Decision
 

ADHD-Inattentive, diagnosed when I was 18 but pretty much had it all my life. Currently not taking any medication, may start again on Thursday when I see my psychiatrist.

Does anyone have problems making decisions(ranging from simple or compex ones)? or when making one or signing up for something (usually impulsively) and a week later cannot follow through.

By simple decisions I mean what to have for lunch, what clothes to buy, even when playing registering for an account what username to use, etc.. It takes me HOURS to make a simple decision and day for complex ones.

Any thoughts?

Re: Decision
 

Yes & No, However I dont know if I attribute it to my ADD. But I have no idea what to point it too. My OCD also adds some major frustrations with this issue.

For Yes

Like, I think the best example would be grocery shopping. I had a craving for some nuts. I couldn't decide what ones I wanted. I hate variety packs of anything (That is my OCD, like for an example, I wont eat skittles because the flavors/colors are mixed).

I ended up buying a TON of of nuts. From different brands to different kinds, with different flavors (roasted, salted, honey, etc). I spent about I about $105 bucks on this. (I think the total was 107.64).

This was the only product I wanted. I do have the ability to not do it, however I get overly frustrated - and I would be at the store 5 - 6 hours making that decision. Its simply cheaper for me just to buy them all.

For the no -

When a problem or conflict happens in my life - I immediately make a decision. That decision will not change regardless how horrible it is. (Usually, they do work out well)

Case in Point 1:

When I was in Hawaii with family (ugh) my brother wanted to change seats with me. However, I couldn't decide what seat I wanted (as both seats were satisfactory with me for my OCD with locations.

So, I immediately made the decision just to stay with my assigned seat. Since I couldn't decide, and I had to make the decision that instant (when really it was no big deal) to me...

Case in point 2 (when it works out)...

I work at a hotel, where the only way to our parking ramp is under the canopy where people temporally park the car to unload creating a traffic mess. (Also, parking is one my OCD triggers. I have issues with where I am spaced, is my car forward correctly, perfectly between the lines, etc).

Well, I saw that a traffic problem was about to happen. I went out there immediately and started directing traffic. Working at a hotel, usually the best decision is the one that you think of first (for the hotel). So, for me, when I have to make an immediate decision, I can do so quickly, however, as I showed earlier, its not always a smart one; but luckily with my job, it usually works out.

About Medication -

I recently went back to being medicated. I am 22 now. I left the medication when I was in late middle school. I wanted it to help me drive so I don't keep destroying my cars. (I have had a total of 14 or so cars since I have been 16... its not that I crash them... I more just drive off the road and beat the **** out of them in that fashion, I'm not a speeder either, but I am hard on breaks (as I forget that I am driving).

When I spoke to my mother earlier right after I read this post, I asked her if the medication helped with these issues. She said, when I was younger I would throw a fit if I made an immediate decision that I couldn't do. As an Adult, she says that I still do the same thing, however I do not throw a fit about it...and I have the ability to act out the decision. (As before, I was a kid, couldn't drive, had no money, etc).

Oh, for medications I was on, I did Ritalin with great success. Not for this issue, but overall.

Let me know of any questions!

Re: Decision
 

I was at Nordstrom today, needed a pair of pants. I ended up buying 3 dress pants, 1 pair of blue jeans, 2 dress shorts and a belt.

I wanted one pair of pants but I just could not decide and then it escalated. I usually take a friend who knows how to shop but the she wasn't available today and I am starting a new job tomorrow so I needed to get them today.
Grocery store... I wanted to make alfredo sauce yesterday, I was at the cheese section at whole foods. After 35 minutes of standing there "smelling the cheeses, askign people, going online to see which one was better" I just walked away feeling like crap because I just couldnt decide.

Never been diagnosed with OCD, I asked my psychiatrist once and she said that I exhibited no compulsive behavior or any other symptom.

Oh well, by the way it took me a while to post this because well you kno why :D I couldnt decide as to whether or not it would be a good idea to do it. hahahah