ADD/ADHD

[bbro]

Does anyone have it that was diagnosed as an adult? In just chatting with my OB/GYN, she actually suggested it based on my trouble with sleeping. I think I might have it because of that and other things. I am not sure what to do about it or which doctor to go to for diagnosis. I took a quick 6 question online test that said I probably didn't have it, but it didn't touch on a lot of the other stuff that I read about and have problems with.

Any advice or experiences anyone could give me?

Thanks!

[Bullitt]

I was diagnosed as a youngster, and it sure as hell is still here. No signs of fading away either
yesman065 and i have exchanged some short PM's about it, so he's in the leaky boat as well.

[piercehawkeye45]

My brother has ADHD and he took medication for it as a kid but I don't know how he is doing now with it.

I have actually heard that if you have ADD or ADHD, smoking pot will make you able to concentrate really well.

[bbro]

I'm just curious what prompted people to get diagnosed as an adult. I am wondering if it is all in my head just because someone suggested it or if there is a chance I do have it.

And no, I don't think pot will help me

Bullitt - is it different now than when you were a kid? My BIGGEST problem now is boredom. I get bored so easily and my mind wanders and I do anything but what I am supposed to do. Especially if I don't enjoy it. Like my job right now, The day goes so slow for me because I hate it and I can't listen to music to help the time pass.

And falling asleep?? Forget about it. There is no way I can fall asleep right away because I cannot shut off my mind. It jumps around for HOURS!

[SteveDallas]

Originally Posted by bbro

And falling asleep?? Forget about it. There is no way I can fall asleep right away because I cannot shut off my mind. It jumps around for HOURS!

I'm pretty sure I don't have OOO!! SHINY!!

OK, seriously, I'm pretty sure I don't have ADHD. But I do have this kind of sleep issue. Once I'm lying there with the lights out, I just start thinking about, whatever. Not necessarily good stuff, or bad stuff, but just whatever's going on. I'll never go to sleep. All I need is some music or a book to focus on and I drop right off.

[bbro]

Originally Posted by SteveDallas

All I need is some music or a book to focus on and I drop right off.

I always have music and a fan running. I had thought the fan would be good for the white noise, but doesn't help. The music does, but if I am really bad, I can be up for hours. A lot of times, the music shuts off (sleep function) before I do and I have to reset it over and over.

I also drive people nuts because it is very rare that I can sit still

[Clodfobble]

I used to be like that bbro, constantly fidgeting, chronic insomnia, and lots of low-level OCD symptoms thrown in to boot... and I'm sorry to tell you, the only thing that has cured them has been a combination of utter exhaustion and no control over my environment--namely, children. When the kids make a total mess of the same area a half-dozen times a day, you either break, or you get over it. And when you've only gotten 3 hours of sleep, all of a sudden it's a lot easier to pass out.

But as for a realistic suggestion for you, do you exercise? I've heard that even a mild workout between dinner and bedtime can release certain endorphins which will greatly help you relax.

[Bullitt]

Originally Posted by bbro

Bullitt - is it different now than when you were a kid? My BIGGEST problem now is boredom. I get bored so easily and my mind wanders and I do anything but what I am supposed to do. Especially if I don't enjoy it. Like my job right now, The day goes so slow for me because I hate it and I can't listen to music to help the time pass.

The main difference now is that I'm not so hyperactive anymore. That said I still do have trouble sitting for extended periods (my two and a half hour night class... I could have murdered someone). Everything else though seems to be the same. I never get bored though, I just never get anything done because my mind always finds something to fill the time with. Thoughts about a movie I saw a day ago, a song, what I still have to do that day, a conversation I had with someone earlier, etc. etc.
I'm the same in regards to doing something I enjoy. I can read for hours straight about Iwo Jima in WWII, but I can't get through a paragraph on the target audience and pastoral purpose of the Gospel According to Mark.

[monster]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

I used to be like that bbro, constantly fidgeting, chronic insomnia, and lots of low-level OCD symptoms thrown in to boot... and I'm sorry to tell you, the only thing that has cured them has been a combination of utter exhaustion and no control over my environment--namely, children. When the kids make a total mess of the same area a half-dozen times a day, you either break, or you get over it. And when you've only gotten 3 hours of sleep, all of a sudden it's a lot easier to pass out.

But as for a realistic suggestion for you, do you exercise? I've heard that even a mild workout between dinner and bedtime can release certain endorphins which will greatly help you relax.

What she said. Tripled. Fuckinzillionupled.

[elSicomoro]

I sometimes wonder if I have it, but I think for me, it's a matter of interest. If I'm truly interested in something, it has my total attention. Otherwise, I can stray.

[Ibby]

S'posedly, I have it.

I call BS... I'm just a few degrees off from normal, and a little hyper. So?

[lumberjim]

i don;t have time to read this whole thread....what's it say?

[Griff]

Originally Posted by bbro

Does anyone have it that was diagnosed as an adult? In just chatting with my OB/GYN, she actually suggested it based on my trouble with sleeping. ...Any advice or experiences anyone could give me?

On the sleeping thing, no tv in the bedroom, make it dark and still, think about your thinking then empty your mind with purpose. Focus on a quiet mind. YMMV

[DucksNuts]

My nephew has ADD and has been on valium or equivalent since he was about 6yrs old (now 22yrs).

I'm pretty similar to you, bbro and Clod, but just accepted that its the way I am.

I dont sleep unless I have the air con (fan setting in winter) running or some white noise and occasionally, I still usually take drugs by the end of the week because I am exhausted.

The days at work are taxing, but I have learned how to deal with it and some days at home are worse than others.

People just say I am generally *up*, hyper or scattery.

The exercise advice is GREAT!! It works for me anyways.

To sleep, a book is the best thing for me. I've done a lot of research on sleep and I think it has helped me to understand how to help myself get to sleep. You have to train yourself how to settle and fall asleep....like sleep schools train babies/infants.

I always pay attention to my bodies signs that it WANTS to sleep, and understand that *tired/sleep* cycles usually run in 15 mins group.

There is no point going to bed because its *time* you went to sleep, you need to go to bed because your body is telling you its sleep time.

That said, you have to offer your body the right environment to want to sleep.

Routine is good and some little thing that helps take your mind off whatever it is racing about and helps relax you into sleep.

For me, its......Laying in bed and trying to sink further and further into the mattress, then....Starting down near my toes...I focus on the smallest group of muscles I can....clenching those muscles...holding them for 15 seconds then releasing them. I then move on upwards onto the next group of muscles, like the calf. I dont really remember getting past my stomach muscles.

[Cloud]

whatever the opposite of ADD is -- I have it.

I'd spend my whole life laying around dreaming if I could.