Counting and Spelling In My Head | ADHD Information

[QUOTE=HeidiMarie] I don't know much about OCD, but I agree it sounds like it. I also spell things out in my head, like when I'm counting, I'll visualize the number and spell it . . Thus making my counting slow :P
Also, I learned sign language in the 6th grade, so I'll catch myself walking down an aisle at the library or somewhere signing all the thoughts in my head! God forbid someone who knew sign language saw me!!
[/QUOTE]
I'm sure everyone must visualize things at one time or another, but I learned from a therapist that AD/HDers are apt to be extremely visual. I always thought everyone visualized like I do, and it blew my mind to learn this isn't so.

I visualize just about everything! My thoughts, other people's words, my own words, what I hear on TV, radio, etc. And although I do visualize people's names ... it still doesn't help me remember their names.

For example, when someone mentions a state in the US, the first thing that comes into my mind is a visualization of the shape of the state, and where it's located on a map of the US. Other, non-visual, people, may think of something that's associated with that state, like cattle, corn, or Disneyland...but don't visualize it as I may do. I see the cattle standing w/i the shape of the state w/i the entire country. Since I don't know what it's like to not visualize while I speak or listen, I really can't even imagine what would come to one's 'non-visual' mind when Disneyland is spoken, if not for the visual picture of all the rides, Mickey Mouse, etc. ... then what??

HeidiMarie...I can relate. When I was taking shorthand in school, I would think all the time in shorthand, instead of words in 'our' alphabet. And a friend of mine who also speaks/signs will sign to me occasionally, forgetting I don't..but truly would love to learn!

I believe a thread on visualizing was started some time ago on this board.

Wow, I've got diarrhea of the mouth today...bye!GypsyWomyn38550.4627199074

Thank you all for your input....

The more I think about it now, and especially after reading that article you posted, bepatient, it DOES seem like OCD.

I'm going to check out more on that site and read a little further into it. Perhaps mine is a case of AD/HD with OCD???

I just feel so much better knowing I am not crazy or alone in having these "quirks" of counting and spelling in my head and the need to have everything in order and grouped.

This is a wonderful site and again, I thank all of you for your input. I will update you of my findings.

Until then, take care and stay healthy! Cheers, Cherie

Sonya,

Please go get some sleep.....my God, you've got to keep your health up for 2 now...We'll talk more at some point... I just appreciate you responding to my prior messages...

In Good Health,

Cherie

Wow, I don't know what would happen...I've never thought about having the option NOT to have everything organized...

I do know this though, since my boyfriend moved in with me (who has been diagnosed with ADD), most of my organization has been pulled apart and I struggle daily to keep things in the order I had them in before he moved in...

I feel very disorganized in my mind now, sort of like my house being organized was the key to my mind and my life being organized...

I try to get him to keep things in order the way I had them in my "system"...he tries, I know he does...but he is horrible at organization and, as a result, I become frustrated to the point that I give up on ANY and ALL organization...the house is now a mess, there are piles of dirty clothes here and there...unread magazines in piles everywhere...dirty dishes in the sink, dirty pots and pans on the stove, a ring around the bathroom sink, tub and toilet from not being properly cleaned.....

I can not function like this....I feel like this inside. What can I do, short of asking him to move out (which I don't want to do...he's a really good guy), but I feel like MY world and MY environment have been ripped apart since he moved in. I need to get my organization back......how do I do this?????

and I feel that way inside....I feel out of control with myself...

i'm going to write this, then I must go...

what would happen if you woke up one day and NOT did what you do? what if you DIDN't arrange the coins. what if you DIDN'T arrange your pantry? what would happen? what is your reasons behind having to do these things?

if you could discover that, then most likely, that would be your "obsession"...that is, IF you do indeed have OCD..

ok, my child beckons..

i will check on you tomorrow, ok?

hope all goes well!

dang it. i could not find a good chart. i have seen them a ZILLION times here and there on the net, and now that I really need to see one i can't find it!!

so sorry.

but if you just do a google search, there are a few good sights out there that will really break it down for u....sorry i can't do more, i am a sleep deprived woman nursing a 1 month old right now...my mind is kind of fuzzy...

i must bid everyone goodnight!!

--sonya-h

OK....

I can tell you this...

When I balance my checkbook which is once every two months, I have to have it balance to the penny....when I roll coins that I save which is maybe every three months or so, I roll them all facing the same way in the wrapper....don't know if one has to do with the other in example.....but i also have other behaviors I now wonder about...

When I go grocery shopping and I put my things away, in the fridge, or on the pantry shelves, they must all be grouped by category and the front labels must be facing the front of the shelves so as to see them when I'm looking for something....

Now, I will admit, this DOES sound O/C.....but what does it all mean???

Wow, so much to take in Sonya...

Ok...I get your examples....SO.....

say, for instance, I have an obsession to make my checkbook balance to the penny....which I do.....

Then my compulsion would be what? Depositing my coins in the bank rolls with each coin facing the same way?

And believe me, I'm not being sarcastic....I really want to learn about this!

Don't give up on me baby!!!

Ok, i feel that you possibly may be getting the compulsion mixed up with the obsession. The obsession tends not to be "physical" but rather in the mind...

The obsession tends to be a fear of something, or an anxiety about something that eats up your mind that you are constantly worrying about, to the point that it interferes with every day living.

Taking your example. what you described would most likely be a compulsion rather than an obsession. a solution to a fear. Say, the fear or obsession would be of loosing your house. OR a fear of not knowing where your money is and a need to keep track of it for the fear of loosing it. the obsession.

The solution to quell that fear would be as you described, an need to keep your check book balanced "JUST SO". this would be done fix the fear, to calm down the anxiety of the obsession.

I need to find another chart...the one I gave was not a good one...hold on...

sonya_h38549.8707523148 [QUOTE=greatatwhatido]

OK....

I can tell you this...

Now, I will admit, this DOES sound O/C.....but what does it all mean???

[/QUOTE]
Not to make light of your concerns, Cherie, I'm not so sure that the need to balance a checkbook to the penny is either obsessive or compulsive...isn't that what most people do when they balance their checkbook? Because even if a few cents off, here and there, can cause a check to bounce. Although I've never had enough $$ in my account to not worry about balancing to the penny.

Also, I've always thought it perfectly 'normal' and made perfect sense to unpack groceries and put them in certain places (all pasta fixins in one place, canned veggies in another, cereal in another, baking stuff like sugar and flour in another, condiments in another, etc.) every time. And, of course, putting things away with the label facing out also makes perfect sense, in order to be able to read what is what. This is how most people I know arrange their frig and cupboards/pantry.

So, as Sonya has suggested, if the 'need' to do certain things a specific way is based on the fear of something terrible or tragic happening if you did NOT do it that specific way would be an example of possible OCD.

So, personally, the examples you gave (checkbook and groceries) don't sound at all OCD to me, Cherie. Just well organized.

More another time...

For now, good night from me, as well.

zzzzGypsyWomyn38549.9524768519

It sounds totally like OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)! It's an anxiety disorder. That's probably also why you reherse your side of the conversation before speaking (anxiety).

Try to get to a psycologist if you can. Ask her if she can rule out OCD. (meaning; tell you that it isn't OCD). Of course a complete evaluation is best.

Depending on the severity, anxiety disorders can be treated very successfully with SSRI's (Seratonin Re-uptake Inhibitors)

Hi again,

Here's an article I found on OCD. I got it from; mayoclinic.com. I hope it helps you

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Signs and symptoms
Article sections:

Overview

Signs and symptoms

Causes

Risk factors

When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis

Treatment

Self-care

Coping skills

Signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder include:

Obsessions
These are recurrent, persistent, unwanted ideas, thoughts or impulses that you experience involuntarily and that appear to be senseless. They commonly intrude when you're trying to think of or do other things. Common obsessions include:

Fear of dirt or contamination Concern with order, symmetry and exactness Constantly thinking about certain sounds, images, words or numbers Fear of harming a family member or friend Fear of thinking evil or sinful thoughts

Compulsions
These are repetitive behaviors that you're driven to perform regularly to combat your obsessions, even though to you — and to others — they may seem irrational. You may even make up "rules" to follow that help control the anxiety you feel when having obsessive thoughts. Typical compulsions include:

Excessive hand washing Repeatedly checking that doors are locked and appliances are turned off Arranging items in a precise order Repeatedly counting to the same number Touching certain objects a precise number of times

When you perform these rituals, you may feel some relief from anxiety, but not for long. Soon your discomfort returns, and you feel compelled to repeat your behaviors.

If you have an obsessive-compulsive disorder, you probably know that your repetitive thoughts and behaviors are irrational and senseless, but you can't free yourself from them. You may be able to control unwanted behaviors for a while, but your resistance may weaken after months or years of struggle. Eventually, your rituals may take up more and more of your day, making it virtually impossible to lead a normal life.

There's a difference between being a perfectionist and having obsessive-compulsive disorder. Perhaps you get all of your work done a week ahead of schedule, you compete at sports like a pro, and you keep the floors in your house so clean you could eat off them. That doesn't mean you have obsessive-compulsive disorder. Instead, you may belong to a large group of people who are sometimes called compulsive. That just means you hold yourself to a very high standard of performance in all that you do. This behavior contributes to building your self-esteem and success. These are not the behaviors seen in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Behaviors associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder interfere with everyday functioning.

I don't know much about OCD, but I agree it sounds like it. I also spell things out in my head, like when I'm counting, I'll visualize the number and spell it . . Thus making my counting slow :P Also, I learned sign language in the 6th grade, so I'll catch myself walking down an aisle at the library or somewhere signing all the thoughts in my head! God forbid someone who knew sign language saw me!!

hehe....

so is this sort of behavior (with the coins) OCD or ADD or AD/HD, or what??? I have not sorted coins to be with their "friends", however when I make a roll of coins to take to the bank....you can bet every coin is exectly in the same order and facing the same way...like anyone would EVER notice.....

[QUOTE=greatatwhatido]

hehe....so is this sort of behavior (with the coins) OCD or ADD or AD/HD, or what??? I have not sorted coins to be with their "friends", however when I make a roll of coins to take to the bank....you can bet every coin is exectly in the same order and facing the same way...like anyone would EVER notice.....[/QUOTE]
Not sure, actually. Probably just my AD/HD mind doing it's thing. Forever spinning, thinking, busy, busy mind.

But each coin facing the same way? Wow! That's not an easy task. I know banks used to do that with dollar bills, but they don't even do that any more, however, I do. But that's a matter of being able to count out change (bills) more accurately. But coins? You're unique in my book, Cheri! GypsyWomyn38549.8279050926

Hi Sonya,

I checked out the link to the site on OCD you provided for me on your reply to my message...I could sort of relate to some of the things the site mentioned, but I did not "see myself" in any of these situations...Though you were not the only one to reference a possibility of OCD to me....I am open to any suggestions, as it's been a long time that I've lived my life feeling as if I "don't fit in" anywhere...

I would be ecstatic if I were to discover there was a single element in my life that needed "treatment" for me to fill "normal"....but, I think that is a fantasy....

I am used to having to cope with day to day situations to be on the same level of understanding and performance as others who see their day in/day out activities as "mundane"...

I WILL BEAT WHAT IT IS THAT HOLDS ME BACK FROM EXCELLING....I WILL DISCOVER IT, RESEARCH IT AND CONQUER IT UNTIL IT NO LONGER EXISTS AS A THREAT IN MY LIFE....

Until then, I thank you for your input in helping me find this "villain" and I encourage you and all others to do the same if you feel it may help me in my quest to "conquer the demon" I face daily....the one who prevents me from communicating what I may know, or delivering what I can to help others excel in their lives...

Thanks a million,

Cherie

[QUOTE=GypsyWomyn]
But each coin facing the same way? Wow! That's not an easy task. I know banks used to do that with dollar bills, but they don't even do that any more, however, I do. But that's a matter of being able to count out change (bills) more accurately. But coins? You're unique in my book, Cheri! [/QUOTE]

I will use this in an example to explain OCD behavior...(I HAD put a nice long detaled example in my previous post, but I hit a button on this new computer and erased the whole dang thing by accident!!!)

Ok, what I HAD said in my long lost post was to think of the compulsion as the action....(the counting, the spelling, the cleaning, the arranging...) and the obsession as the REASON behind the compulsion.

Like say for instance, if you had a huge nagging fear and NEED to make sure your money was correct all the way down to the penny. And this fear just ate at you costantly, and you just stayed constantly worried that you would somehow misplace/miscount your money and end up short...this would be the obsession.

The compulsion would be what you described, having to count and point EACH and EVERY coin and dollar bill a certain way, ALL FACING the same way...arranging the money thus so in order to avoid loosing it.....this would be the compulsion.

The cleaning compulsion is usually for fear of contamination of germs. If you have an obsession that you are going to get sick, and your family is going to get sick, and this fear totally occupies your mind and is a constant source of grave disturbing anxiety to you.. that is the obsession

....and then the compulsion is to clean everything constantly a certain "way" to get rid of the germs...thus the compuslive ritual.

First comes the obsession. Then comes the compulsion or the compulsive "ritual" as a way to appease the obsession, to make it "better". To fix the "problem". This is usually the way it is for OCD patients.

BUT I AM NOT A DOCTOR. and every case is different, and their can be situations where the person obsesses and does not have compulsions, or the person has compusions and does not have an obsession.

sonya_h38549.8497685185

Hi Gypsy...

In answer to your question of whether I try to not count....yes, in both cases of counting and/or spelling, I must force myself to NOT count my movements or to NOT spell out words in my head. It is very difficult for me to do, but not impossible. When I deliberately "stop" doing this, I am able to focus on the task or thought at hand and I feel fine. I wouldn't consider this an urge....just something that I find myself doing. I have noticed the spelling of things in my head since I took typing class in 10th grade (I am now 41, so this has been going on for a LONG time)! Most times when I am spelling these words in my head, I can also see myself typing the letters out on the keys of a typewriter. The counting started a few years back. When I count in my head, I can hear my voice actually counting, but never out loud.

Thanks so much for replying to my message and telling me about your "ritual" for walking on sidewalks with blocks. See, this is why I feel I can relate so well to this site. It's people like you who have shared stories and situations that make me feel like I'm not a crackpot!!!

Cheers, Cherie

Well, Cherie, I'm glad to hear that you are able to not "count" or "spell" and carry on with whatever you're doing...that tells me that you are NOT doing this due to OCD. If you were, you would feel not only compelled to do it, but that something dreadful will happen to you or someone else if you didn't. KWIM? (='know what I mean?')

Also, AD/HD people are very often visual people...we visualize things...I even visualize words when someone is speaking to me, or I'm speaking...even if I can't always come up with words I wish to use ... so very often! I have said this before: I only wish we had a 'search' button in our brain so we could find words when we needed them. But what you do could have something to do with visualizing, don't you think?GypsyWomyn38549.7875578704

Hmmm....so interesting!

Yes, I tend to do the same thing as far as visualizing words. I noticed I also "mouth" the words other people are saying (as they are saying them) from time to time. It seems to help me to comprehend what they are telling me just a little bit better. Also, if I am going to have a conversation with someone about something important or maybe uncomfortable for me to talk about, I will rehearse the conversation (my side of it) out loud before it takes place to make sure I say the right words in the right way. If anyone ever caught me doing this, I think I would just die! It appears as if I'm talking to myself!

GreatAWID...Welcome to the board!

When you perform this counting ('ritual', so to speak, but not necessarily), have you tried not doing it? How do you feel if you do not count or spell when you get the urge to? And is it an actually urge? Or is it just something you find yourself doing?

I do this with the last thing I may have unconsciously heard on the TV, like a jingle, or a word. I will be repeating this word or humming the jingle while I'm doing dishes, for example. However, I personally believe that's something most people do, or so I thought.

Also, when I'm walking on sidewalks with 'blocks'...I need to walk with just two steps in each block, regardless of the size. I used this technique to learn to walk fast when I was younger, or visa vera.?? And I am a fast walker.

Now, I must admit, common to AD/HDers is constant thoughts in our heads, spinning, churning...and the voice is our own. That's one reason we have difficulty focusing.GypsyWomyn38549.493275463

Hello,

I am new to this site, but have spent the last three hours reading posts on various subjects related to adult ADHD.

I have never felt like a "normal" person and have only recently suspected that I may have ADHD after my boyfriend was diagnosed with it and I began to do research on the symptoms.

One quirk I have that I've not seen on this site thus far is that I constantly have to be "counting" out my motions or lapsing of events in my head, or I have to be spelling out words....An example of what I mean by counting out my motions or events would be in getting a cup of coffe....getting the cup (1,2,3...), pouring the coffee (4,5,6...), mixing in the creamer (7,8,9...), walking upstairs to get ready for work (10,11,12,13,14,15.....)etc. If I am not counting, I am spelling out words....it could be any word that pops in my mind but it normally is the last word in a sentence I've read or said. I will spell out the word in my head over and over and over again. Both of these situations are preventing me from focusing on tasks and thoughts and it is driving me crazy!!!

Does anyone out there have a related experience? Any suggestions on what I can do to stop these "voices" in my head?

I do something similar - I always count the steps as I'm walking up stairs. Never down, just walking up. I don't even realize I'm doing it. Also, (and I think this is really weird, I can't believe I'm admitting to it) I count the straight lines of each letter in a word (like, a 'T'=2, 'M'=4), then factor the total. So, if the total was 24, I'd visualize a string of numbers in my head like 1,2,3,4,6,8,12,24. I've always had an affinity for numbers, which seems to be unusual for ADDers. ?

Hi Partitthead (Jimmy Buffett fan?)-

Thanks for responding to my message...

I don't know if I just count in one direction as you (up or down stairs) but I'm going to pay attention after this....

I've never counted the straight lines of letter in a word, but I know exactly how you must feel when you do it....It's like my seeing the keys of a typewriter in my mind and seeing my fingers hitting the correct keys to spell out words.....

Have you been diagnosed with ADD, AD/HD?

Do you do either of these things all the time, or are you able to controll it? And if so, How?

Thank you for your response,
Cherie

Hi!

Recently, I had done some research on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in an attempt to try to find out more on some symptoms I was displaying in my childhood.

I just wanted to share with you that I had discovered in my quest for more info on OCD that counting and spelling such as you described can also be a symptom of OCD. Not saying that it's NOT ad/hd, just wanted to point out another possibility to you. So you can probably do a yahoo or a google search and find out more about it.

Sometimes, some of us can have AD/HD and OCD. Sometimes different disorders can go together...

as for me i DEFINITELY feel that I have something else with my ad/hd....i displayed OCD symptoms as a child, though I don't seem to display them anymore....i don't think....

just wanted to let u know....

sonya_h38549.6691550926

Hi Sonya....

Thank you so much for taking the time to write to me....I will definitely research the symptoms of OCD....I am familiar with OCD, but only to the extent that a friend's son has it and I know only what she has told me about it. I feel SO enlightened since reading the original postings on this site and actually becoming a member and making my own posts.

You guys have all been SO wonderful!

Thanks a million,

Cherie

dvirgo421, glenw....

we graduated from the same high school, right?

He He........Love you guys!

GlenW....

I am in the "cleaning" profession, and I feel the need when I walk in somewhere to wipe fingerprints off the windows and doorknobs with the tail of my tshirt....or take the smudge off the lightswitch with a spit bath....hahaha.....

Is it OCD...ADD....AD/HD.....The Cleaning Profession In Me??????

Or, am I (and the rest of the bunch in here) the normal ones....and all the others the ones that need help?????

Hmmmmm????????? Things that make you go Hmmmm.......

I type words--without the keyboard. As in if I'm watching tv or talking with someone and a word "lingers" in my head, I start finding myself moving my fingers as if I were typing them out on a keyboard. I don't know why and I always wondered if it were some weird mental thing. I don't feel compelled to do it and I don't always do it. Heck, I can go weeks with out doing it and then one day I'll find myself doing it. I don't know why I do this. Hmmmm.....

Yup - ALL too familiar!!

Definitely the urge to count things, spell things etc. is all parts of OCD. It seems to be very commonly connected to ADHD as when I was diagnosed the psychiatrist went into OCD questions for at least a good half hour of the interview.

I know I never tended to count everything - but I would see connections in amounts of things to math, or see anagrams of words and seem to dwell on it to an extent I didn't enjoy. Same with hearing a song and internally working out the history and connections of the band to other bands, band member info etc. Drove me batty (and anyone I'd share it with!). Same thing with movies.

I find now that I'm on medication (over 8 months now) that I don't dwell or obsess on things like I used to. I now find however that I am feeling compulsions to do odd things I never did before - like comment on things I feel are wrong or unfair (even if not happening to me), cleaning up disorganized areas at work that aren't my responsibility (like emptying ashtrays every time I enter the lunch room), and trying to make things at work more esthetically pleasing and ordered. This stuff never even occurred to me before meds! Trade one obsession for another! LOL

Hi Glen,

I don't have a psychiatrist yet (however, I do clean for one....no kidding)...actually, I always thought he was the crazy one....geez, the things I see when I'm there....

but anyhow, I will take your reccommendation and seek out a psychiatrist (other than the one who is a client) and I will take the tests to determine what I am....OCD...ADD....AD/HD.....or whatever the case may be....I just want to be able to channel my energies to a higher leve....and I have a LOT of energy!

Thank you so much for your imput,

Cherie

[QUOTE=greatatwhatido]

Is it OCD...ADD....AD/HD.....The Cleaning Profession In Me??????

Or, am I (and the rest of the bunch in here) the normal ones....and all the others the ones that need help?????

[/QUOTE]

Little of both I'd say. OCD and ADHD can go hand in hand as I mentioned in my earlier quote.

HOWEVER... If you don't fit the many other parts of ADHD that must fit to be sure (eg. 2 of 3 major parts of life must be dramatically harmed by symptoms), you may want to check with your psychiatrist (don't have one? Get one dammit!!) regarding manic depression. My ex gf has it as does her mom and cleaning obsession runs rampant with those two!! Just a thought.

According to my research, for most cases of OCD, the compulsions (counting, cleaning, etc) are brought on by the anxious unpleasant obsessions......

EXAMPLE:

obession with germs and constant fear of getting sick===cleaning compulsion.

obsession with loosing something important====counting compulsion.

usually the compulsions are a way of easing the obsessive thoughts or fears.

AND there can be cases of constant compulsions with no particular obsessions, OR constant obsessions with no compulsions.

so i guess the question could be: are their any obsessions that lead you to feel the need to constantly count and/or spell everything?

and my research also shows that your obsessions/fears/worries may be difficult to discuss, and you may feel they are embarrassing and irrational...don't worry. If you have these feelings, and you want to talk about them then we are here to listen....

(p.s. I know this because I have had these feelings myself, so I understand.)

sonya_h38549.7555902778

Hi Sonya,

Thank you for your response to my message... I'm not familiar with "obsessions" vs "compulsions" yet, as I only learned today that I may have an OCD disorder...Can you explain in more detail what your prior message means? I can not associate how my compulsion with counting would relate to an obsession with losing something....Am I afraid of losing my coffee? my energy? my boyfriend? my mind????

At the moment, none of the current obsessions I have lead me to feel the need to constantly count and or/spell everything. Actually, I'm not even aware of what my compulsions are....or if, in fact, i even have compulsions...

I'm really confused, but open to suggestions at this point.....

Thanks for taking the time to read my posts.

Cherie

I count any time I have to wait. For isntance, I have to lie down with my son until he goes to sleep. I count the whole time, and then when he falls asleep, I count to 100 before I get up, and then with each move I make, i count to 5 before making another!

HeidiMarie....

How long have you been counting like this? Is this a trait of OCD for you? Does the counting interfere with your other thoughts or actions, or are you able to continue them after your counting is done? This is so similar to what I go through....counting every move I make

Think of it as the obsession being what is going on in the mind, and the compulsions as what you do ABOUT that obsession....

Check out this website...if you scroll down a little bit there is a yellow chart up here that will show you the obsession and the resulting compulsion....

http://www.ocfoundation.org/ocf1010a.htm

'Great'...I edited my post above (on prev. pg) ....I had said since you can control and carry on with whatever you were doing, it probably 'is' OCD...when, in fact, I meant it most likly is NOT OCD.

As for compulsively wanting to clean...that is just something in one's personality, not necessarily a disorder. Many people also have an obsession to keep their home clean, again, it most likely is not a disorder. I also will empty ashtrays, etc., in a lunchroom, or even at a friend's house. (I think it's just cuz I'm a Virgo. )

Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder, OCD, involves the fear of death or something most horrid happening to either themself or someone else if one does NOT do whatever it is they are compelled to do, i.e., counting, washing hands so many times before you can stop. The compulsion is THAT strong.

Impulsiveness very often is involved with AD/HD, such as interrupting people (like your boss while he's in his office, just an example). Blurting out what you want to say (while you still can remember what it is) at an inappropriate time.

Impulsive shopping. Yet not necessarily obsessively compulsive with the fear if you didn't all hell would break loose, KWIM? Although that does not mean that OCD cannot be co-morbid with AD/HD. It just doesn't sound like what you are doing is.

Sorry, I'm tired right now, and may not be explaining this quite as clearly as I had intended.

Here's a good one: I used to work with the monies at a hospital, and while counting the coins I would talk with them (in my head, not outloud). Like, if I thought two dimes actually belonged together because they were togther to begin with, I would have to exchange one for another dime that got in the way.

Nah, I'm not crazy!

GypsyWomyn38549.8110763889