That REALLY got me thinking! And worried. So I went back to the office this pm (which I do every pm, once my young kids are asleep. The wife also goes to sleep at about 8:30pm.. yes, you guessed right - it's non-existent) googled ADHD, did a few quizzes, and discovered I'm a likely candidate.

One thing is for certain - I have a real problem applying myself. I have the kind of work where I can sort of get away with it, but that is becoming increasingly difficult.

I sit at my PC most of the time but frequently get up for a cig, cup of water, tea or p. Then it's picking kids up, then this then that. I have at least about 15 email items open simultaneously, 5 browser windows/websites at least, 3 or 4 half written emails.. does this sound familiar to anyone? Am I just a typical victim of this information overload society? There is lots of information going in. I'm not sure how much is being retained, but there is not a lot of output. I struggle to put things in writing ( I suppose this post is an exception, however).

Of late I have been wondering whether I'm simply burning out or even heading for a nervous breakdown; clinically depressed or now, after my colleagues comments, suffering from ADD or ADHD.

Depression could be due to the demise of my once successful business and loss of my savings about 7 yrs ago. I also have a history of misspent youth and drug abuse. (I'm knocking 50 now).

I was clean for many years until introduced to someone who got me into crack cocaine about 7 yrs ago (see the timeline?). That phase lasted for about 2-3 yrs before I realised I needed to get away. I successfully conquered my heroine addiction about 20 yrs ago by also physically relocating.

I've been clean for about 5 yrs and if I have a puff on a joint every 3-6 months its a lot. It doesn't bother me and I don't have to fight it. Just wish I could give up cigarettes as easily, my one remaining vice.

Problem is I don't have the money to go for expensive tests, so I'm going to try DIY diagnosis. I'd imagine any medication has to be precribed though.

From what I read, there are mainly stimulant or anti-depressant type drugs. The former I'd imagine wouldn't be advisable with my history.
I now restrict myself to one cup of coffee p/d in the am, otherwise I'm too on edge.

I do think if I didn't have such a financial burden on my shoulders I wouldn't have to be trying to do too much - I'm also trying to launch a sideline biz for extra income as I'm not that well paid.

If anyone has made it to this paragraph, thank you for your time!

Could I ask what are your impressions? Of course I can't and don't expect any diagnoses on this forum, but on the surface I think I could be quite a complicated (basket) case? Yes, my self-esteem could be stronger right now, but I'm certainly not about to give up!

I can see another night of tossing and turning ahead.

Hope someone can relate to my story.

Best wishes to you all.

You def. sound like you could have ADD, but a professional would be the best person to figure that one out....One key thing, thouhg, is that your symptoms should have been present when you were a kid as well---did you have any issues in school growing up?

Also, many people w/ add self-medicate using illegal drugs, but when you take prescribed drugs, you're doing so under the supervision of a doctor, and at a controlled dose. So don't rule out taht a doc might prescribe stims. I don't know what Australia provides in terms of medical care, but perhaps some of the Aussies on this board could give you some direction.

Best of luck--seems like you're on the right path :)