Hi,

Never been diagnosed with ADD (where I grew up they mainly just diagnose ADHD but not ADD, unless you have strong psychological problems, are disruptive or do very bad in school they don't really do any testing for such things) but I can pretty much identify with most of the symptoms (minus hyperactivity).

There's something that's always bugged me & that's making me feel like I'm doing my job badly (programming, I pretty much do as I feel and have several little internal projects that I can jump between) and makes me feel lazy and guilty.

It's as if I *had* to have something that's distracting me whenever I'm supposed to be concentrating on something - when I had to revise for exams in school I ALWAYS had to have the TV on I HAD to have something to listen to while revising, something that'd distract part of my brain otherwise I just could NOT concentrate AT ALL. It used to drive my Mom nuts!!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/tongue.gif

Anyway I generally always do several things at once like I very rarely watch a film through I always have to be reading something at the same time (or at least have something to read on my lap even if its just the tv guide, so I'll read some soap descriptions for a minute and then watch tv again) and I keep getting up and doing stuff like washing up a bit in-between even if there's no ad breaks (LOL long live the BBC!!!).

In school I did well (grades) but I never partook in the lessons I kept making notes and doodles or solved maths problems but I could never just sit still and listen or give feedback. (Unfortunately we got graded on participation as well but my exam results always compensated for that!)

Big stuff just totally overwhelms me (things like cleaning the whole house, planning a holiday or a trip somewhere) and my brain just fries, my ex always had a go at me for "doing half-arsed jobs" (LOL and that's worse than NEVER doing anything in the house? Oops wrong topic sorry http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/tongue.gif ) because I'd do some of the washing up then walk away to vac up part of the living room then go & do something else again.

Well it's either that or I just sit and stare at the TV while daydreaming because everything's just too much and I don't know where to start so I end up doing nothing at all! (Lazy cow http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif )

Anyway I digress (I do that a lot, bf thinks it's "cute" - weirdo! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif ), what's bugging me at work is that I feel like a total lazy slacker. I HAVE to do SOMETHING ELSE all the time I just CAN NOT sit there and work steadily on what I'm supposed to do for more than a few minutes! And it's not like a conscious decision I'm trying to concentrate and do something and then a few seconds later I catch myself staring into space or reading something instead of working.

Most of the time it's writing a quick E-Mail to someone (my parents sometimes) bit by bit (I write like 4 lines and then go back to it 10 minutes later) or reading/responding on here or other websites for a few minutes at a time. When our net access is not working I usually end up with a fried brain after at most half an hour and I just end up staring at the screen unable to think clearly http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

Now overall my employers don't mind as I DO DO a damn fine job and programming comes "natural" to me, I get everything done that I need to get done and I'm quick at finding solutions, but I still feel so bad because I feel like I should be able to just work steadily without having to keep my brain busy with other stuff!!!! And even with distractions I still end up with a headache and can't concentrate and just stare for a while, I just want to be able to think straight for once!!!


The only time I can do something for a prolonged amount of time is when I'm steadily working on something that's super interesting and needs little bits doing all over the place, sometimes I can get "lost in" something that I'm working on and sometimes when I've started something (like claning my room as a kid) I keep going until it's really late and I just can't stop.

At home the only thing I really can stick to for a long time is when I'm reading a book (a really good one) or playing a game on the PC as long as it's well-written and persistently interesting (I've learned to pick my books wisely now so I very rarely buy a boring one!), but as soon as it gets to a "boring" chapter I often give up and have to force myself to continue reading the book.

I've always "eaten" (= read VERY fast) books although I very rarely remember much of the contents (even while reading) but the most general points of the story, I never rememebr names of characters in books or films, it takes me ages to remember names and faces as well when meeting new people.

Anyone have experience with this or ways of dealing with it? I've stopped smoking and I've tried all sorts of vitamins and supplements that are supposed to help you focus and my concentration is still shot most of the time!

------------------
Redhead23

Female, 25

Quit smoking & left abusive relationship in 2003 - now there's just some 25 lbs to lose and I'm happy again http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Possible ADD
Social & general anxiety, panic attacks

[This message has been edited by Redhead23 (edited 09-12-2003).]

Hi...

You sound like me! I design and draft electronic board layouts on the computer, and, for some reason...I can only focus on a drawing for a short time and then I have to do something else for a bit...until I feel guilty for not "focusing" and then I go back to my work! I do get my work done, I can lock onto a layout and forget about everything at times, but that is rare...it has to be really challenging and interesting to keep me glued to it!

I clean my house the same way that you mentioned...in bits and pieces! I also devour good books, to the point of neglecting my kids! :0 I don't read much for pleasure anymore for that very reason! When I am older and the kids are grown, I will look forward to reading to my hearts content!

I assume I have ADD although I've never had that diagnosis.

Best wishes!

I am bouncing in my chair right now because I can't believe how you two sound EXACTLY like me!!! I read to distraction and nothing else (including kids) can drag me away (unless of course some one is dying, LOL) I also have stopped reading because of it. I also clean my home the same way (which drives my hubby nutso). I also have Panic Disorder and wake up with full blown ones in the middle of the night. I took Prozac for 5 years on and off. I am now off it and am doing good in regards to Panics. I did get some relief when I went on the Atkins Diet after a week or so. I felt tons better. I would recommend going off sugar completely and processed foods as well. Without the side effects of drugs. Although I am not good at staying on it (the diet). I keep going on and off it. Keep forgetting to eat right I guess LOL! I'm on it starting today and hope to be feeling better soon.

Hi,

Wow it's sure good to know that I'm not the only one who "ticks" like that! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

I don't think Atkins is for me, what with being a vegetarian, but I do generally not eat a lot of sugars (no real sweet tooth to speak of) and I don't eat many processed foods http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I still read quite a lot, haven't got kids yet (geez I feel like I can't handle my own life let alone having to look after a kid - I do feel broody though that's the problem! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif ) but my bf likes to read as well so it doesn't bother him too much http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
Redhead23

Female, 25

Quit smoking & left abusive relationship in 2003 - now there's just some 25 lbs to lose and I'm happy again :D

Possible ADD

Anxiety, panic attacks

Oh my God! I feel like I am reading my own story! I'm glad your boyfriend thinks it's cute, my family has just learned to accept it, although they find it very annoying.

Also, do you lose everything you put your hands on? Go into a room to get something and then can't remember why you went there?

What do you do to keep your life in order? I am so tired of everything being a mess, but it seems like as soon as I start to straighten it out I get distracted and find myself watching Dr. Phil and doing a crossword at the same time!

I've learned that lists and post-it notes help. If I don't immediately put stuff on the calander and look at it often, I forget important stuff. I've been so embarassed a few times when I've forgotten something important.

My husband is not amused http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif either.

He's not terribly sympathetic. Has a hard time understanding why I'm not organized and up to speed on everything. He's sort of a perfectionist (especially compared to me). And yet he has me do the finances?
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif Go figure!
I guess this problem is more common than we thought.
Diet and Gingko have helped some. That is when I can stay on the diet and remember to take the Gingko, LOL!

Also, do you lose everything you put your hands on? Go into a room to get something and then can't remember why you went there?
God yeah, all the time! And I'm constantly walking into a room and don't remember for the life of me why I went there in the first place - it drives me nuts because at 25 I really shouldn't have this kind of problem!!! "Thingy" has become my favourite word because I'm constantly forgetting what I'm on about or who I was talking about http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

I'm going to have to have a look on Amazon, as far as I know there are ADD-friendly ways of "keeping your life in order" - there are even ones for women on how to organise your household etc. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/tongue.gif

It does my head in, I know I'm still young so I shouldn't be all laid-back with pipe & slippers and a lifetime of work & savings behind me, but I just wish I could be more organised and wouldn't constantly feel like I'm not doing enough or like everything is going wrong, like Im not getting anywhere and just living (scraping through) from day to day, week to week and so on!

I've tried writing stuff down and making lists but I either forget to look at the list, leave the list at home (d'oh! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif ) or just stop writing stuff down again after a few days. I do at least keep a document folder with my contracts, bills etc. in them and I pay bills by direct debit & everything else is paid as soon as I get the bill, that way I don't have to remember it for more than a few hours http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/tongue.gif

Problem is deep down I'm quite tidy and I need to have it tidy & organised in the house with everything in its place, so it doubly does my head in because I can't seem to keep anything neat and organised! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

I have tried all sorts of supplements, minerals, vitamins etc. Valerian & Passionflower help with anxiety and panic in general but I still worry about *everything* - I'm the kind of person that people walk up to saying "Cheer up, it might never happen!" while I'm all lost in thoughts walking to the bus stop after work! (That happens about once a month)

It did get worse being married to a guy who put me down, called me lazy (I still organised the whole household, cleaned & cooked while we BOTH worked full time!) and made me feel bad about myself, but sadly it's been 7 months since I left and I have a wonderful guy at my side who helps out where he can, but the feeling of being inadequate and running in circles is still there http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

What makes me really sad is that I want kids some day within the next few years but I really don't see how I can cope with them if I can't even live my own life properly! Even just getting regular checkups with my GP and gynaecologist is soooo excruciating and there's a ton of things that still need sorting out since I moved in in April but I get hot flushes just thinking about all that stuff!!! Thankfully at least my dentist automatically gives a new appointment every time you go though!

------------------
Redhead23

Female, 25

Quit smoking & left abusive relationship in 2003 - now there's just some 25 lbs to lose and I'm happy again http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Possible ADD

Anxiety, panic attacks

[This message has been edited by Redhead23 (edited 09-13-2003).]

Good news for those who have not been diagnosed....you sound an awful lot like me and I am diagnosed with adult ADD. Here is one helpful hint for those not in customer service. If it is permitted, try wearing a loose fitting head phone plugged into a small CD player and have music (no words - I like Classical) playing to repeat the entire CD. This should help you stay on task at work (programming and such) by giving the rest of your brain something else ot focus on. This is what I did all the way through college. I do that now for my homework associated with income tax updates (my specialty), and I do this at work (between clients). If you can, give it a try. By the way, housework is best done with a "to do" list.....and TV is best watched while crocheting or knitting. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Great idea, I'll have to ask my boss - we're generally not allowed radios etc. in the office but I don't deal with customers (I do internal programming) and I don't think they can object too much to a personal player.

I've still got my mini disc system SOMEWHERE it's been years since I last used it! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif
I used to constantly wear it (on train/bus, every break in college - not allowed during lessons obviously because you can't hear what tutor was saying) before I started smoking - unfortunately I kind of started using smokign as a distraction for a long time http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif.

LOL well I'm a bit rubbish at knitting (not enough attention to detail, my motor skills aren't very good either) but my Mom recently took it up again after years of avoiding it, she makes those amazing scarves with glittery fish scale-type cotton that's all the hype in Switzerland at the moment, might have to pick up some of the material when I'm in Switzerland http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

By the way I know it's different in the US but how did you get diagnosed? I'm not sure I want to get labelled but I guess it would help, especially with my family (who still live in Switzerland) because they think I'm making stuff up (I was always "such a bright student" that there "can't be anything wrong with me", in spite of an alledgedly difficult birth where doctors had told them that I would have possible brain damage etc.) and I'm getting upset over "nothing" and worry too much/have such a negative outlook and think everything is going to end badly.

They just can't understand why I always feel so stressed by everyday tasks or why it takes me so long to organise another trip to see them! But they also think labels like that are rubbish & overhyped, I think I'd feel like a fraud even if some doc told me I was a "typical case" of something http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

------------------
Redhead23

Female, 25

Quit smoking & left abusive relationship in 2003 - now there's just some 25 lbs to lose and I'm happy again http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Possible ADD

Anxiety, panic attacks

[This message has been edited by Redhead23 (edited 09-14-2003).]

I'm 36 and you just described my whole life. I look at my cluttered house and sometimes wonder about taking my children's meds to see if it will help me get beyond organizing stacks then getting bored.

Redhead, I'm a 44 yr. old woman who's "just like all of you" Was just DX'ed 2 months ago. (Though I've know all my life, something wasn't right) Never had kids etc. etc. etc. Go find a good Doctor who has expericence with ADD/ADHD! Being on the right medications will make an unbeliveable difference!!

thank you kylenn - that gives me hope. I see my doc next month and i am going to ask him for something.

Do you ever just feel bad about yourself for not being able to get everything done the way you want? Sometimes at the end of the day when I look at all the things I thought I'd do but didn't I just feel like cr*p.

Kylenn - Did starting on meds help you get things done and feel better about yourself?

I thought about trying drugs but I also have panic disorder (I guess it's in remission) and I DO NOT want that to come back. I was on prozac for 5 yrs (for panic) and it made me spacier. When I changed my diet (drastically) I was able to go off my meds for panic. I felt pretty good (though still ADD).

Had one (panic) last night because I'm not doing well with diet. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/nono.gif

I have been thinking about possibly other meds for concentration but I'm afraid of panics (I mean REALLY afraid). I've also heard about some natural remedies that I'm going to try first.

Here in CA I just go to my doc for meds. I haven't asked him about ADD meds though. Not sure I want to risk it. Aren't they mostly related to speed? Like I need THAT!

What to do? http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dizzy.gif

I know what you mean about meds, Straterra (non-stimulant) sounds like the only one I'd even consider trying, I know stimulants make me anxious and jumpy and I'd be likely to abuse them.

I'll definitely have to see about getting diagnosed, I'm still on the waiting list with my GP as they have a 9 month waiting list and I only moved 6 months ago, but I'd like to get a referral at some point.

DenverGal - Yeah I feel bad about not getting the stuff done that I want to get done, pretty much on a daily basis http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

The nasty thing is that inside, I feel all restless, never happy where I am but I can never realise this urge to "go somewhere" or "do something" I just sit at home like a couch potato, but unlike some stoner or lazy couch potato it's not like I even enjoy just sitting around http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

------------------
Redhead23

Female, 25

Quit smoking & left abusive relationship in 2003 - now there's just some 25 lbs to lose and I'm happy again :D

Possible ADD

Anxiety, panic attacks

Posie - how did you change your diet? What do you eat and what do you avoid? Does this help with concentration, or just with the panic attacks?

Thanks

Originally posted by DenverGal:
Posie - how did you change your diet? What do you eat and what do you avoid? Does this help with concentration, or just with the panic attacks?

Thanks

Yes, please tell!!! I have had 2 panic attacks (in the dead of night!) and I never want another one again!!! I have been on fluvoxamine for a few years to keep the attacks away (I guess it works because I haven't had one since I went on the meds) but, the meds make me feel like an airhead and it would be nice to be off of them!

These posts were interesting to read! So many people I can really relate to!

OK, NOT all ADD/ADHD meds are stimulants! For some people the stimulants do not work at all. They did nothing for me but wire me out and make me more depressed. So far, Welbutrin 200 SR has made a big difference. It's hepled me focus. I'm able to organize like never before. I can start and complete one project at a time and because I'm not rushing, that project gets done right. I can sit still in a group of people and not drift off into space because I'm bored. ( I could go on & on...LOL) The big trick is to find what works for YOU. There are so many different drugs out there and each one affects every person differently. It may take a while to narrow it down to what works best. And you'll have to give each one 3-4 weeks to get into your system. Some of them with have not so nice side affects that should go away after 2 weeks. So you'll have to be patient give them time but in the end it will be worth it.
As for the diet part...That seemed to change on it's own. I no longer crave coffee all the time. The same goes for sweets. Even water tastes good now. Before, it just seemed to "boring" to drink. One of the good things (for most of us women LOL)about Welbutrin is that it lessons the appetite. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Not drastically, but just enough to eat lighter foods and smaller portions, which is the best and healthiest way to diet and lose weight. This in itself, with do wonders for depression and self esteem.

[This message has been edited by Kyleann (edited 09-15-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Kyleann (edited 09-15-2003).]

Ya there are a lot of "drugs" out there. MOST ADD meds are stimulants. There are MANY natural treatmenst out there that people should be trying before resorting to medication. Why put "drugs" into your system if you can find something natural that works.

So what kind of "natural treatments" are you referring to?

There are tons. Do some research.

------------------
~*~ Kristy ~*~

Thanks for the information Kyleann, I'll certainly look into it when I get back from my parents' place http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

------------------
Redhead23

Female, 25

Quit smoking & left abusive relationship in 2003 - now there's just some 25 lbs to lose and I'm happy again :D

Possible ADD

Anxiety, panic attacks

I was diagnosed with ADD this past summer and was put on Strattera...a non-narcotic drug. It is amazing how much we are all alike!!! Reading all this is like reading about my OWN experiences. The worst thing for me was the forgetting. I never could get my supplies together for a project without running up and down the stairs a million times. I was tired before I even started on something!! ha I too love to read and cannot pull myself away from it if its good...its called "hyper-focusing" in the ADD World! You certainly sound as if you have ADD. I also had the panic attacks and anxiety. I have been on anxiety meds for years. After being on strattera however, I found that I could go off the other meds. I am much more relaxed. I'm not saying I don't worry about the kids or their different situations..but I am able to let go now. I could hardly do that before. This is really a silly question that I have not asked anyone before. Ok...here goes...did anyone else "roll their head" as a child when they went to bed? I mean I would roll my head back and forth until my hair was so tangled, it would take my Mom an hour to brush it out. I couldn't help it. Now of course, I realize that I couldn't settle down enough to relax and go to sleep. If anyone else ever did that...please tell me. I'd like to think I wasn't a total luney when I was a kid!!! ha

Originally posted by Christine7777:
The worst thing for me was the forgetting. I never could get my supplies together for a project without running up and down the stairs a million times. I was tired before I even started on something!!
LOL yeah and I now live in a house that's small, but spread on 4 levels - I should be VERY fit and slim judging by the amount of times I have to run up & down those darn stairs!!!!

There's a saying in German - "Wer's nicht im Kopf hat, hat's in den Beinen" (Loosely translates to "Those who don't have a good memory, have good legs"). Must say I heard that a lot when I was a kid, although we always lived in small flats so I never had to run up&down stairs quite as much http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Not sure about the head rolling, but from what I know tics and quirks like that are quite frequent in ADD kids (or anything in the autistic spectrum).

Currently trying to get in touch with people about finding someone who can do a private diagnosis (as on the health service in the UK there are only 2 clinics who do it for adults, and it takes years to get a referral if at all) but it's a struggle as nobody seems to get back to my E-Mails http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

I'm also back on St John's Wort (in combination with high-dosage valerian, as on its own it makes me MORE anxious, not less) alongside a whole host of vitamins and minerals as well as ginseng and gingko, and it seems to be helping a little bit if I can remember to take it regularly, although the focussing ability decreases again after about an hour. LOL boyfriend thinks with all the cr@p I'm having to swallow in the mornings, I ought to rattle when I jump up & down! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/tongue.gif


------------------
Redhead23

Female, 25

Quit smoking & left abusive relationship in 2003 - now there's just some 25 lbs to lose and I'm happy again

Possible ADD

Anxiety, panic attacks

[This message has been edited by Redhead23 (edited 10-09-2003).]

Hello everyone...Im new to this board and would like to share my story with you. I really need some feed back on some questions I have. Let me start with my story.......

Im a 26 year old mother of two boys. My oldest son has been undergoing testing at school since last year(2nd grade). Yesterday we had the final meeting with the school and they are 100% positive that Zachory (my son) has ADD. Its almost a relief to here that. What I mean by relief is ever since kindergarten they have wanted to hold him back because of his unable to focus on work, and his unable to be neat. I fought tooth and nail about holding him back. He is learning and has a very high IQ. He could be out in "LA LA LAND" and the teacher would call on him and with no problems he would have the answer. We have tried different routes to solving the problems by punishment (which Im not proud to say) and reward programs. The reward program works GREAT BTW!!!

Anyways...Last year his teacher suggested that Zachory be tested and it just made alot of sense. Which brings me to today, after filling out numerous at home tests, all the school testing and the doctors tests its offical. My 8 year old son has ADD. I cant even begin to put into words my emotions. What used to be stress and frustration has turned to relief and just plain out happiness that its not my sons fault, that thier is a medical reason why he is the way he is.

Over the past 6months I talked to a handful of moms dealing with a child with ADD/ADHD. The first word to come out of thier mouths is "Zombie". That the meds will turn your child into one. Thinking about it to myself I cant do that to my child. If you knew my son you would know what I mean when I say its not him. If that happened to my son it would change him to a totally different child. Hes so full of happiness and life. Hes not hyper in anyway he goes with the flow but he has this Love of Life thing going on. He lights up a room, makes everyone laugh and if he goes on meds all of that could change. He just wouldnt be the same. Thats the hardest thing Im dealing with right now.

What Im looking for from this site is ideas of the "Natural" way to go. What kind of vitamins should I have him on? What kind of diet(food) would help? What kinds of food should I stay away from? Any suggestions and ideas you have please share with me? Its very overwhelming to me since....Im also being tested for Adult ADD. So not only do I have to worry about my son but I have to worry about myself. Please feel free to email me with anything and everything...sites, recipes, knowledge..anything. Thank You for your time and please excuse my lack of wording things better. ------------------
Christina

[This message has been edited by Christylm26 (edited 10-09-2003).]

Hi,

You might want to E-Mail one of the moderators to have your post turned into a separate thread, more people will be able to read it if you post it under an appropriate title :-)

------------------
Redhead23

Female, 25

Quit smoking & left abusive relationship in 2003 - now there's just some 25 lbs to lose and I'm happy again http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Possible ADD

Anxiety, panic attacks

[This message has been edited by Redhead23 (edited 10-10-2003).]

Hi everyone,

Wow, I normally come to the board for my children. I have 3 - Steve 17, Jenna 14 (ADD/Epilepsy) Jake 21 mths. (Epilepsy and a whole sting of other possibilities).

BUT, I couldn't help but reply to this...

My best frined calls me "Messy Back Pack Girl". Now I know where Ms Jenna gets it. You have no idea how it feels to see your life writen by someone else - maybe you do, many of us are saying the same things lol...

I must end with that for the moment as I have a ton of bills to pay that I should have made out on Monday.

Take care all - Bye for now!

L

LOL yup messy back pack - that's me.

To this day I always carry around a large bag (to work, shopping etc. currently I have a Timbuk2 courier bag, a bit larger than A4) with half my worldly possessions in it, like a bottle of water, notepaper, pens, bills to pay (although I pay most by direct debit so I don't have to remember them), mobile phone, keys (the bag has a bright red piece of rope to clip the keys on - VERY handy!), my wallet, an umbrella, spare scarf and usually a book or a paper. I don't know how most women manage with those teensy handbags! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif



[This message has been edited by Redhead23 (edited 10-10-2003).]

Hey All,

For those who have not started using bill pay online... It's a true God send. All of my core stuff is set up that way. But, we have so many same Drs and Lab fees with the baby that I still end up doing some the ol' fashion way, LATE http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif

I'm right there with you on the bag! Right down to a nail file oh, and a pacifier and bottle ring from some trip sometime.

...and my car! Same thing!

Take care

L