I bet the users of this forum would like a nickel for everytime this question gets asked. So, please bare with me. Here's my story:

I am in my early thirties and male. I have never had mood swings as I tend to be very even keeled no matter the circumstance. I get upset when something truly warrants it but otherwise I am fine. No depression, mood swings etc.

But, I have NEVER been able to finish a task. I did the siding on my house a year ago this month and I still have a 10x10 area that needs done. I have a half built shed in the backyard that probably only needs 2 hours of work to be finished but it's still not done.

I seem to become VERY distracted by shiny objects as well. For instance, I just knew that I wanted to put a movie theater in my basement. I paid to have 90% of the work completed for me. This was months ago and I still have not done my 10% of the work. I have simply lost interest in it. During the process I became interested in getting a new truck so that now has 100% of my focus. Or at least until something else shiny comes around.

I run my own consulting business which has done very well. However, I find that I have no choice but to double and triple check my work for accuracy as I tend to overlook things. I usually wait until the last minute to get my paperwork done and by then time is usually not plentiful.

It drives my wife nuts that I cannot remain focus on one item until it gets done. She has known me since I was little so she has simply become accustomed to my behavior. But, I want better for her and quite frankly, better for me. I do not like being a sore subject for her. I want to be motivated to finish projects, on time, and done right.

That's it. That's my story. I DO NOT believe in becoming medicated for any reason. And, I most certainly do not desire to lump my behavior in with people who truly do suffer from ADD. But, I also need to know if my behavior falls into the category of someone to whom medication can actually help. I have taken the various tests and it places me at the mild to mid add. There are a lot of the questions (25 in all I believe) that simply do not apply to me. I don't interupt people, I don't have problems with relationships etc. But, I have not balanced my checkbook for over 2 years either.

Anyways, any thoughts you have is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Griz

The only way to find out is to consult someone who can diagnos you with ADHD should you have it.

Not all ADDers are alike and there's also different sorts of ADHD. I may interrupt occasionally for instance, but I'm also the person who is quiet in group settings.

Griz,

There is a wide range of degree within "normal" for all cognitive functions including the ability to sustain focus. OCD traits are in my psychological profile. I am able to recognize and control my perfectionisted tendencies so my "OCD" does not interfere with any of my life's activities. ADHD is another matter. It use to be a serious liability and still would be without meds. However, if like "OCD" I could control it without meds I surely would.

Incidently, sometimes "delegating" tasks that I am capable of doing is smart. For example, I am capable of most automotive repairs. But for the most part, my cars go to a real mechanic because my time is better spent doing what I do well.

Soooooooooo, would your "ADHD" be helped my meds? How badly, if at all, does it screw up your life?

Bob

Well, I went to the doctors this afternoon after I made my initial inquiry. The doctor felt as though I probably had ADD given my symptoms. He wants me to start a dose of Straterra and see where that takes me. I do have HBP so he did not feel that the Ritalin family of drugs would be a good idea since they tend to elevate blood pressure.

I am going to do some more research before trying this stuff. I know nothing about it.

Griz

Check out addresources.org. They have lots of articles and links compiling the info on medications. Sort of one stop researching ;)

Well, I went to the doctors this afternoon after I made my initial inquiry. The doctor felt as though I probably had ADD given my symptoms. He wants me to start a dose of Straterra and see where that takes me. I do have HBP so he did not feel that the Ritalin family of drugs would be a good idea since they tend to elevate blood pressure.

I am going to do some more research before trying this stuff. I know nothing about it.

Griz
Wow that was quick. It's really nice that your doctor is able to get you in so quickly. Good for you.

You may want to get a more definite diagnosis from a specialist. Your doctor's comment that you "probably have ADD" would concern me.

In my opinion, Strattera is not the best medication to test if someone has AD/HD. It takes about 3 to 4 weeks once the target dose is reached for someone to notice any positive changes. This target dose is usually 80mg and helps if it is done slowly over a couple weeks. I would think 2 months total is a good timeframe to see benefits.

Here is the Strattera Forums (http://www.addforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=91) page. Take a look at a lot of the "Sticky" threads. They should provide a good overview of Strattera and what you might expect.

Good luck and keep us posted.