hi | ADHD Information

Thanks for the replies!

I've called a doctor, should be in there by the 23rd, hopefully we'll get things worked out, and if not, I'll go to another one. I'll post my progress along the way. BTW, this is a great forum :-D
HI Thanks! Hi all!
I'm really trying to find out what is wrong with me, I'm a pretty good self observer and I've noticed that most of my symptoms match with those who have been diagnosed with ADHD. I have a hard time keeping my mind focused, except on a few things, such as drawing, or operating vehicles/machinery like cars or computers. Here is a few things that I have questioned: Sometimes, my symptoms seem even worse, sometimes they are not as severe. I usually cannot engage most women in conversation, and sometimes other guys. I just can't think of the right thing to say, and when I do, its usually irrelevant to the current subject, and/or completely unexpected. I'm well known for forgetting the simplest words mid-sentence and its almost useless for me to attempt remembering a number, or doing math without jotting. I've also noticed a few things about my behavior. I've had trouble in the past with keeping eye contact, and I'm extremely influenced by other peoples actions, such as the way they talk, act, and sometimes even walk, it feels like I'm just observing and mimmicking what I see, and that I don't have my own personality. I have known that I'm different than the 'regular' person for years, and most of this has been my own observations. Has anyone else seen any of these attributes in themselves? Hopefully, some of you will recognize these symptoms. The more thought I put into all of this, the more complex the problems get, and the less willing I am to deal with finding the solution(s).

The past 21 years have been one wild ride, not a fun one either.
You don't have to know what's wrong with you, or find the solution by
yourself. Find a doctor you can trust, and be open about your symptoms.
He or she will take care of the diagnosis. All you need to do is make an
appointment.Wordwoman38579.3777199074

Hey Lonnie...

I aggree with Wordwoman....find a doctor and get a diagnosis. I'm 48 and just diagnosed....missed a lot in life and never knew why. You are young and have a long life ahead of you.

I used to have trouble engaging a man in conversation; couldn't get over my fear or whatever...or maybe I made it 'too important' and the stress killed any chance of having a calm relaxed conversation.

I have gotten over that, but still have a hard time in romantic relationships with men. In fact, to my embarassment, and some shame, I have not been in any long term relationships except with my husband to whom I was married less than five years.

It's almost like...I lose interest unless a relationship continues to be a challenge...with lots to figure out and analyze, lots of issues to resolve. Mind you, these aren't happy relationships, most of them, except for a few really exceptional parts. If a guy falls all over himself to be with me (only happened in a couple of instances), I would feel all confined and overwhelmed, and ohmygodwhatifhewantstogetmarried. And, because of self esteem issues, I would always wonder what the heck is wrong with this man!

I think this is a topic of it's own...but I as I said, I am embarassed and ashamed...like, am I that shallow, or flawed, that I can't sustain a relationship with a man? Geezx.

Hi Lonnie - and welcome!

You definitely sound like you've got symptoms that aren't out of place for ADHD.  Could have Asperger's as well - it's a form of autism.  I'm beginning to think that I also have asperger's - as several of the symptoms overlap. 

Before you go to the doc you could also go to an online test - just to make it more clear in your own thoughts that there's a good chance you have ADHD - there's a lot but a good one is http://www.oneaddplace.com/addcheck.htm .

But for sure - go to a doc you can trust.  Just tell your symptoms as clearly as you can - bring a list if you can't keep it straight that's what I did.  Your doc SHOULD refer you to a psychiatrist for a first appointment - just to confirm.  MD's can sometimes be qualified to detect ADHD but a psychiatrist more so.  Then you might get some physical tests to rule out other things such as thyroidism that can make you feel and act like you have ADHD.  It will depend on your doctor.

Good luck whatever happens - I think we'll probably see you come back real soon!