I think I have adult ADHD! Anybody else have it??

[sorryimlate]

I've scored really high on about twenty online tests that I've done so am going to go talk to the doctor.

It would make perfect sense as I've ALWAYS had problems with certain things eg being chronically late, very disorganised, lack of focus, can't stick to one task, I interrupt constantly (it is the thing I hate about myself the most) I have major mood swings and I talk too much.

I've had other issues such as OCDs (face picking)a problem with smoking weed, sleep issues, depressive episodes, and very disruptive behaviour at times (as an adult, much less so as a child to be honest).

The discrepancy is that I've always done very well academically, albeit under great stress due to everything being very last minute... So I'm worried that the traits the docs will look for when checking old school reports will not show up.

Anyone been through this process? What shoudl I expect?

I also think I will feel really funny about this when the initial euphoria of finding that there maybe a reason why I am so bloody useless has worn off...

For example, I was halfway through filling in an online form when I decided to start this post. I've just remembered what I was originally doing and now the page has timed out. Grr.

Yes me! I was diagnosed at about 20 - now 33.

Am at work so can't talk now, but will be back later. I did feel funny about it for a while, but all fine now and my life is very much more together. I was also good academically, but at the last minute here too.

Back later (if I remember )

It's never a good idea to self-diagnose. Rather talk to your doctor in as full & frank a way as possible and allow them to make an informed clinical judgement based on the evidence in front of them, referring you to a specialist if necessary. You could even print out and take your post above which articulates the problem clearly.

There are many conditions that have similar symptoms so don't jump to any conclusions. Let the experts decide what, if anything, is the problem. Good luck

I know that you're right about self-diagnosis as I think it could possibly be something else. That said, I haven't seen anything that fits me as much as the descriptions of adults with ADHD does...

Good idea re printing off my post - that is another problem - if I didn't take that post along with me (which I wouldn't have) then I would sit and ramble at them endlessly as I did when I first went to see them about sleeping/depression, and end up missing the point entirely.

It could easily be bi-polar disorder... is that what you were thinking? Which is why you really need to let qualified people decide rather than try to form your own diagnosis. The treatment path would be different, for example.

As well as your post above and taking along other relevant notes on your past history to refer to it would probably help to keep a 'symptom diary' between now and when you can see the doctor. Keeping a record of any episodes will let them get a good picture of severity and frequency.

Ok I will try to make a diary. Yes, bipolar is one of the other things I was thinking, or possibly Borderline Personality Disorder? Although I don't know much about that.

I'm a bit more scared of bipolar than ADHD for some reason... In any case there is definitely something up with me. Some people close to me have noticed it, others haven't.

Whatever the condition turns out to be, you'll be much better off once it is correctly identified and treated than if you carry on as you are. So don't let the name concern you too much.

Hi,

I spotted this thread on Google and have to confess I am a man but hope its OK to contribute.

With Adult ADHD you usually have no choice but to initially self-diagnose as few GPs or even psychiatrists have a remote clue about Adult ADHD. I would also warn you not to take the advice of either a GP or a regular psychiatrist but to ask to see an Adult ADHD Specialist, the NICE ADHD guidelines recommend this.

There are indeed other issues that may look a little like ADHD but ADHD looks likely based on your symptom list, as ADHD is the most common neurological difference there is (far more common than Bi-polar) at around 4-8% of the population. Bi-polar is much like ADHD but with mood swings. Adults with ADHD are emotionally volatile and sensitive but our mood changes come in reaction to circumstance, whereas with Bi-polar the mood changes may simply be periodic and more extreme.

Anyway if you think you are ADHD be prepared for a long and tough process to get diagnosed and medicated, it is still far from easy. However once diagnosed you can start to make practical changes to your life aligned with your strengths and with ADHD friendly approaches to your challenges. There are great books, support groups and coaches out there to help too.

Good luck

Andrew
Adult ADHD Coach (and ADHD myself)
www.simplywellbeing.com

just done the test and worryingly scored 69 but it could have been about 75 i can never sit still,always have to be on the go and hardly sleep

A good start would be coming off the weed.

jalopy who is the statement aimed at as it looks like a reply to me and ive never touched the stuff

I am self diagnosed too. I score extremely high on the online tests. I have done lots of research into it.

I suspect I am too, I've done one test and scored 78. I'd like to do a few more tests but all the ones I've seen cost money. Can anyone link me to a few sevral good, free tests?

Andrew, thank you for your post, of course you cann post, being a man! I will check out your website, can you give me anymore information? It's very reassuring to see that you are a coach, and inspirational.

Hi,

Sorry for the delay in replying, I wasn't paying attention!! Actually I have been busy running my first Adult ADHD Workshop in London. We had 17 attendees with an 87% approval rating, so I am pretty pleased with it.

I thought I would add a couple of notes on where best to go if you think you have ADHD. Some of the main clues to being ADHD include:

o Often procrastinating and failing to achieve what you and others expect of you. School reports "could try harder", "not achieving her/his potential". At work failing to do as asked, being late and moving jobs often.
o Usually impatient, hate queues, bored easily, attention wanders easily, daydream a lot.
o Common linked problems include addictions (mainly stimulants such as alcohol, cannabis, cigarettes, caffeine and cocaine), getting to sleep, depression and anxiety. Many dyslexic people are also ADHD.
o Struggle with planning and organisation. Seriously behind with tax returns, tidying, paperwork, expenses, planning - generally always doing what is interesting rather than what is important.

These are only indicators but there are several online tests available. One of the best is a video test at totallyadd.com. I have a quick check list to review here.

With the current lack of information available most adults reflect deeply before they conclude they are ADD - so they are often right in their self-diagnosis, though depression, bi-polar, thyroid issues and a few others problems can present similar symptoms. But ADHD is not uncommon, statistics vary but most likely ADHD affects from 4-8% of the UK adult population, that's up to 5 million people so it is pretty likely you are if you match the symptoms!

So what do you do next? Get help. It's as simple as that. Finally, you can get some help... So here is my summary of the steps you can now take:

1. Read: "Delivered from Distraction" by Edward Hallowell and find other books here.

1. Check out www.aadd.org.uk and other useful ADD websites here.

1. Watch ADD and Loving it?! the best video on ADHD available

1. See your GP and ask to see an ADHD specialist see

1. Visit a Support Group and meet other ADD adults and

1. Get an an ADHD Coach, this is the standard approach in the USA along with medication.

Life can get much better

Once you finally know why you are different, you can start to make a new much happier life for yourself.

Regards

Andrew
ADHD Coach
www.simplywellbeing.com

Hi, can anyone tell me what the benefits of an official diagnosis are?
Thanks