Hi everyone, I'm a 25 year old female and I think I may have ADD. I have never lived up to my potential, as my teachers would say. I recieved poor grades through out my schooling and had what my teachers would call "behavior problems" during my earlier years in school (elementary). I wasn't a bad child, I just spent my time socializing, talking out of turn, day dreaming, doodling and sometimes talking back.

I was and am still percieved as a lazy individual, and don't know why I haven't been able to shake it. I am still living at home with my family and haven't really gone anywhere or achieved anything since high school. I want to succeed and do well in life, but I can never get my act together. I feel stuck in my current situation and don't really see a way out of it. I often live in my head... I have quite the imagination. My self esteem is almost non-existant. Since high school I have jumped from job to job and have had trouble keeping friendships. I find it almost impossible to control my spending habits and I have ruined my credit. I just feel like my life is out of control and I can't do anything about it. My parents are the only ones who haven't given up on me... but everyone else sees me as a failure.

does it sound like i may have ADD or am I just a lazy dead beat? Please, I need some advice... I can't live like this anymore.

A lot of what you said sounds like ADHD, and that may indeed be what's holding you back. It would be worthwhile for you to talk to your family doctor about the possibility of getting a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist that specializes in ADHD in adults.

I would also advise spending some time researching the issue so you can go into your appointments well informed and prepared.

Many of us were older than you when we realized that ADHD is our demon and had many people consider us lazy or 'give up' on us prior to diagnosis, so don't feel like there's no hope. Do your research, get your appointment and do your best to stay upbeat.

Good luck.