ZMan88

I am 55 and discovered my ADD about three years ago after feeling totally frustrated at myself. People with ADD are typically bright but without control they can easily be perceived as flakey (did you see the movie "Amadeus" - about Mozart? he was ADD) ADD people can focus when under pressure (or as they say, they "rise to the occasion") unfortunately, left unstimulated or controlled, they go aimlessly from one thing to another. We hate to be told what to do (that's why ADD people are usually self-employed - or unemployed. In school, in my case anyway, I tested high enough to be placed into the high achiever classes but didn't have the patience to finish reading a chapter in the book..... My first suggestion is to read the book "Driven to Distraction" - It took me five years to read it (really!) folks would insist that I read it but each time I picked it up at the book store, I flicked through it and said it didn't apply to me (denial!)Until I literally "hit the wall". Then I read it and discovered that I was not alone. sheesh! It took that many years!. The second thing I suggest is to find the nearest chapter of CHADD (Children and Adults with ADD) and attend a meeting. It is totally anonymous and many folks like you who have questions but no one to turn to will find it a haven of information, help, and understanding. My wife was extremely frustrated by my ADD behavior until I went on this "mission" to cure myself. She read the book and spoke with several other wives and came to a better understanding and appreciation for what we ADD people are. I will pray for your strength and patience in dealing with your spouse. The first step is discovery, the second step is acceptance, the third step is to take the bull by the horn and do something constructive about it. When you are on the right medication, it will be like putting on glasses to help you to see "clearly" - the trick to this is to focus and concentrate on "what you wish to accomplish" while you are of clear mind. Sounds simple, but its not.... it is - a journey. Now that I am on Concerta, I am able to understand, organize, and complete the task at hand. Sometimes I get off track but I am no longer fearful of the ignorance of not knowing "what's wrong with me". Good luck and God bless. Z