Teen daughter with ADD?? - ADD / ADHD Message Board

Howitt44 · 07-10-2004, 11:18 PM

My daughter is 18 years old. She has had this problem for about 2 1/2 years now that she describes as a racing mind that won't stop. She doesn't like to be alone with her thoughts because she thinks so much. She has difficulty falling asleep. I know all of these can be symptoms of ADD. But what I have read of ADD is that it shows up when you are young. But I KNOW she didn't have it when she was young. She made excellent grades in school was very laid back and calm and never was distracted. Can it still be ADD and not show up until the teen years? Or this just a phase of her age and trying to find herself? Please help. I am making an appointment with our doctor for a good physical to see if there is anything wrong physically such as hormonal imbalance etc. I really would appreciate any advice.
Cindy

index.html · 07-11-2004, 07:41 AM

ADD, by definition, must be present before age 7. However, it isn't uncommon for the diagnosis to come much later. Many of us weren't diagnosed until adulthood. Even then, though, we can look back and see that the symptoms were always there, they just weren't recognized.

The fact that your daughter's symptoms didn't show up until 2 1/2 years ago makes the ADD diagnosis doubtful. Also, the primary feature of ADD is the inability to focus and concentrate. I don't hear you describing that.

None of us here are qualified to diagnose ADD based on what you've written. However, I will tell you that my first impression (strictly my opinion) is that your daughter is suffering more from anxiety than inattention. She sounds like she is miserable. I'm glad that you are taking her for a checkup.

Let us know what the doc says....