Hi all, I know there are many posts about this but here goes. I would like to list many of my hateful traits that I feel may be connected with ADHD.

When more than one source of noise (children talking to me all at once, tele on when conversing, that kind of thing) is going on I feel like exploding or screaming. I cannot multi task with noise.
When I was at school (34 now) I was described as a day dreamer and school reports always commented on how I was the first to put my hand up in oral work but never got anything written down.
Procrastination - my house is untidy and extremely unorganised - especially when it comes to dealing with bills and filling in forms. I seem to put it to one side and believce I will sort it out later. I end up with financial problems because I don't get round to doing stuff. Which makes me feel really mad with my self. I even put off calling friends but don't know why.
I have always been described as lazy and a total chatterbox.
I am terribly forgetful, I miss doctors appointments, forget to take medication, forget that I have arranged to meet someone - allsorts!
I have mad phases on things like cooking or gardening where I will watch every program going and buy plants and things which never get planted. Then I will lose interest and not show any interest at all. The only thing I am consistant with is my love and care for my dogs. They get walked, fed, groomed and so on no matter how I feel.
Every job I've had there has always been someone I have not got on with and although I feel I never start anything, they never seem to give up causing grief for me. I assume it is me giving off bad vibes. I am a very black and white person who does not believe in gossip and exaggerations and so feel I have no time for these people. I also believe I see through people more than others.
I go off an tangents all the time when having a conversation, I don't finish listening to someone before I put my two pence worth in. I also finish peoples sentences, mostly incorrectly, because I don't have the patience to wait for them to do it. I have very little tolerance too. I tend to glaze over in most conversations especially when on the phone. I totally lose track of what I am saying most of the time.
I am short tempered and flare up over stupid things. I get road rage, trolley rage and so on.
I never read instructions for anything, I just dive in and think I know how to do stuff, then I have to go back to the instructions.
Phew, I can type as much as I can talk! I don't feel I am hyperactive at all although I do fidget but I am sure my impulsiveness is connected. My inability to pay attention is strong. I have quit many a course or job because it requires too much attention that I just cannot muster. I am currently training to be a dog groomer, this holds my attention for now.

Sorry guys - for this being so long and I am sure I have probably forgotten to put other traits in too. I am going to make an appointment to see my GP and hope she is understanding about the possibility of ADHD. I am currently being treated for depression and I think she will say it's another symptom of this.

Wish me luck!

Hi Lola, ADHD has come to my attention in the last few days and I match all the symptoms and am extremely similar to the way you have described yourself (even down to the dogs!). I 100% believe I have ADHD and now have to try and get myself diaganosed, I have been led to believe this is not easy in the UK. I must admit that I can see myself putting off a visit to the Dr for a while. It has been suggested to me that I print off a list of symptoms, tick the ones that apply to me and take it to my Dr, along with any school reports that I have (if I can find any, I'm 37!).

Good luck, let me know how you get on.

PB

Hi Pink Beauty, where are you in the UK? I am in worcestershire and I am sure there is somewhere in Birmingham (20 miles away) that would have a specialist. I know my school reports were kept so I might sort them out and take them too.

About 12 years ago I dabbled with speed (amphetamines). Not the brightest move although I only ever did a small amount as I was too scared. But, I have never felt so clear in my head as then. It feels like my brain is blocked and information just bounces off it. When I tried speed I could think clearly and remember stuff. It's like it un blocked my brain.
Don't put off going to the docs but don't 'self diagnose', most doctors hate this and it will form a barrier. I am going to say I have read alot about it and my symptoms could possibly match up. Fingers crossed - she is a young doctor who is lovely and doesn't laugh at you which I have found with previous doctors.
I have a physical disability called Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome and have always assumed my laziness was because of constant pain and discomfort. However - my brother and I are two peas in a pod so I am convinced he has it too.

Likewise - let me know how you get on.
Ashley

Hi Ashley

I'm in South Wales and another poster has told me about a professor in Swansea, who specialises in this subject. I've googled him and am going to take his details with me when I eventually go to the Dr! I'm sure there will be someone in the Birmingham area, its just a question of finding him/her.

Allie

Its right what you said though, people have advised me against 'self diagnosing' with the Dr but I don't know how to approach it otherwise. I also have a young female Dr at the surgery, I'm just trying to work out which Dr will be the best to visit!


Allie

Chatterbox ("Chatty Cathy"): overtalking can be how females express "hyperactivity".


Interrupting: can be a symptom of "impulsitivity" (one of the three diagnostic domains of ADHD). (You may also feel impatient in lineups (Queues); get frustrated listening to slow or dull people talk and want to interrupt or tell them what you really think: "What's your point?")


Daydreamer: sounds like "inattention" (and you also report not being able to focus during noise (selective attention is difficult for you; auditory processing issues?). You also mention [frustration or] inability to read instructions to the end. Classic.)

Looks like, on a cursory glance, that you may meet the Three Criteria for diagnosis (see italics).

re: #5

I recommend that you get some books on ADHD from the Library.

I particularly recommend the Drs. Patricia Quinn and Kathleen Nadeau ("Women & Girls with ADD") OR Dr. Daniel Amen (www.brainplace.com (http://www.brainplace.com/)) checklists.

----------------

1. Photocopy the Checklist of Symptoms & Behaviours.

2. Fill out the Checklist for your Symptoms.

3. Show your Doctor the Checklist after it is completed.

Thank you, now you come to mention it I do have symptoms of hyperactivity. Mainly talking loads and very fast. Also when I am on one of my fads about something I tell who ever will listen about it. They quite often look at me as if I've gone mad. You would think I have discovered something unimaginable because of my enthusiasm.

Roll on my appointment!

Hi Lola

Have you had Dr appointment yet? Got mine tomorrow.

Allie

Lola, a lot of your symptoms do sound like ADHD although until you won't know until you get assessed by a qualifed professional. And while I certainly hope you didn't get brushed off by your GP, don't give up if you get a less than stellar reception.

Pinkbeauty, I think that gathering information from various sources is not the same as self diagnosing. But if you start a treatment based on your own assessment, rather than a qualified professional, that I would consider self-diagnosing.

Lola, a lot of your symptoms do sound like ADHD although until you won't know until you get assessed by a qualifed professional. And while I certainly hope you didn't get brushed off by your GP, don't give up if you get a less than stellar reception.

Pinkbeauty, I think that gathering information from various sources is not the same as self diagnosing. But if you start a treatment based on your own assessment, rather than a qualified professional, that I would consider self-diagnosing.
Hi Michiko, no I don't intend to start a treatment or self diagnose, I want to get a proper diagnosis, what I meant was that I didn't want to go to the Drs and say 'I think I have this' as apparently they don't like it, so I have to find a way of wording it so that it comes from him.

Hi Lola

Have you had Dr appointment yet? Got mine tomorrow.

AllieHi Allie

I have my appointment in half an hour....which reminds me I'd better get my butt in gear. Let me know how yours went.

Ashley

Well, I have been referred to a psychiatrist. It will take a couple of months before I get whiff of an appointment but it's a start. However - my doctor advises me that offering medication upon diagnosis is highly unlikely! Great!! So what's the point. She said I will more likely be offered coping techniques. If they work then i'll be happy but knowing that I most likely won't be given medication for a condition annoys me. 'Yes you have it but NO we won't treat you'

Hi Lola

Well you're doing better than me, I had to go to my GP any do what Pink Beauty didn't want to do.....Sit down and say "I think I have Adult ADD". It was the only way!

His attempts to find an Adult ADD diagnosing pshchologist/psychiatrist in Scotland failed so I pushed them into writing to the Maudsley.

There was no way i wanted to be going to a psych who didn't know about Adult ADD as I there are plenty out there who think that ADHD somehow melts away after childhood.

Keep posting with how you get on

kilt

Hi Lola

I went to see my Dr last week and took with me the details of a Professor in Swansea University who specialises in Adult ADHD. My GP is contacting him to see if he takes NHS referrals so I have to wait and see the outcome to see what happens from there. Is the Psychiatrist you've been referred to knowledgable about Adult ADHD?

Allie

I've no idea. Infact I think I ought to find out who I have been referred to and look into it. I want to get this right and if it's not looking good then I will pursue other avenues until I get a result.