Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Is there anything wrong with me?

By Albert Albino Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Every since I was a kid my teachers had questioned my parents about whether or not I had this ADD, my parents common reply was "No, its just selective hearing".  I've grown up since then believing that I was the one making the errors and that ADD was just an excuse. In high school I found it hard to concentrate on my studies, but I believed it to be just a case of not wanting to do them. After high school I joined the Navy (just like anyother kid for college payment) but constantly found myself in trouble, and a common statement was "you look like you got the deer in the head light look". I had been asked numerous times then if I had ADD. I was finally other than honorably discharged due to a pattern of misconduct. I've been trying to piece my life together since then by going to college, but like before I find it hard to concentrate on my work, my mind tends to wonder when it shouldnt. And know I am considering joining the Police Academy but am afraid that this will just be a repeat of the past. The last thing I want to do is day-dream about popsicles in the middle of a robbery.

Terry Matlen, ACSW, Health Guide
7/11/08 10:45am

Hi Albert and welcome to ADHDcentral. We're glad you're here!

 

You obviously have a lot of insight into yourself, your behaviors, your problems. You see now how your problems have interfered with your success and wonder if it could be ADHD.

 

Many many people with ADHD go through life enjoying many successes and you can too. You already have the interest and self-awareness, and that's the hardest part.

 

I would suggest now, that you go to a mental health clinician to get evaluated to see if you do, indeed have ADHD. With the appropriate treatment, you will find yourself soaring and accomplishing things you want in your life.

 

Ask your doctor for a referral. Or check out the various online directories of ADHD clinicians. You can find some at:

 

www.addconsults.com

www.add.org

www.chadd.org

 

Good luck and let us know you you fare.

 

Terry

Eileen Bailey, Health Guide
7/21/08 2:44pm

I am glad that you have found this site and hope that we can provide you with lots of information. Terry Matlen provided you with some great advice and certainly what you described would be reason to seek out further information to determine if you have ADD.

 

There are also online screening tests. Although these are not meant to give you a diagnosis, they can provide you with information to take with you to the doctor.

 

For more info on online screening tests:

 

Online Screening Tests

 

I hope this helps. Please let us know how it all works out.

 

Eileen

By Albert Albino— Last Modified: 12/20/10, First Published: 07/08/08