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Original poster

Can someone explain how my ADHD isn't just actually stupidity?

42 replies

CazedAndDonfused · 16/01/2019 10:10

I mean no offence to anyone else with this diagnosis. But when applied to myself I just can't help thinking - how do I know for sure it's not me being stupid?

Part of my diagnostic report says a "sluggish cognitive tempo" surely that's just what was unkindly called "slow" when I was a child? Ie my brain really struggles to learn new things?

I sailed through school with good marks without studying until A level which I fucked up and since then everything has been hard. Basically anything requiring focus and concentration is very difficult. I could either pick up new skills in a lightening flash with no effort, or just cannot do it at all.

But once you get out of childhood and start to struggle with learning at adult level - does that not just mean I'm a stupid adult?

I cannot remember the last time I was good at anything. Probably at school. So does that not essentially just make me stupid?

Sorry I just don't get it and I've read articles online, I'm really overwhelmed and anxious right now and my fucking brain WILL NOT WORK.

OP posts:
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BertieBotts · 20/09/2024 11:54

Ah sorry I don't really have any further info except to say to look at Russell Barkley's youtube page where he has done some newer videos. I didn't really look into it any further than what I wrote there a few years back.

juliet76 · 20/09/2024 06:28

BertieBotts · 16/01/2019 12:40

Sluggish Cognitive Tempo is a subtype of ADHD and some believe it should be a different thing entirely. Russell Barkley is a specialist in this and has some good talks on youtube. If you struggle to follow (literally hours) of dialogue, try listening while you clean, jog, or iron.

If you were stupid you wouldn't be able to learn new things. SCT is more that it takes you longer to process them than most people. This is a usual problem with post 16 education as you are expected to be able to process things fast. But in reality does it matter how long it takes if you get there in the end? Someone with lower intelligence wouldn't get there in the end.

You might find something like Open University is better where you can take your time, though I personally would find the lack of a timetable to be impossible. I had success doing a part time degree (I somehow got in without A Levels) and essentially not doing anything else of substance around that degree, ie, the part time was my entire focus. OK I had a toddler and I was working part time - and I never finished it which was a massively stupid oversight. But that kind of studying worked. It is a case of working out what is important to you.

I know this post is really old but I’m looking for any support out there for sluggish cognitive tempo (now called cognitive disengagement syndrome). Any help or support much appreciated 🙏

BertieBotts · 19/01/2019 08:56

Hmm perhaps it's just down to different clinicians' understanding of the model? I am going by what Barkley says in the talk I liked to. He says SCT is not ADHD and is a separate disorder which doesn't have the executive function problems etc, so if you have executive function problems it's ADHD (PI) not SCT. You sound like me, I have the inattentive subtype too and majorly struggle with EF stuff and have definitely felt this "brain fog" and slowness but SCT has never been mentioned to me, I wouldn't have heard of it except for that lecture.

But it might be that the person who diagnosed you is using it as a shorthand for this "brain fog" feeling. Or it might be that Barkley is wrong and/or the research has moved on.

I definitely think there is some talking at cross purposes here and I think I've contributed to that, so I'm sorry.

Original poster
CazedAndDonfused · 18/01/2019 23:54

My main struggle is with executive function. The diagnosis is inattentive ADHD or what would have been ADD years ago. Sluggish cognitive tempo is a part of the report. For me it feels very much like part of exec function.
It's like when you have too many tabs open on a computer and eventually the computer just starts to run very slowly. You click on something, and instead of immediate action you have to count to five before the computer can do it, and the more frustrated you get and more you click the more the cursor disappears and opens random pages haphazardly. That's what happens my brain, that's what I thought sluggish cog tempo was but maybe I've misunderstood.

I'm confused as to what sluggish cognitive tempo is if it has nothing to do with executive function?

I should watch some of the links when I have time.

OP posts:
Wavyheaded · 18/01/2019 13:51

You're not stupid, you're beating yourself up. Yes, maybe it was called 'slow' in the old days, but so was dyslexia. There is more understanding now of how the brain works now and of how different types of brains operate. We're not all the same. And traditional academia is not the only measure of intelligence. Perhaps look into successful people with ADHD (there are many - like Richard Branson!) and learn about the strengths of having ADHD - perhaps focus on things you can excel in, rather than things you find a struggle.

BogstandardBelle · 18/01/2019 13:38

As above, what does stupid mean? Surely if we looked closely at every person labelled as «stupid» or «useless» we would find a reason for why they are outwith the norm. The brain is a very complex organ: labelling someone as «stupid» because their brain works in a different way is pretty, well, «stupid» ;-)

Petitprince · 18/01/2019 13:32

I don't believe anyone is stupid. Some people find things harder but stupid is an unhelpful way to describe that.

guildTheLilly · 18/01/2019 11:58

No one would be called stupid. There are thousands of much more official sounding titles for it.

BertieBotts · 18/01/2019 11:49

But it's not actually officially been renamed, that's just a suggestion made by Barkley. The fact a website is using it isn't helpful to somebody needing to communicate with medical professionals who will use the clinically recognised term. That's an issue for many areas of medicine (women who suffer repeated miscarriage are referred to as "habitual aborters" officially, for example, which is horrific). It does help to bear more sensitive names in mind personally of course but unfortnately we do need to stay aware of the often insensitive officially recognised terms.

Executive Function isn't relevant in cases of SCT which is closer to Narcolepsy (without actual falling asleep) than ADHD. However if OP recognises herself in descriptions of poor executive function, the SCT might be a mistake, she might have inattentive ADHD instead.

ADDitude used to be good but is wishy washy on facts these days, so be careful with it as a source.

BlankTimes · 18/01/2019 11:11

OP
It's okay, you don't have to repeat that awful phrase, it's apparently been renamed
www.additudemag.com/concentration-deficit-disorder/

The Additude site is full of info on coping strategies, have a browse.

Also search for info on Executive Function, that's about planning tasks etc.

Is there a disability officer at your Uni?
You need to see them and ask what help is available for you.
www.ucas.com/finance/additional-funding/disabled-students-allowances-dsas

HenweeArcher · 18/01/2019 10:51

OP, everything you have said could have been written about me. I excelled academically (without ever doing any work) until college. My degree was a real mixed bag. I come across as intelligent and articulate and have good ideas (I think) but completely fail at working to deadlines and become panicky and can’t actually manage to do the work. I have been told over and over again that I am suffering with anxiety (and now postnatal depression) but I honestly think it’s more to do with how my brain works than the brain chemistry. I have thought about getting a diagnosis but don’t know if it’s worth jumping through hoops for. I’m waiting for counselling at the moment so maybe I will discuss with them.

Seline · 18/01/2019 10:45

I have ADHD. I also have an iq at genius level. I just CANNOT (not through lack of trying!), apply it to life. I have zero concentration span, zero motivation and just get bored after 2 mins of doing anything.

This is my curse lol. I have a very high IQ yet it doesn't help me at all because my ADHD means I can't organise effectively.

Seline · 18/01/2019 10:43

Because our brains are wired to respond differently. That's not the same as intelligence or stupidity.

BertieBotts · 18/01/2019 10:41

Have you seen this playlist of talks? I'd start with this one where he debunks the sybtypes of ADHD, it then goes into a comparison of ADHD and SCT, with some pointers about potential medication. May be useful for seeing the difference/working out if you have possibly been misdiagnosed.

Whatdoyouknowwhenyouknownowt · 16/01/2019 22:03

Liz, Nice published guidelines last year about the best practice for treatment & DX. It's a bit patchy tho.

I'm glad you're getting help.

Original poster
CazedAndDonfused · 16/01/2019 21:41

The referral process took almost two years, now waiting on another appointment about medication. The team diagnosing were very nice. I think they would have prescribed medication sooner only there's a question mark over whether it's safe so I have to wait for another appointment to make sure.

I'd recommend asking for a referral, they take a long time but better late than never.

OP posts:
LizB62A · 16/01/2019 18:31

You sound just like me, I could have written exactly the same thing.....
How did you go about getting diagnosed?
And is there a chance that medication could help?
I'm genuinely interested
Thanks

MonkeyfaceThereturn · 16/01/2019 14:21

Fuck no it doesn't mean you're stupid.

I have ADHD. I also have an iq at genius level. I just CANNOT (not through lack of trying!), apply it to life. I have zero concentration span, zero motivation and just get bored after 2 mins of doing anything.

I literally can't complete a puzzle as my brain just fries. It's like a motorway in my head with cars whizzing everywhere at 100mph and they just. Won't. Slow. Down Grin

Yet when I 'get' something (I'm particularly good at medical stuff), I am like a sponge a day become a near expert fairly quickly.

You're fine, OP.

Haworthia · 16/01/2019 14:16

Apparently this book is good: Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!: The Classic Self-help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder [[https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0743264487/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LVZpCbJWGR99?tag=mumsnetforum-211]]

I suspect I have ADHD but can’t see the point of pursuing a diagnosis. Keep meaning to get this book, but tbh I lack the focus to read a book so... Grin

Waddsup12 · 16/01/2019 14:11

Get a person/buddy to help you work, as it looks like having people around stimulates your brain enough to focus.

Sip sugary drinks (trust me, this one jars but Barkley recommends it) and put music on, don't focus on what you're not doing, add stimulus.

Coffee, tea, coke, whatever works for you until you've tried medication.

BertieBotts · 16/01/2019 13:16

But once we get those results ours are normally better and more interesting :o

ReaganSomerset · 16/01/2019 13:15

Sounds like imposter syndrome- 'What if I'm not as good as everyone seems to think?' I struggle with this too.

You clearly are intelligent and good at what you're doing. What makes more sense--everyone else is wrong about you and you've managed to fool them all with your excellent public speaking or you are wrong about yourself and better than you think you are?

BertieBotts · 16/01/2019 13:09

YY absolutely and yes Barkley agrees it's humiliating.

It defo doesn't mean lazy either. We work twice as hard for a quarter of the results.

Original poster
CazedAndDonfused · 16/01/2019 13:08

Self esteem is up and down. In day to day life when I'm relaxed - I come across as not stupendously stupid and I feel pretty good about myself. For example in my degree I'm confident voicing my thoughts in seminars and discussions. I feel like my opinions make sense at the time. I'm good at public speaking and good at expressing myself like this.

Then I have a deadline and suddenly I can't make my brain work in a structured way, either to learn or to produce stuff, without shitloads of anxiety and tears and just plain not being able to do anything staring at the same page of a book for an hour. Self esteem nosedives.

So now I'm doubting myself and feeling like a massive fake for who I am in class! What if I just pull the wool over everybodys eyes because I'm good at public speaking!

Plus I feel guilty because of the lecturers who supported me, wrote me a reference, etc.

OP posts:
MereDintofPandiculation · 16/01/2019 12:59

If you got past GCSE before you started having problems, you've done better than a lot of people. About 30% of entrants to each subject fail to get a Grade C, so if you want to call yourself stupid for struggling at A-level, then that's a lot of other people you'll have to call stupid is well!