Is this ADD

[Corrine554]

I had significant behaviour problems at school, i would be disruptive and attention seeking in every lesson, I couldnt focus or concentrate on school work unless I found something rivetting (which was rare). I remember sitting through lessons not having a clue about maths, we would read a book as a whole class, everyone would be interested in it and I would be the only one in the class who was reading along but wouldnt have a clue what it is about. I have actually been assessed as 'above average' intelligence.  Unfortunately these were the days when children with behavioural problems were demonised and rejected in the 60's. I left school .. well virtually expelled actually, before I was 15. I have since acquired qualifications as an adult much later but my focus and concentration is still apalling, although if I enjoy a book I will read it continually .. this is rare though. I'm quite prone to depression and I'm not a very good mixer these days and am quite isolated, although I have quite good social skills.

Its only on doing an online checklist for AD(H)D recently that I seemed to tick all the boxes, although not the hyperactive component.  I mentioned this to my GP once but it wasnt taken seriously and I understand there is no cure for it anyway, but I am curious to find a reason for my apalling school experience which I think damaged my self esteem considerably, and why I have problems focusing nowadays, yet seem to have this capacity when I am really interested in something.

[musicmama]

It sounds like this is something you need to persue.  Once you have your answers and find your niche, you will probably feel much better.  If you don't have the insurance to see a psychiatrist, insist that your GP do something.  I'm rooting for you.  

PS. If you get on a prescription, start it on a day that you can be at home or have someone to help you if you have bad side effects.  I don't want to scare you, but it can take a few trials to find the medication that works best.

Good luck and God Bless.

[lindahand]

Women don't always show up as hyperactive on adhd scales. If you have health coverage or can afford it a psychiatrist can do tests like the Connors something or other scale (computer test of attention) in addition to the check box tests and personal history to help determine if you have ADD.

ADD is a mixed bag. We think differently and sometimes that is a very good thing. If not for the people who think differently the world would stand still. However thinking differently doesn't tend to win you friends, especially when you get distracted half way through their conversations or they have to tell you things three times before you remember them.