many things going on getting nowhere. | ADHD Information

I have a question I have been taking self test on ADHD,OCD, and other things it turns out that from all the test I have takin over the net seems I am ADD, ADHD, OCD among other things What kind of test can say for sure what my problem is not to sure cause all I did for my kids was see a psychologist? I've always known something had to be wrong because I could never focus in school and dropped out, I could take a test at home pass with an A fail at school the next day was crazy. I suck my thumb still today and I'm 28 with my own kids. I start many tasks and don't get very far. Once I am focused on something I become so involved that I can't even hear what is going on around me. I could prob go on and on but I'll stop here. Please keep in mind I am the one who does not like meds so if you think of anything I can try without meds that would be great I have enough meds to take with my back surgery, Acid reflux and edo problems. Thanks Maria.

If you feel you have all the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, why do you think the tests are wrong? There is no one "right" answer because ADD/ADHD affects each of us a little differently. We react differently, and it shows up differently in our lives because we're trying to do different things.

As for having a bit of OCD, I read somewhere that for someone with ADD/ADHD, it can be a real blessing. You can use the OCD to create habits to cope with the ADD forgetfulness and distractability.

Since you're not going to take medication, it would seem to me that rather than giving a name to whatever the problem is, maybe you should focus on solving the problems. I have ADD and if all I wanted to do was play video games, watch TV or daydream, I wouldn't have a problem. It's only because I want to accomplish more with my life that it interferes and I have to find coping mechanisms.

For example, you say you can pass a test when you're at home but in school the next day, you fail (I assume because the noise, etc. in the classroom distract you.) If you were to take correspondence courses, you would do all your assignments and tests at home. That would solve that problem, without medication, and without medication.

If you take each problem, one at a time, and work with someone who has dealt with that problem before (someone with ADD/ADHD, of course, since they've overcome the same challenges as you) and learn the techniques they've used. I work with a coach who specializes in helping people with ADD/ADHD and there are plenty of them around.

There are books you can buy that explain some of the coping mechanisms people have used (ADD Success Stories, Driven to Distraction, etc.) and you'll find plenty of articles on the Web (search for "ADHD articles") and there's a free report for people with ADD/ADHD looking to start a business at http://www.ridethewaveonline.com/surfsup/report.asp.

There are other alternatives to medication as well... natural remedies, biofeedback, etc. I've never tried them myself (I don't mind taking medication... for me, Ritalin has been the greatest thing since sliced bread!) but there are a lot of people who believe they help.

As for sucking your thumb, well, that's got nothing to do with ADD/ADHD. Maybe your kids are driving you crazy!

Hope this helps.

I was talking abou some brain scans or someting a friend of mine was telling me about lol. I think there is some truth to the test taken but you can never be to sure. as for the thumb sucking started in my moms belly never ended I tried sleeping on my hands tied up my fingers but always wake with my thumb in my mouth odd and funny how I do things in my sleep and don't know how or why. Also my hubby and other family members tell me that when they try to wake me I hit them cuss them out ect if anyones know what I can do about this please let me know cause I don't even know what or why I do it. I plan to take to my kids therapist about these things but in the meantime any feed back would be great. Thanks Maria.

Hi Oloveia, those brain scans tour friend was talking about are the Spectragram or E.E.G. My hubby wants me to get one because DR.PHIL, who I usually like, had to open his big mouth and say "thats the only way to tell for sure" LOL, right in front of my hubby!

I just got got back from my family doc who is also a psychologist. Anyway he agrees with me and said "if DR PHIL knew everything, he would have all his hair

I'm just assuming you haven't been DX'ed. Your history starting from childhood up to now is (I think) still the best test. Also when reading posts, does it sound like you are reading your own lifes story? For me it did, along with a show on add/adhd. The show was 11 yrs ago, but it still was considered "just an excuse for a smart person to be lazy" I was DX'ed over 2 yrs ago.

Since meds aren't your thing, there is a book about how the foods we eat can play a big part w/add/adhd and other disorders. Adderall seems to work the best for me, but I have noticed that sugar and fried food, even when with meds can make my head foggy (which s**ks b/c I LOVE junkfood!)

You said you can pass a test at home, than fail the test at school? It's called "Test Anxiety" I had that big time in tech school. You know the stuff by heart,but your mind freezes or just goes blank when the test is infront of you. I tried word association and it helped. I managed to get A's & B's. What you described, sounds like add/adhd and maybe something else in the mix. Get DX'ed, than take things one step at a time. As for the thumb sucking, maybe it's a comfort or stress relieving action. I twirl my hair!

P.S is the thumb sucking done only at home? Hope so, b/c that could be a problem!

for me, ADHD is a lot of seeking stimulus. sucking your thumb, touching
your hair, or what i do is sway- i sway in line, or whenever i have to stand
still. people have stared.

That's why adhd medication is often a stimulant- by taking a stimulant
you don't need to do all the other things you do to fill the need for
stimulation and can finally get stuff done. my spouse just looks at me and
can tell when i haven't taken it.

If you don't want meds, you have to accept that you have a high need for
stimulus. Think of substitution- instead of twirling your hair have some
other hands on activity and teach yourself to do that instead. keep a
sewing basket where you sit to watch tv, have a stress ball in the car to
squeeze. keep a nail file by your computer. I had my kid's teacher put
sandpaper under her desk- when she is supposed to listen she pets the
sand paper under her desk. no one sees her do it, and she can appear to
be just sitting there listening. But don't think you will just stop. You
won't. you have to adapt.

When you fall into hyperfocus mode, take advantage. organize, push it,
cause who knows when it will come again. don't start new projects unless
you throw the old unfinished projects out or finish them. call home and
leave yourself messages on your answering machine.

Get clocks that chime every hour so you realize that time is passing.
when they chime ask yourself if you are hair twirling. Have your kids call
out a secret code word whenever they catch you doing it. something
funny that only your family knows. Don't be ashamed, make it fun and
lighthearted. Thanks for some of the ideas now If I can remember I'll have a talk with hubby and kids in the morning so we can think of things that will be fun for all to help out a little. I'll also call my kids therapist cause I want to know why when people try to wake me I tend to get violent and I'm not ever aware I'm hitting or yelling but have been told by lots of family and friends I do this so now no one gets near me when they have to wake me. Also people can have conversations with me when I'm sleep yet I never remember anyone coming in my room to ask me anything. At 12 am my hubby said he woke me to unlock the tv and I did so but have no memory of him asking me to do so. Getting to be annoying. I hope that the therapist can tell me what I can do about this. MariaI tried to call my kids therapist a few times today no luck there yet but still gonna keep up on this. As for the thumb sucking/playing with my hair I do it no matter where I am including driving lol. I know a long time ago people/therapist would say that it meant you are insecure however I don't buy that since I started doin it in my moms belly lol. Still have yet to find something that will help me stop. I'm just glad my kids don't do it as well. One of my sisters kids does it and so does one of my brothers daughters. Funny cause they always tell me that they should have been my kids lol. Thanks for the feed back.