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Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2010 18:06:16 GMT
Hi everyone and Happy Easter As I already mentioned in the Introduction forum, I'm 23 and looking to get diagnosed with ADD because of serious attention and concentration problems (among other ADD symptoms). Recently one of my close relatives was talking to me about a friend who thinks he has ADD. Then he went on to say that he thinks it's impossible to have ADD as an adult if you haven't even been diagnosed as a child and that this person is only saying it to hide her failures (I'm sure a lot of you must have already heard that statement before) He supposedly heard this AADD theory from a psy and was convinced about it. When I heard that I was like First of all because I was thinking of telling that relative about my situation. I chose not to get into a whole debate about adult ADD with him because it wasnt worth it and because I didn't want to give any hints about my situation. In the end I felt sad because this is supposed to be a person whom I thought I might go to for support and now I don't even want to mention anything to him anymore I guess my only friend in this would be my psy and other support groups Has any one of you faced a situation where a close friend or relative would completely dismiss that you had ADD? Did you just go on with your life normally and dealt with this problem all by yourself? I feel like I can only rely on myself....
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Post by annie on Apr 3, 2010 20:58:41 GMT
Hi Hitman
It is surprising how many people have an opinion about a neurological problem, without having any training whatsover about the subject (and by this I mean having their education extended beyond that of the Daily Mail, Daily Express or any other tabloid press!!!)
I have to say the brain must be the most complex and important part of who and what we are - when it doesn't function properly it can often show itself up in our physical disabilities e.g the effects of cerebal palsy , motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis etc. However when it comes to this complex organ affecting people's day to day functioning such as poor concentaration, mood volatility, impulsiveness, the general population immediately takes the high moral ground and puts these difficulties down to some kind of moral weakness - astounding really!!
If you believe there has to be some other explanation for your difficulties, other than moral weakness!!, - you owe it to yourself to seek out an "expert in the assessment,dx and treatment of Adhd"
It does sound as though the relative who you thought might be supportive, may not be as supportive as you would have hoped for. However go with your own judgement - your probably right - and if and when you get your dx find other people who have had to take the same journey as yourself - they can be enormously supportive.
Let's know how you get on.
annie
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Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2010 21:19:20 GMT
Lets put it this way ! Glad I dont have any ! Do what you have to and trust yourself ! No-one knows you like you ! Good Luck x
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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2010 12:31:53 GMT
Unfortunately it seems to be human nature to make preconceived judgements before deeply assessing a situation - there, I just made one! Sometimes open and meaningful conversation allows better understanding. I'm not sure I would have been that understanding/empathic of Adult ADD until I now believe I have it! I'm not proud of myself for that sweeping statement but that just seems to be how it is. We either have to make people, including ourselves, understand better or go it alone. Whichever one makes us stronger! xx
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Post by Atticus on Apr 5, 2010 22:19:28 GMT
It is always a terrible disappointment when people you hope will be supportive aren't. I can't help much there other than saying that it has happened to me and probably most people on this forum, if not all, and yes, it hurts. Sorry I can't do anything practical.
As regards when you are diagnosed. It is thought that ADHD is something you have from childhood so you can't suddenly come down with it as an adult, but whether you were diagnosed as a child or an adult is another matter.
ADHD has often been missed in children, especially if it is the inattentive type (but all types can be overlooked), so it is quite reasonable that it might not be picked up until you are an adult. It is only as adults that we are expected to do a lot of organising and planning ahead. I was diagnosed as an adult.
Anyone that implies that you are somehow morally weak because of ADHD should be ignored.
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Post by andy12345 on Apr 8, 2010 1:34:12 GMT
I'm always analysing people these days - but then it seems to be all I do lol......
I have experienced plenty of dismissivenesses (lol) about my possible ailments by people who know sod all.
You know the ignorance.....when you hear "oh ADHD - you don't do kangaroo impressions though"
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