psychological truth about guys is we need Dad's approval and if we don't get it we will spend the rest of our lives seeking it even if Dad is gone. Well Dad is not gone and still can not see that I developed software engineering skills to at least the level of a computer science degree. The irony? I hired a brilliant gal with a degree and she thought I was a genius. My thought was I guess I can baffone anyone.

ADHD prevents living up to "design specs." Combination of failure to meet own expectations and failure to meet dad's expectations leads to very low self esteem. There is no way any human can be happy with out a healthy measure of self respect.


So the gal that thought I was a genius was wrong because I'm not. I was wrong because she saw in me something I couldn't see. It was not a matter of baffoning anyone.


Damn ADHD. Screws us royally. Damn it anyway.

Bob

Get a second opinion, or bring a stack of books with the current and correct info to the doc you have. Become a part of the movement to get the right info out there, and help the others who may follow after you. You'll feel great about it and maybe get the proper diagnosis at the same time.

Crazy

Crazy,

I want in on your movement. RN friend pulled through and I got gigabytes of info on hand.

Of immediate personal interest ...

Because of their efficacy and long history of use, stimulants remain first-line treatment for adult ADHD. Stimulant treatment trials for adult ADHD that included dosing up to >/= 1.0 mg/kg/day [Divide your weight in pounds by 2.2 for weight in kg] have had higher response rates.[16] Data is emerging to suggest that, if tolerated, such robust stimulant treatments can be safe in adults.[17] Extended-release mixed amphetamine salts, extended-release dexmethylphenidate (both stimulants), and atomoxetine (a nonstimulant) are the only agents currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in adult ADHD.
...

I am suppose to be working but this next point grabbed my brain:

Patterns of Response to ADHD Treatment

Treatment efficacy is typically monitored by tracking trends in core ADHD symptoms. However, there has been limited study of how ADHD symptom improvement correlates with improvement in actual function. Weiss and coworkers reported on the correlation between symptomatic and functional improvement experienced by 96 adult participants in a 5-month study comparing Problem Focused Therapy and stimulant and/or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment. Reduction in ADHD symptoms correlated significantly with self-report of family, work, and social functioning (r = 0.40, 0.39, and 0.30, respectively) on the Sheehan Disability Scale. Self-report of social adjustment on the Social Adjustment Scale, correlated significantly with reduction in inattentive symptoms (r = 0.21) but not with reduction in hyperactivity symptoms. The study suggests that inattention challenges may significantly contribute to the interpersonal difficulties of adults with ADHD.[24] This suggestion is an interesting contrast to other observations that disruptive behavior can have significant social consequences for ADHD children.

My take on above quote:

Attention Deficit - Hyperactivity Disorder is two classes of symptoms inheriting the same base class. Some of us are "primarily inattentive." Some are combined type. The social interactions of those groups will benefit more from therapy than the "primarily hyperactive."

I am combined type but I know that my inattention is the stronger of the two components. I may silently move my foot back and forth or some other movement that disturbs no one.

My "hyperactive" component does not meet DSM-IV criteria of The symptoms must cause "clinically significant impairment" in at least areas of "social, academic or occupational functioning"[2] and have been present since the age of 7 years or younger.

My Conclusion: The more inattentive we are the more troubles we have.

I owe, owe, it's off to work I go.

Bob

The point that Hollowell makes is that the higher the IQ, the longer it can take for an adult to be diagnosed (because we can compensate and fake).
Man, this is so on target. I have a high IQ and was just diagnosed a couple of months ago with ADD. I'll be 40 in a couple of weeks. While I'm incredibly relieved and happy, just knowing what's wrong finally and how to deal with it, I'm also saddened greatly when I think of the lost years. I see where I am today and can't help imagining what my life would be like now had I gotten the right DX and RX in my college years or even late 20s. Bittersweet would describe it best. Glad, but regretful too.

I know how you Feel John. was just diagnosed recently at age 36 and it has made me think back to when I was in College and remember having so much trouble focusing on my studies I would actually thow my books across the room at times. I gave up and dropped out after my first year. I alway though I was unmotivate or lazy at the time but I wonder how things would have turn out if I were under treatment then.

I've been reading through the thread, and see some wonderful post from individuals who have found answers to questions they'd had about themselves. What I'm about to say, isn't intended to discredit or discount any destination another human being has arrived at.

When I was a child, my father used to tell me that I was dumb and did dumb things. I'll leave it at that. When I became a young adult, I had a lot of struggles and in retrospect suspect I was attempting to prove my father correct. Later, in my early thirties a lady that is a school teacher shared with me she suspected that I have ADD.

At the age of 38, I decided to part with a long time friend that made me feel stupid. I stopped attempting to communicate with my father, who hadn't reciprocated my attempts at having a relationship in well over twenty years. He'd have me around if I'd call, but months would go by if I didn't call.

Last year I decided to put it to the test.

I enrolled at Community College, with the intention of completing a degree I'd made multiple attempts at in my young adulthood.

This spring, after one year and one half's effort and working full-time...making a ridiculous amount of money for an individual without a college degree. I'll transfer with two years of full credit. I wouldn't have been able to accomplish that task without the auspices of College Board and CLEP.

Presently, my GPA is 3.57

For me? Sure I occassionally put the peanut butter in the refrigerator. Or find something where it really shouldn't be...but I've noticed that happens mostly when I'm not getting enough sleep. Or adequately, eating, excercising and taking care of myself.

The biggest thing I feel sorry for myself about. At the age of 40, when younger people card me, and I attempt to let them know that I'm 40....they all laugh or say that I can't possibly be more than 26. It gets lonely sometimes, in that it's difficult to gain age recognition and make friends with my peer group.

All things considered, that's not such a bad complaint to have?

I won't say that ADD is bunk, but I will say that there's always the risk an individual might embrace an answer that isn't necessarily applicable to themself.

My whole existance used to be out of control, but when I came into my own and decided to listen to my own voice vs. what my environment was telling me.

I came into my own.

Lot's of love for everybody! :D

so much.

coming back from four days of escape to all this thoughtfullness is so completely wonderful.

it has knocked me a bit what the psych said... this last month had been so great... starting to like myself... think i'm ok... that some things just are'nt my fault and that maybe with some help those things will get a bit better etc... and then to be spoken too like he did... definitely knocked me.

but the escape helped and to come back to loving arms.. is truly wonderful.
one bit of bad news is because of what he said.. i'm not going to be getting the tiny bit of financial help i was hoping for which was going to help me with some alternative treatment.. and live... before treatment starts to work.
Some good bit of news is that the non-knowledgeabe psych was a little aware of his lack and so agreed with me that it was best for me to go to the specialist adhd clinic... we have one in the uk. There is a four month wate but will be worth it.

over the next few days i'll be reading the posts in the thread in more detail.
thanks again so much.

I now need to recover from the escape.

love

XXXXXXX

welcome back :-)

he basically says its much more likely that i have an unstable personality type... that i am histrionic...
:mad: Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr..... Histrionic!!!! Man that makes my blood boil just reading that word!!! :mad:

I was told that I was histrionic by an incompetent psych doctor too!

This was the same doctor that first tested me on the TOVA test for ADD by putting me in a small quiet refrigerator sized room with no one else in the room, let me drink caffeine and use tobacco (Both stimulants) and did not test me on the TOVA test both medicated (On a stimulant) and then test me again un-medicated (No stimulant)!

Then the doctor proceeded to tell me that if anything I was only mildly ADD, and that I was histrionic and needed to grow up and stop living in the past!
This set me back another 2 1/2 years, and ADD was completely forgotten by me until I went to another doctor for depression (once again) and was eventually told by my "New" doctor, "I think you might have ADD!". I told my "New" doctor that I had already been tested! The doctor asked me about the test and all the circumstances, and then informed me that I wasn't tested properly, because of the in Bold reasons I mentioned above! From then on my emotions, outlook, and life improved immensely!!!

I would drop that doctor like a hot potato brother and find yourself a different doctor! The time you will waste isn't worth it, and you shouldn't have to educate the doctor! It should be completely the other way around! Otherwise they are simply incompetent!

Good luck, and take care man!! :)