I think I could have ADHD

emilymemily

Ive always known I was different, my teachers, parents and other students would call me stupid, lazy, distracted and a day dreamer. Ive always had trouble fitting in, listening and completing tasks, staying organised and focused, ive always been a procrastinator and found it difficult to sit still in classes without getting edgy and uncomfortable, I would have to doodle to keep my self focused or get up and leave the room to walk around, I accidentally zone out of conversations, im forgetful of names more than most people and often I forget things.
A close relative was recently diagnosed with Aspergers and as im aware this can be genetic I thought that maybe this could explain my life long struggle of fitting in and making friends but when I researched aspergers I felt that I didnt relate to the symptoms, I can pick up on body language and facial expressions, I dont say insensitive things or cross peoples boundaries, I dont have sensory issues or specific interests or obsessions, im also the complete opposite of the family member who has been diagnosed with this.
My understanding of ADHD was someone whose disruptive, agitated and constantly moving or jumping around.. im none of these things. Apart from agitated in some situations the others I dont relate too.
The other day I came across on article on the pool when scrolling through facebook, it was by a woman in her 40's who had gotten a late diagnosis of adhd, her description of the disorder and her experience resonated with me. She said adhd isnt often diagnosed in women because most of the tests are done on boys, it presents itself differently in women meaning theyre under diagnosed. Women suffer more with inattention rather than hyper activity.
I did an online test, I know its not a diagnosis but it was just to put my mind at ease. The test was only 5 minutes long but half way through I suddenly hopped out of bed, made tea, played with the cat and had a cigarette before remembering that I had been doing the test and should get back to it. When I completed it I related to almost every question and the results said High. The threshold is 5 and I scored 7.
Im not looking for medical advice but wondering if anyone has experienced this (particularly women) and is there anywhere I can get a proper diagnosis?

Thanks.

Tenigate

Your GP is your first stop for a diagnosis.
This doesn't mean a diagnosis is going to turn your life around but it might put your mind at ease. If you have a job and are managing to float through life, you're no worse off than anyone else.
A CBT therapist or life coach would be a good option for you. They can help you set goals and get out of patterns of lazy behaviour you might have got into.
Just from your post you mentioned a few bad habits.. facebook, nicotine and caffeine. If you're using facebook more than 30 mins a day, you might consider replacing it with a nice long walk.. using screens (tv/laptop/phone) in bed is an excellent way to ruin your ability to relax. Nicotine, well you know yourself, great way to feel restless and anxious. See if making little changes to your life improves your ability to concentrate when you need to concentrate and relax when you need to relax.

zoobizoo

I thought I had ADHD as well...


But then I thought "hang on, I can sit and watch a two hour film without a problem"....


Sounds like it's avoidance and boredom... As in, when I'm interested in something, I've no problem completing it or sitting and listneing etc. When I know I can do something well, I can go ahead and do it......

But, when there are barriers or something is a bit hard or boring, I try to avoid it.... like now, I'm at work and on Boards.ie

What things do you focus on? What things do you complete and do well?