I can't focus on anything even though I want to. It's like someone gave my neurons Mountain Dew and crack and stuck them in my brain. I can't slow down. I can't think. It really, really sucks because I can't focus on anything. Not algebra, not Splinter Cell, and I like them both equally.
I talk too fast, walk at an insane rate and can't focus on anything. I have had this problem all my life, it has worsened gradually over the past few years and made a big jump in the last few months. I'm also getting really depressed because I can't get anything done, and it's not fun to be 14 years old and struggling through the end of eighth grade math.
I fit pretty much every standard for ADHD, and since I have had this problem all my life I have slowly wrestled myself in to some kind of control. I don't really lose things because I have severely limited my possessions and I can now sit reasonably still and shut up but not think.
Could it be ADHD? What are other explanations?
2006-12-24 11:28:02 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Don't ask us what it is...and don't form an amatuer opinion. Go to a doctor and truthfully exlpain each and every one of the things that is bothering you in great detail. If you already think you have something your chances of forgetting a symptom that isn't in line with your previsit "diagnosis" is high. Just make the appointment to see a doctor and then as you go through the days leading up to it write down every thing that bothers you as it happens (make tick marks next to the behavior everytime it happens so you can show frequency) and take that with you to the appointment. It will help you explain the things that are bothering you and help your doctor to properly understand the situation. Good luck and I hope you feel better!
2006-12-24 14:12:27 · answer #1 · answered by evilangelfaery919 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It certainly could be ADHD. It also could be bipolar. 90% of children and teenagers who are eventually diagnosed bipolar are first diagnosed ADHD. To further complicate it, the two often occur together. Both disorders have a biological basis and both can make life very difficult, especially untreated. Bipolar includes depression, ADHD often leads to or goes hand in hand with depression. If you have been dealing with this all of your life and are only 14, it seems that what you really need is to be evaluated by a mental health professional. The sooner the better.
I think the possibility of a food (including food coloring) allergy is something to be checked out too, because it can look suspiciously like ADHD.
Although I do a lot of research and myself have ADHD and bipolar and feel very strongly that these disorders need to be taken seriously, I also have concerns over how frequently doctors use medication as the first line of defense. I think if you can find other ways to help, like through changes in diet and with therapy, and don't end up needing meds than that is great. But if you do need meds, if these symptoms are persistant and intense and greatly disrupt your life, then I think it is important to be properly treated. There is no reason to suffer endlessly when there is help out there. There is no quick fix for these disorders, but they can be managed and life can be a lot more bearable. I wish I had been treated at your age, I think it was actual medical neglect that I wasn't. I was in my mid twenties before the issue was addressed.
But nobody on here can diagnose you. It's really important that you see a mental health professional.
2006-12-24 11:57:07 · answer #2 · answered by Jess 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your case fits a case of ADHD very well. I would suggest the idea to your parents and doctor. It doesn't particullarly sound like bipolar, but I would have to have more details and a medical history to diagnose with full accuracy.
Try http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm#symptoms for symptoms and possible treatments of ADHD. But don't start attempting to cure it with anything other thatn willpower---and if it is true ADHD this is unlikely to work---without first consulting your doctor, as side-effects could cause even more problems for you.
2006-12-24 12:51:21 · answer #3 · answered by Earnesty_in_life 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My question to you is why it's taken you so long to go have this problem addressed professionally, especially if it causing you such misery. Find a doctor. Be totally up front. He/she might recommend medication but be very careful and be sure to discuss potential adverse side effects.
At least now you seem determined to get to the root of the problem. We are not the answer. GO TO A DOCTOR. All the best to you. :)
2006-12-24 11:31:57 · answer #4 · answered by Q&A Queen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, probably ADHD. You might look at my other answers concerning ADHD. It's possible that it is bipolar, but probably not unless you feel like you have emotional extremes more than you have the confusion. You need to get to your dr or ask your mom to ask the school to have you tested. God bless you in your efforts. It isn't easy, but I'll bet you're also very creative.
2006-12-24 11:33:06 · answer #5 · answered by itsmeinin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you have ADHD. You need to learn to relax and calm down and you may need medication so you can slow down.
2006-12-24 11:33:41 · answer #6 · answered by Lee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about this just try to mediatate close your eyes don't htink about problems , take one thing at a time take care of yourself more and your problem will be history!
2006-12-24 11:36:56 · answer #7 · answered by Tellie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you have a food allergy. I think the most common problem is wheat.
2006-12-24 11:33:13 · answer #8 · answered by Cassiopeia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever had a day where you purposefully did nothing at all?
2006-12-24 12:05:56 · answer #9 · answered by unseen_force_22 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have problems.
2006-12-24 11:29:42 · answer #10 · answered by victoria.♥ 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋