May have ADHD, and I need some guidance!

[Johnsmith1003]

I'm 23. Ever since I can remember, maybe 6 years ago, I started being who I am. I have a short fuse, snap at anyone who does me wrong. I don't really think of some consequences and just do things. I have these 'highs' and 'lows', like depression. Someone would do me wrong, and I'll resent them for a very long time, if not indefinitely. I get angry way too easily but most importantly my attention is just shot. I lose interest in many things, like school, and focus more intently on newly observed obsessions. I'm always fidgety while sitting down, and neurotic. When working, I'd be asked to do a task and then hear it to forget it three seconds later, then they would get mad at me for seemingly ignoring them and my relations with them (or anyone) would falter. Eventually I just convinced myself who I was and never questioned a possible mental disorder. It became more obvious in the last year or so, so I finally caved and asked my doctor. She said I may have ADHD and referred me to a Behavioral Health center. I kinda feel embarrassed by it because, as far as I know, it's predominantly only found in children so it makes me feel moronic. Even worse, when I try to talk about this to my wife, she kinda ignores me or gives me that "you're nuts, babe" look because she may think I'm over-exaggerating or just making things up. It hurts me to see the only person who I share common things with think I'm foolish. Maybe I can finally get this nightmare behind me. Anyone ever experienced things like this? What has helped you? Please give me some of your insight.

Edited February 15, 2014 by Johnsmith1003

[KathyM]

ADHD is a psychological disorder that can often continue well into adulthood. It can also lead to anxiety or depression, and symptoms can continue into middle age. After middle age, symptoms usually are reduced. I know several people who have ADHD and take medication, some of whom are middle aged. They take Ritalin or Aderol to control symptoms. I would suggest you see a therapist who can diagnose your symptoms and refer you to a psychiatrist for medication therapy if appropriate.

[gaius]

I was diagnosed with that in high school. Granted I can have a short attention span but when I really try to focus on things I can at a sufficient level. Listening to music can help a little if I have to get through something really tedious. Next time your bosses start talking, quickly imagine yourself unemployed and on welfare because you couldn't listen and that might focus you pretty quickly. Unless you're depressed to the point you don't care anymore.

 

A lot of times depression can mimic signs of ADD or memory loss. I would recommend treating that first and seeing how your memory and attention span improves rather than letting the psychiatric field turn you into a drug addict for life right off the bat. There are coping strategies you can use if it doesn't turn out to be all that depression related. But they take a lot of work and effort which most people are not willing to put in anymore.

[Johnsmith1003]

I was diagnosed with that in high school. Granted I can have a short attention span but when I really try to focus on things I can at a sufficient level. Listening to music can help a little if I have to get through something really tedious. Next time your bosses start talking, quickly imagine yourself unemployed and on welfare because you couldn't listen and that might focus you pretty quickly. Unless you're depressed to the point you don't care anymore.

 

A lot of times depression can mimic signs of ADD or memory loss. I would recommend treating that first and seeing how your memory and attention span improves rather than letting the psychiatric field turn you into a drug addict for life right off the bat. There are coping strategies you can use if it doesn't turn out to be all that depression related. But they take a lot of work and effort which most people are not willing to put in anymore.

 

Yeah I definitely intend to utilize other means than just medication to get my solution across. I'll be keeping an organized planner or something to help me not forget things.

[Emilia]

Yeah I definitely intend to utilize other means than just medication to get my solution across. I'll be keeping an organized planner or something to help me not forget things.

Being organised is the best thing to do.

 

Do you have any addiction issues?

 

Neurotransmitters Involved in ADHD | Psych Central

 

It isn't really a 'psychological disorder' as such, it's a neurochemistry issue in your brain, ie your neurotransmitters aren't sending the signals around your brain as they do for the rest of us. Hence the behavioural issues such as blurting, missing social cues. etc. Some link it to dopamine deficiency but that's currently disputed - though to me it would make sense because it would explain depression to a degree.

[lucy_in_disguise]

I was diagnosed with ADHD in early adulthood and take meds.

 

I am still on the fence about whether I believe it is a legitimate disorder vs. A natural inclination to be disinterested in boring crap and not able to maintain attention. However, the meds are very effective in facilitating lifestyle change.

 

Prior to my diagnosis, I had underachieved my entire life (c-d averages all trough school despite testing well), developed a serious depression in college as a result of obsessively fixating on a breakup, and had begun to develop some substance abuse issues (self medicating with alcohol and marijuana).

 

Since getting in the meds I am able to organize and follow through on my obligations. I am able to succeed in my career, avoid compulsive decisions, and I have no desire to get intoxicated.

 

I am not sure i believeimpatience and a tendency for self destruction is really a "disorder". But if the meds help me get a grip, I am happy to have that option.

[Johnsmith1003]

I was diagnosed with ADHD in early adulthood and take meds.

 

I am still on the fence about whether I believe it is a legitimate disorder vs. A natural inclination to be disinterested in boring crap and not able to maintain attention. However, the meds are very effective in facilitating lifestyle change.

 

Prior to my diagnosis, I had underachieved my entire life (c-d averages all trough school despite testing well), developed a serious depression in college as a result of obsessively fixating on a breakup, and had begun to develop some substance abuse issues (self medicating with alcohol and marijuana).

 

Since getting in the meds I am able to organize and follow through on my obligations. I am able to succeed in my career, avoid compulsive decisions, and I have no desire to get intoxicated.

 

I am not sure i believeimpatience and a tendency for self destruction is really a "disorder". But if the meds help me get a grip, I am happy to have that option.

 

Do you mind disclosing what that medication is, if I may ask? I've been on Ritalin for a week (20 mg) and it has done nothing for me but make me a little more anxious but other than that it has altered nothing.