Do I have ADD? How should I approach a psychiatrist?

[chiyo03]

I went to a psychiatrist before last last week, I think. And it was just 5 minutes when he said that what I`m feeling is just depression. I don`t know what to do or say. And just went out from his clinic.

He recommended me to take anti-depressant for a month. But I didn`t buy what he have recommended because my Mom doesn`t know that I went to a psychiatrist and I don`t want her to see me taking medications because she`ll ask and she`ll worry.

So during the weekend, I told my Mom that I want to see a psychiatrist. Because I need help.

My Mom didn`t take it seriously. And told me that I might be over thinking things.

But I`m really worrying. It`s really getting hard especially that I am now in my second year in college.

So, I need your comment and suggestions.

Here are some symptoms that I have:
- I usually plan a lot ahead. And then I end up doing nothing or not finishing things.
- I always try focusing in class and listening to my teachers. And when my seatmates ask me what the teacher said, I have nothing to say except for, "I don`t know. Sorry."
- My Mom give me tasks (household chores ) ) and I always forgot about them. And my Mom will scold me.
- My teachers sometimes find me staring blank then they would call me to participate to call my attention.
- I get depress easily. I usually cry at night.
- I can also get distracted easily. I already watched 2 videos in youtube before I wrote this line.
- I plan things in an organize manner which I think is good because in that way, I will finish all my work. BUT. yes, a big but. I will get distracted to some things and before I know it, I`m cramming all the works I planned.
- And my forgetfulness is getting worse. My friends would ask me about our lessons, but I don`t remember all the details and sometimes I forget all about it.
- And I`m experiencing trouble in hearing.
- And my mood usually change fast.

I don`t know if those are acceptable symptoms. But please tell me if I might have ADD and if I should a psychiatrist again.

Thank you in advance ^_^

[Flory]

one thing to ask is have you had a long standing history of impairment, i.e have these symptoms developed suddenly or have you had a long history such as in earlier childhood.

if they are of sudden onset, i.e you've only started noticing them because you are being challenged in a different way, or you have had some major crisis/life problems/change, it might be that its perhaps more to do with being depressed.

None of us here are medical professionals however and the only way for you to receive correct diagnosis would be to submit yourself for evaluation by a specialist in ADHD or Neurodevelopmental disorders

[chiyo03]

I have some of the symptoms I listed since childhood, I think. And I remember being too distant to people. I usually get nervous when I`m in a crowd and get depress easily when I don`t finish a task right. And when I was in high school, a teacher of mine told me that I`m like an empty can. I don`t have anything in me yet I talk too much and loud. Teachers also told me that I am inconsistent in class.

[fracturedstory]

ADHD doesn't develop in adulthood but the symptoms become more impairing once you have more responsibility.

I think by 'getting worse' you mean harder to manage, stress building up.

What were you like as a child? Were you forgetful, bored easily, not wanting to do things you didn't to concentrate on? Was focus on those things they may have seemed boring to you, hard?

A lot of people with ADHD miss what was said to them. Their hearing is fine but just noticing it or remembering it is difficult. I have a processing disorder on top of ADHD. In my childhood people though I was deaf because I never responded.

I don't know much about the various types of depression but haven't really come across distractedness as a symptom. Maybe for anxiety. When I go through depression I lose motivation and there's no focus on anything. Doesn't matter how interested in it I am. I don't pay attention and don't try to shift my focus. If I miss someone saying something I don't care. Oh but the crying thing, I get that.

I'm erring on the side of yes ADHD, or maybe anxiety or you're really stressed, or possibly ADHD/anxiety/depression/stress combo. A lot of people with ADHD have depression or/and anxiety too.

[Flory]

I was submitted for hearing tests (pre-adhd, way back into my childhood) and failed a hearing test because i kept impulsively pressing the button and didn't want to be stuck in the silly little booth

[chiyo03]

@fracturedstory
yes. it`s getting hard to manage. and eventually I have meltdowns now and then. i sometimes lose motivation. and forgetfulness + lose motivation = bad combo.

i usually forget to do my assignments and when the due date comes, I always tell myself better late than never which is not really good. I know the consequences of passing my papers late, yet I don`t care.

I need help, but I don`t know who to talk to.

@flory
so maybe i don`t have any problem with my hearing )

[air1088]

thank you so much for this post! I am so glad to know that someone else out there has been experiencing all the same symptoms! I am going to discuss this with my psychiatrist ASAP

[air1088]

my psychiatrist told me that i have social anxiety, being on an antidepressant has been helping it