add adult | ADHD Information

yes i did have the adhd test as well as the wisc 2, scores were above average and the psychologist said i did not have adhd.  i am c onfident she was wrong though.  i suffer daily with chronic life mismanagement.  it's a fight to go to work.  i just don't feel like doing anything.  i know i need help.   

my 14 year old son has just ben diagnosed with add.  i was also tested and found not have add but trouble with impulsivity.  i am going nuts here because for all my life i have struggled with disorganization to the infinite power, procrastination, irritibility,always hurried and late, having a group of friends for a while than drop them for a new group, starting several tasks at once finishing none.  e.g.  i'll start cleaning a room an come across a book or anything that catches my eye.  i'll indulge in that unitl something else pops in my head, i'll start that .........  i am so frustrated.  self discipline is a joke.  i think it was a misdiagnosis, but i don;t even know where else to go for a 2nd evaluation.  i want to go law school but i won't even study for the freakin lsat.  my son has been prescribed concerta i think i'll try that until i can get diagnosed.  if theres anyone out there that can even remotely relate, please respond !!!!!!!!!!  

Did you have any time of testing done?  What type of professional did you see?  I had the Wisc II, I think...Its a type of personality test.  I can relate to every word you are saying.  I have given college a try a few times.  I was always one to cram for tests at the last min.  I would suggest a second opinion if you are not satisfied with the diagnosis you were given.  I also have a son with ADHD, we are both on adderall XR.  Good Luck!!

I can relate to everything you have described --except I don't have any children of my own.  I am an adult with ADHD who wasn't diagnosed until after I was twenty years old.

I went through basically the same ordeal as you seem to be going through right now.  Even with 'greater than two standard deviations above the mean' corollated to ADD/ADHD-like behavioral traits, one psychologist refused to consider this as a real possibility.  He was adamant in his own subjective assessment that I was depressed, maladjusted, and co-dependent on a failed relationship and thus unable to function appropriately in society without the approval and encouragement of my male partner .

**Aside**  My subjective assessment of this psychologist is that he is a male chauvenist  who believes women are unable to demonstrate socially acceptable behavior in general.

I finally told this idiot that it did not matter who he was, what his credentials were, or what he thought he knew:  No one on Earth knows me better than I know myself!  I may not be happy about some things some of the time, and I may not always whistle dixie, but by no stretch of the imagination does that qualify me as being clinically depressed!  And if anyone on Earth somehow believes I am co-dependent on anything or anyone, then that person needs to take a trip to the library to thumb through an unabridged dictionary until he sees my many faces --right next to independent, determined, outspoken, creative, and intelligent... as well as disorganized, sporatic, stubborn, impulsive, brutally honest, forgetful, bold, abrasive, politically incorrect, abrupt, and 'un-lady-like'

I would definitely seek a second opinion if I were in your shoes.  But, I wouldn't suggest self-medicating--  first of all, that would deprive your son of his medication; secondly, the last thing you would want right now is to lose your job because you failed a random drug screen.  You may want to consider taking a temporary stress leave of absense from work --it sounds like you may be on the verge of burn-out.

Since you have indicated that you are unsure of who to turn to for a second opinion, you may consider talking to your pharmacist.  Pharmacists tend to have a professional relationship with most physicians in the area.  Although they generally cannot make negative comments to patients about physicians, pharmacists often will speak very highly of a select few.

I know this is a frustrating (to say the least) time for you.  But, hang in there!  I truly believe no one knows you better than you know yourself.  I also know there are varying professional opinions about ADD/ADHD in adults.  There are also differences in opinion concerning ADD/ADHD in females.  Some opinions, unfortunately, will likely contribute to your level of frustration -so be prepared.  Try to seek a physician who will listen attentively without prejudice to your story, your history, and how your goals seem to be just out of reach. 

If at some point the physician says something that makes you feel as though he/she doesn't take you seriously  -for example, if somehow or another PMS is suggested as the culprit- I hope you find the courage to put on your most sarcastic tone of voice and say something appropriately off the wall such as, "Thank you, Doc.  I'm pleased to learn after X number of years of having a menstrual cycle, I have finally elevated myself to the point where I can blame womanhood for being the root of all evil ."

One book that was especially reassuring to me when I was struggling with my diagnosis was Women with Attention Deficit Disorder, written by Sari Solden.  She touches a bit on the PMS and hormonal female paradigm, as well.  The books, Driven to Distraction and Answers to Distraction, each co-authored by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey, were also good sources of information and reassurance -even though not specifically regarding women.

Good luck.

I've seen a new psychologist and had the testing done.  Just like i've always known, i have add.  it's sad that the diagnosis has brought on relief.  at least now i can get the help i need.   Don't be sad.    You should be happy.  You should be happy now because you know that your future can only be brighter now.This is true