Do I have ADHD?

[BrightonRocks89]

Hello! Long-time lurker here, would it be unreasonable to ask for some advise?

Inspired by another thread (great thread topic btw! 😊) I wondered if you all could help me figure something out. I'm a 31yr old woman and have always struggled with anxiety and my concentration skills. I was alcohol dependant for over 10 years and its only within the last year thst I have detoxed and got it under control - I thought most of my problems would be solved! But no.. if anything when I don't drink I feel even more frustrated and find it hard to focus on simple tasks.

Does this checklist sound like ADHD? ;

1. I change my university course subject 3 times as I could not make a decision, this also lead me to procrastinate/drink, do drugs, anything but sit down and focus on my work as I felt I couldn't or it gave me crazy anxiety and I just wanted to be free in my own mind.
2. Only holding down 1 job in my life where I was late and found it hard to multi-task/focus/be social with other colleagues.
3. I am very indecisive in general, I cancel plans or faff about thinkjng do I want to go, will I enjoy it? Oh it ferls like too much effort.. so half the time I choose the easy option to just stay in. This has gotten worse lately, I never know what I want and everything seems such an effort and I am worried about being a recluse even though I do love being social and like tonight I feel very lonely being stuck in alone.
4. I tend to interrupt people, I feel myself doing it but its hard to stop and I get so frustrated with myself. My mind spins 100x a second it feels and I just feel like sometimes I'm going insane.

As you can see by my rushed typing I am so unorganised! But this is ruling my life, I become filled with dread by the thought of settling down for example on my laptop to fill in an application form etc, to the point where I'm filled with doom and anxiety.. for a simple task! This is not right is it? I desperately want more focus and motivation so I can not care about life and live it and get a job but I just can't- theres a mental block. Should I see my gp about ADHD? Any advise please? I'm deeply unhappy and concerned, thankyou.

It does sound like it to me. I am sure I have it. I’ve never fulfilled my potential; I just can’t get it together. My brain won’t work. I have hyper focus-burn brightly then “wham” not interested. People tell me things but none of it goes in. Ditto words on a page. I have to concentrate SO HARD just to be normal.
They say to examine your school life, how were you? What about your family? It’s genetic so one of your parents may show signs?

@Breastfeedingworries

Op you’ve literally described myself! We are two peas in a pod. I also have your history. I keep thinking I have it and need to know. I’ve been sacked from a lot of jobs as I couldn’t concentrate and made mistakes. I’ve really struggled professionally my whole life. I just want answers and not to always blame myself.

I’ve got a Young dd and it was a relief to think I could claim benefits. (Which really isn’t what it’s their for!) I often think of a future just staying on benefits and being housed because I don’t think I could keep down a job. (Although really want to) then j feel so guilty as both parents are hard working upper middle class and they’ve always afforded lovely holidays every year, own their own house.

I’m living at home like a sponge and it’s affecting my self esteem. Also I’ve done badly in relationships.

We do seem soo similar! Sorry you feel this way too, do you think being diagnosed would help? I have had fleeting thoughts of myself having ADHD on and off for the last couple of years but never really investigated it or thought it could be a possibility. Its only recently its clicked and a big reason for me wanting to look into it is I suppose its a way of me taking control, looking after myself, getting motivated in fixing my problems.. its a step in the right direction anyways and I think I will talk to my gp and or look into going private.

And gosh.. luckily I was asleep when Luna posted but I gather it wasn't a heart-felt post 😅 thanks for your input guys, I do love mumsnet and I'm so glad I took to courage to post 😊

the courage*

It might be worth seeing the GP to help decide if you need further investigation.
But don't get fixated on ADHD,

I have Borderline Personality Disorder and we sound quite similar, especially with regards to substance misuse and risky behaviour. I have trouble concentrating and suffer with anxiety and procrastination.

Also I'm confused to your reason about not taking antidepressants. They really help if you take them consistently. I had a friend who would have benefitted from them but she said she didn't feel herself when on them. That's the literal whole point. Be open to trying whatever your doctor suggests. Beta blockers are one in my tool kit that I find really useful.

Good luck

@passthemustard

It might be worth seeing the GP to help decide if you need further investigation. But don't get fixated on ADHD,

I have Borderline Personality Disorder and we sound quite similar, especially with regards to substance misuse and risky behaviour. I have trouble concentrating and suffer with anxiety and procrastination.

Also I'm confused to your reason about not taking antidepressants. They really help if you take them consistently. I had a friend who would have benefitted from them but she said she didn't feel herself when on them. That's the literal whole point. Be open to trying whatever your doctor suggests. Beta blockers are one in my tool kit that I find really useful.

Good luck

Hello, thankyou for commenting 😊

In regards to ads I have taken fluoxetine but just for a week (I know it takes a while to kick in) however I felt so numb, body and mind.. I guess I enjoy my hyoer, positive, eccentric moods and dont want to lose them? Because I can natural highs by anything realky, that burst of adrenaline.. I guess with ADHD the help I might receive could retain that whilst giving me the much needed focus and drive I need to handle life? Thats the dream anyways!

Maybe fluoxetine isn't your drug. There's a whole range of ADs to choose from and a week isn't really long enough to see any benefits or side effects.

You can't really pick and choose what you want to be treated for though. It's kinda up to the professionals to diagnose you accordingly and prescribe treatment and therapy.

Sounds a lot like Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder but do see your GP as a starting point.