Does this sound possible?

[blimppy]

DD1 (16) has been struggling with anxiety, and now depression, for nearly 3 years. She appeared to be fine in primary school, although counselling has revealed that her anxiety (which has its roots as social anxiety) goes right back through to her early childhood. Looking back, I can see what I now know were signs of this. She had friends at primary school, but really struggled to fit in at secondary school. She is now in 6th form college and socially is much happier, albeit she has had some major anxiety attacks. Academically, she is bright and has done well thus far, and no concerns were ever expressed about her concentration and effort levels. But she is now struggling with A levels. Her concentration is poor, she says she always gets bored and her mind rushes off in all directions. As a result, she is failing to keep up with homework. I have been assuming this is all the result of her depression. However, the GP has just informed us that he thinks it possible she has ADHD. We are awaiting a CAMHS appointment. ADHD had never occurred to me and all I can think of from her childhood is that she has always been really fidgety and struggled to sit still. No other obvious problems with concentration though. She does also have a really annoying tendency to keep interrupting people, apparently with no awareness that they might be having their own conversation! Overall, I find it hard to think she has ADHD and we just haven't noticed, but there would be some comfort in knowing that there is some cause for her difficulties. I know we have to wait and see what CAMHS say, but I just wondered if anyone might have some experience or insight into how likely it is that ADHD could go unnoticed for so long.

Apologies - that got rather longer than I intended!

[Ineedmorepatience]

Yes perfectly possible! Also look at the criteria for Aspergers! Many girls go undiagnosed with this kind of condition simply because they are better at masking their difficulties or "pretenting to be normal"

Its no reflection on you as a parent and she is lucky in a way that someone has picked it up before she becomes an adult and tried to function in the world of work without a clear idea of strategies to help support her!

Good luck

[blimppy]

Thanks for your response, and the good wishes! Funnily enough, I have occasionally wondered about aspergers. Although undiagnosed (and not discussed), both DH and his father show some clear likely traits of it and DD does seem to take "fandom" very seriously,s she knows every possible factoid about her favourite shows, and has often regaled us with them! That said, I'm seeing a little less of that now. We will see what CAMHS says - after waiting ages it looks like we should get an appointment soon.

[Ineedmorepatience]

The depression could have altered her behaviour and her enjoyment of facts etc also being a teen could have altered it!

Good luck with CAMHS