Constantly Reading? | ADHD Information

Grrr, I just tried to tell my husband that there is someone else out there who does the constant reading thing, and his reply? "Doesn't everyone bring something in the bathroom to read?"

I mean, why even say that - You know I'm not stupid enough to think I'm the only person who brings reading material into the bathroom with them.

Christ. Makes me regret those 2 years of understanding for his 'mental' illnesses that seem to turn on and off at whim/convenience . . .
Yes me too! I'm not a book reader, but I love to read newspaper,magazines,cereal boxes, phone book,toothpaste etc...........Anyone else out there CANNOT be alone without reading SOMETHING? If I am by myself for whatever reason -- be it sitting in the dining room eating breakfast, or using the bathroom, I ALWAYS have to be reading something, it does not matter WHAT it is . . I will read everything on the cereal box -- the ingrediants, the recycling info, EVERYTHING . . In the bathroom I have to keep books/magazines for every time I'm in there, be it for 30 seconds or longer! The worst thing is using someone else's bathroom or a public restroom, I'll take receipts out of my pocket to read! Or dig through my wallet, whatever . . . It doesn't have to interest me or mean ANYTHING whatsoever, I just HAVE to be reading it . .

Anyone else got this problem? Sometimes I just wish my brain would shut off for a minute or two.
OMG I have done that all my life, Heidi! That is until recently, because I have such a difficult time now focusing...so I don't do much reading at all, except on the ADHD boards. I also stopped doing this before I got my bifocals, since I wasn't able to see to read. hee hee

But I used to...absolutely everywhere! And still do at times. Although I didn't consider it a problem at the time. It helped keep my mind occupied and focused, which, to me, is good, right?

GypsyWomyn I never thought it was a problem, either. It never occured to me, either, that alot of the things I do, most people do NOT do :P

I have a terrible time focusing, too . . . But I still have to always be reading. When I do the bathroom/table reading, I don't process any of the information. I SHOULD be able to tell you all of the ingrediants in a bottle of shampoo, but I can only think of two: Water and Sodium laurel sulfate. The second may even be from something else :)
How odd! I just found this forum and was reading
through the posts because I need to get some
insight on the side effects of my ritalin (I’ll start
another thread on that) but I had to look at this one
because I do this too! I’ve always done it, and I do it
more as I get older. It’s like a compulsion with me.
My husband says he thinks it is kind of disturbing. I
tell him that I think the idea of being trapped
somewhere and bored is very disturbing, I think that
is why I do it.
Incidentally, it is this very issue that prevented me
getting treatment for ADHD for a long time. I thought
that there is no way that anyone with ADHD could
read as much as me. Now I look back on it, and I
realize that although I ALWAYS have to have
something to read, I am also jumping up every two
or three minutes because I can’t concentrate on it.
The mind can be so bizarre.
Anyway, thanks for posting this, I’m glad I’m not the
only compulsive reader!

I do this also. Especially if I am going to the "john" or eating a bowl of cereal. I know everything there is to know about always ultra thin pads, Tampax tampons absorbency levels and avoiding toxic shock syndrome, and lots of things most people don't know about soy milk! (well i DID anyway...I usually don't retain anything I read in this manner)

I don't read books often, but when I do, I get obsessed and hooked on them. I must have my book when I wake up, when I go to sleep, when I am riding somewhere, when I am eating, and while I am on the "john". My hubby says, "I need to go to walmart." I'm like, "ok, let me grab my book and my wallet." The obsession does not end into I get to the back cover of the book.

I get obsessed about lots of things, and then use the internet and spend days digging up every drop of information I can find on the subject. I got obsessed with childbirth YEARS before I even got pregnant. By the time I was in the delivery room, my midwife was unwilling to believe that I had never been to a birthing class before. I did the same thing with breastfeeding. When I was in the delivery room, the lactation consultant came in, and stood around a little while I fed my little man, and was like.."well, it looks like you really don't need me here. You seem to have everything together and he looks like his latch is good..." and left.

I got obsessed with hair style history, my husband's weight and sleep apnea, and now I seem to be permanently hooked on this ad/hd sight!!! and I read EVERYTHING I can find about ad/hd....

sonya_h38545.6370601852I do these too. I read ingredients of everything like shampoo during bathing. It becomes bothersome when I am supposed to just unwind/relax with the 200 mph mind...
Like I said earlier, no one is saying reading is bad. I don't think anyone here is foolish enough to say that. I was a book worm growing up and just don't have time for it, now. All the useless information I have to read never sticks with me, so it is a nuisance that I ahve to CONSTANTLY find something to read. I never learn anything!

I do the reading thing also...I will read the same thing over and over... but if I was asked what I had just read I wouldn't be able to remember.

I love to read. My problem is that I get so into my books that I don't want to do anything else.

msglitz, just hit 'new topic' in the ADHD Adult forums. I read things that interest me only. Since now using Prism lenses my focus is better. Angry mom38553.3190972222I have also always read all the packaging on boxes while I eat, or read signs, magazines. I guess our minds are so busy they have to do SOMETHING hehe 8 )

Ditto!Always travel with a book, always! Also I cannot fall asleep at night without "readying myself to sleep"...

In my last job I had to attend lots of meetings. Boring, endless, make you want to scream gatherings. I became very good at bringing articles and different things to read and focus on while still giving the impression I was part of the pontification. Guess that's an unmarketable skill tho'!

Can someone tell me how to start a new thread?

Me too LTC1! It is my one area of "hyperfocus" that
they say many ADHD'ers have. When I'm reading
then everyone had just better leave me alone,
everything else can go away. We're lucky you know.

Here I thought I was a freak, cause I read things, but I do not remember anything that I have read. But I can not just sit and not pick up something that has words on it. I also can not remember movies that I have seen. I always have to watch them a few times. I am glad I am not alone.

Lambiekin

I am another reader, and it does not matter how long I am in the bathroom for, be it 20 seconds or 20 minutes, I pick up one of the old magazines that I have looked at 1000 times and look through them again. With three kids, it's not the most comfortable seat in the house but it is the most private one!! I also for some reason are hooked on all of those True Confession, True--everything mags, I think because the stories are short (and usually pretty stupid). I love Reader's Digest for the same reason, although at least with that sometimes I learn something. If I start reading a book, I won't stop until I am done. I will enjoy it immensely but I know that if somebody wants to discuss the book with me later, I will be like, "Huh? I don't remember that part." I also have to constantly read, but I never attributed it to ADD until now! As a kid, I'd always read EVERY road sign as we drove by it out loud. I can pronounce every ingredient in shampoo, having practiced throughout the years. Funny commonality! [QUOTE=annidagostini] . . .

My daughter is an extreme reader. She is only 13 but has read all the Harry Potter books probably 20 times each. She can't go to her brother's soccer game or anywhere without a book to read! She is constantly asking to go to the library because she runs out of books so quickly. I know that reading is great and it is super that she reads so much, but I think it has something to do with hyperfocusing for her.

[/QUOTE]
I don't know about your daughter's reading being due to hyperfocusing (whether she has AD/HD or not, BTW, does she?) Anyway, I think it's irrelevant, and both you and her are very fortunate that she does love to read. It's too bad more children her age (or even younger) don't have such a desire to read, and instead end up spending too much time watching TV or playing on the computer (like their mommies

). And just think of all she'll learn from reading as she gets older and her taste in books changes. I just think it's wonderful!

My mother, who was not AD/HD (although I'm almost sure my father was) well, she was an advid reader as well. She would have several books going at the same time...something I could never do...I'd get the stories mixed up.

And when she ran out of books to read at our library in Syracuse, NY, they would send for more from out-of-state libraries.

So just count your blessings.

I know exactly what you're talking about. I'm always reading the cereal boxes, or junk mail...whatever I can get my hands on. Of course I don't usually comprehend everything, it just keeps me occupied.

I've also been known to read stuff during dinner even if my husband is eating with me. It's as if I'd rather read something than carry on a conversation. Usually by the time dinner rolls around, my meds have worn off and talking is just to difficult sometimes.

I have this same problem also. I have to read when I eat cereal in the morning. I will hunt around for something to read. I read in the bathroom too. When I am at someone else's house, I look inside the cupboards for a cleaning product to read! I'm glad I'm not the only crazy reader out there. I don't read for pleasure much though. Interesting.

I need a job like yours, Fallen. Unfortunately, I can't get through the college classes required to receive a diploma to get a job like yours :( [QUOTE=HeidiMarie]I need a job like yours, Fallen. Unfortunately, I can't get through the college classes required to receive a diploma to get a job like yours :( [/QUOTE]

I barely graduated high school. Had a series of low/unskilled part time jobs at minimum wage. Didnt do anything of note beyond play in a rock band until I was 25, which is when I realized that my ability to plug computers in and have them work was a marketable skill. From there I've used my hyperfocus to learn new skills in the IT realm and after 8 years find myself in a high level technology position for a successful company. It wasnt an easy ride, but by playing to my strengths and avoiding those things that show up my weaknesses I have been fortunate to carve a decent career and build a good reputation as a top geek.

It wasnt easy, I've failed at some stuff. I tried to be a manager and it was horrific and ended in about 4 months. Now I stick to what I'm good at, which is building secure networks and delivering small technical miracles when required.

But no, no formal education, only that which I've pushed myself to learn.

I read everything. Luckily I chose a job that requires intense research as a large percentage of the task. But yeah, I find myself reading boxes, flyers, detergent bottles if they're around. This discussion makes me cringe a little bit. I too am a huge reader (and
yes, that includes cereal boxes). But I have learned an amazing amount
through reading. Why characterize it as a problem? Maybe as ADHDers
we have this in common, but that doesn't mean there is something wrong
with it. Some may call it obsessive, but I consider it a strength that I am
proud of. [QUOTE=HeidiMarie] Anyone else out there CANNOT be alone without reading SOMETHING? If I am by myself for whatever reason -- be it sitting in the dining room eating breakfast, or using the bathroom, I ALWAYS have to be
reading something, it does not matter WHAT it is[/QUOTE]

I am exactly the same way. I spend about 8 hours a day on the job reading, and one might think that would be enough, but no. Waiting in lines, even short ones like the under-15-items line at the supermarket, without anything to read is almost unbearable, so I know who's who in all the soaps, even though I don't watch them.I'm not talking about recreational reading. I don't have time for that with an 18 month old son. I'm talking about how I always have to have my mind occupied - so if ever I'm in a position where I'm alone, like in a public restroom or my own bathroom, I read anything and everything in sight. I learn absolutely nothing from it, it really just feels like tossing a couple of logs on the old fire. Heidi, oops, sorry...cuz you asked "Anyone else have this problem?" Oy, just another problem of mine...taking everything so literally.

Actually, you're right, I also don't process most of the 'constant' reading I do. And tell your husband, it's NOT just in the loo.

If I'm riding a bus, I'll grab anything they have up front, schedule changes, etc...and read those, even tho I hate reading while moving...motion sickness. Nonetheless, there I'll be reading schedule changes for a route I'll never even ride! I'll even find myself reading the back side of a newspaper someone else is reading at Starbucks.

Tamaraw...welcome to the 'new' club...Constant Readers Anonymous!

OH MAN! I had no idea this was a common occurrence. I do this all the time. If there is printed material somewhere I am immediately distracted.

Count me in.....I read constantly when I was a student, always a book at hand....walking around reading, reading in class, at breakfast, at lunch, dinner. Couldn't study most of the time because I had to immerse myself in a book.

Now it's the internet. I constantly research any little thought that comes into my head...and as we know, one website/bit of info leads to another.

At work I am inclined to spend most of the day on the internet, then rush throught my work to get it done...usually late.

I simply cannot pull myself away.....I was recently diagnosed ADD, and I still question whether that is a self discipline issue. Each day I promise myself, then I take a peak and cannot stop. What is wrong with me? Is this ADD or laziness?

I'm still not sure......

Let's see I've got two books going right now. I must be slacking, usually it's three.

I'm reading 3 different books right now. One in the Family room , one in the living room, and one in the bathroom. I keep some magazines in the other bathroom. Sometime someone will take the magazines out so I'll look all around for something to read like part of the newspaper, anything.

I never noticed this untill you brought it up. I even took a book with me to the mall in case I got board.

Perhaps it's an AD/HD thing because it's our way of attempting to focus on something...anything, just to slow our brains down, if even momentarily!

For a very long time I also could not get to sleep unless I was reading a book. And it would take months sometimes to read one book because I'd read maybe three pages and be out...and the next night I had to re-read at least a two of those pages because I couldn't remember what I'd read, so it was like one step forward and two steps back.

I've gone through periods in my life that I constantly had a book going. I've had a hard time recently and I soooo miss reading a real book, not just cereal boxes and posts. (Not that I don't mind reading posts...it's just I should change the subject I'm reading about occasionally, ya know?)

Yet I never understood why I can ravenously read books for months on end, and then go for long periods where I couldn't read a book at all.

Does anyone else find their ability to focus (on what you want to focus on) comes and goes?

Just like you GypsyWomyn - I used to read books from right after school to sleep - usually early in the morning leaving me tired and burned out.

In adulthood I don't do that anymore thankfully. I did until recently (post medication) read magazines, newspapers and keep words or noise around me at all times. I know now that it was to avoid the painful, searing silence that brought the babble in my mind. If I was reading or mildly listening to anything then the noises inside went to a dull roar usually.

The focus does come and go still with me. I find that I now have periods where I'll dig out my box of magazines and favorite materials and read them for a while. Then, it goes wherever it came from and I'm good for a while.

Anyone else read magazines/books starting on the last pages? I've done that since I can remember - and gotten stern looks and words from teachers, parents and others who can't stand to see something done against their grain. Hmmmm.

I agree with you wordswoman, that it isn't really such
a bad thing. I have more random knowledge that has
actually come in quite handy. I think my reading habit
borders on the obsessive, but I can think of much
worse obsessions! When it comes down to it, I love
reading and I'm lucky I have that source of
happiness in my life. My husband watches TV for
instance, and I feel like his poor mind is at the mercy
of whatever happens to be on - at least I can choose
what I put in my mind by reading!
(By the way to avoid the common problem of reading
boxes and tubes of toothpaste, I just carry a book,
magazine or newspaper with me EVERYWHERE,
including the bathroom. I even walk around the
house holding a book in front of my face and don't
run in to anything - practice makes perfect!)I've always went through magazines from back to front. Someone said once that left handed people do that...

[QUOTE=HeidiMarie]Anyone else out there CANNOT be alone without reading SOMETHING? If I am by myself for whatever reason -- be it sitting in the dining room eating breakfast, or using the bathroom, I ALWAYS have to be reading something, it does not matter WHAT it is . . I will read everything on the cereal box -- the ingrediants, the recycling info, EVERYTHING . . In the bathroom I have to keep books/magazines for every time I'm in there, be it for 30 seconds or longer! The worst thing is using someone else's bathroom or a public restroom, I'll take receipts out of my pocket to read! Or dig through my wallet, whatever . . . It doesn't have to interest me or mean ANYTHING whatsoever, I just HAVE to be reading it . .

Anyone else got this problem? Sometimes I just wish my brain would shut off for a minute or two.
[/QUOTE]

Well, I never thought of it as a compulsion, much less a problem, but THANKS A LOT. Now I got a problem. As if it wasn't hard enough before, (you know what I'm talking about: without something to read, I can't go).

YES, I read alot. But our world is full of words. Ever drive down a freeway? We used to play a game that lasted all day, with whoever found a word first starting with each sequential letter of the alphabet would get to move on to the next letter. It would take forever to get to Z. Now, specially in L.A., we got to play back to A to see who's the winner.

YES! I even collect old magazines from my aunt and leave them in the smelly room, b/c I can't put them down when I start one, and I end up with a red ring on my boohind. If I'm in public, I'll rummage through my wallet and read everything in it. OMG! I can't believe there are really people in the world like me. OMG! I can't stand it....

YES! I even buy books, cuz the library won't lend me anymore b/c I forget to return them, or loose them. Or loose my library card.

YES! I even read 15,000 pages of what's his names books (the author of red october), between Thanksgiving and Christmas once. In sequential order. I started acting like the characters said my wife. Certainly talking like them. I'd even skip sleep to finish a book.

YES! I even read the Bible cover to cover 4 times in a row! I started a 5th time and never made it...

NOOOOOO, I don't have a problem reading.... do you? I read very well....

GlenW and Gypsywoman both hit on something that
is very true for me. I read constantly in an attempt to
focus on something - anything- in order to avoid the
painful chaos of my undirected mind. Thanks for
putting it so clearly, I think that's exactly why I do it.
Reading soothes me, my husband just doesn't get it.
But he isn't ADHD so no wonder - he can play golf to
relax. I would go completely crazy if I tried to play golf,
or any methodical sport like that.