ADHD/ADD Folks

[Nat]

I'm curious to know how many of us are out there. I think it's often a misunderstood thing - with people throwing the terms around who don't understand the definitions and with many denying it's an actual condition. Many people laughingly refer to their own "ADHD" or "ADD" when describing one or two occasional behaviors, but without any real knowledge of what it's like to live within an ADHD/ADD brain. In the past also, it was seen as a condition that went away in adulthood, but there's a growing understanding that the symptoms can morph in adulthood rather than go away. I'm going to post some more info in the following posts, but this is just the *getting this started* post. I'm pretty sure there must be others besides myself who live with this "disorder." I'm hoping you join in and contribute to this thread in whatever way you'd most enjoy.

[Nat]

ADHD in Adults

Adults with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks or completing work within time limits. If these difficulties are not managed appropriately, they can cause associated behavioral, emotional, social, vocational and academic problems.

Adult ADHD Statistics

ADHD afflicts approximately 3% to 5% of school-age children and an estimated 60% of those will maintain the disorder into adulthood.

Prevalence rates for ADHD in adults are not as well determined as rates for children, but fall in the 1% to 5% range.

ADHD affects males at higher rate than females in childhood, but this ratio seems to even out by adulthood.

Common Behaviors and Problems of Adult ADHD

The following behaviors and problems may stem directly from ADHD or may be the result of related adjustment difficulties:

Chronic lateness and forgetfulness.

Anxiety.

Low self-esteem.

Employment problems.

Difficulty controlling anger.

Impulsiveness.

Substance abuse or addiction.

Poor organization skills.

Procrastination.

Low frustration tolerance.

Chronic boredom.

Difficulty concentrating when reading.

Mood swings.

Depression.

Relationship problems.

These behaviors may be mild to severe and can vary with the situation or be present all of the time. Some adults with ADHD may be able to concentrate if they are interested in or excited about what they are doing. Others may have difficulty focusing under any circumstances. Some adults look for stimulation, but others avoid it. In addition, adults with ADHD can be withdrawn and antisocial, or they can be overly social and unable to be alone.

School-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD
Adults with ADHD may have:

Had a history of poorer educational performance and were underachievers.

Had more frequent school disciplinary actions.

Had to repeat a grade.

Dropped out of school more often.

Work-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHDAdults with ADHD are more likely to:

Change employers frequently and perform poorly.

Have had fewer occupational achievements, independent of psychiatric status.

Social-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD
Adults with ADHD are more likely to:

Have a lower socioeconomic status.

Have driving violations such as: be cited for speeding; have their licenses suspended; be involved in more crashes; rate themselves and others as using poorer driving habits.

Use illegal substances more frequently.

Smoke cigarettes.

Self-report psychological maladjustment more often.

Relationship-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD are more likely to:

Have more marital problems and multiple marriages.

Have higher incidence of separation and divorce.

Much of this functional impairment diminishes with remission of the disorder and can be mitigated by appropriate treatment.

How Is Adult ADHD Diagnosed?

While researchers may disagree about age of childhood onset in diagnosing adult ADHD, all agree that ADHD is not an adult-onset disorder and must be verified from childhood. An assessment of ADHD symptoms and behavior from childhood may include any or all of the following:

A questionnaire to determine if the adult had ADHD in childhood.

School report cards, if available, to look for comments about behavior problems, poor focus, lack of effort or underachievement relative to the student's potential.

Discussion with the parents to determine any symptoms during childhood.

A complete history from the adult with the symptoms. He or she may self report symptoms in childhood.

The developmental history would be consistent with ADHD, including evidence of problems with peers, other delays such as bed wetting, school failure, suspensions, or special interventions such as sitting in front of the class, etc.

A strong family history of ADHD may also be informative, given the strong genetic component of the disorder.

Other examinations may also be performed, including:

A physical exam to rule out medical or neurological illness.

An EEG, CT, or MRI.

Psychoeducational testing (for example: IQ test, achievement testing) if a learning disability is suspected.

Medications to Treat Adult ADHD
The same drug treatments proven to be efficacious in children appear to benefit adults with ADHD.

Ritalin
Concerta
Vyvanse
Adderall
Focalin
Dexedrin

In the past, the first treatment offered to adults with ADHD has been stimulant drugs. Studies show that approximately two thirds of adults with ADHD who are given these medications show significant improvement in ADHD symptoms.

However, there are some difficulties in using stimulants to treat ADHD in adults. Stimulants are controlled substances and it is not uncommon for adults with ADHD to have or to have had problems with substance abuse. Short acting stimulants may wear off quickly and since adult patients administer the medication themselves, and usually have problems with forgetfulness, compliance can be problematic with multiple day dosing. Adults may experience significant difficulty in the evening when they do housework, pay bills, help children with homework or drive, or are tempted to use substances 'to relax'.

Stratterra is the only nonstimulant medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ADHD, not just for children and adolescents, but for adults as well. This is the first medication to receive an FDA indication for treatment of ADHD in adults.

Strattera does not have abuse potential and does not require a special prescription.

Behavioral Treatments for Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD may be treated with one or more of the following:

Individual cognitive and behavioral therapy to enhance self-esteem.

Relaxation training and stress management to reduce anxiety and stress.

Behavioral coaching to teach the person strategies for organizing home and work activities.

Job coaching or mentoring to support better working relationships and improve on-the-job performance.

Family education and therapy.

In-depth assessment, treatment planning, medication management, individual therapy, education and family support are all necessary to help the adult with ADHD function in new ways and build his or her self-esteem. Because ADHD is often associated with other conditions (such as specific learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder and chemical dependency), in-depth assessment is the first step in developing a comprehensive, customized treatment plan.

Adults with ADHD can also benefit from some basic organizational concepts and behavior management strategies to help manage the condition. Here are ways to train yourself to overcome these problems or make them more manageable:

Take medications as directed. If you are taking any medications for ADHD or any other condition, be sure and take them exactly as prescribed. Missing a dose or taking two doses at once to catch up on missed doses can have negative consequences for you and others. If you are noticing side effects or other problems, speak to your health care provider as soon as possible.

Organize yourself. Train yourself to become more organized. Make lists of daily tasks (be reasonable!) and strive to complete them. Use a daily planner, leave notes for yourself and set your alarm clock when you need to remember an appointment or other activity.

Control impulsive behavior. If you have a tendency to do things you later regret, such as interrupting or getting angry at others, manage the impulse by counting to 10 while breathing slowly instead of acting out. Usually the impulse will pass as quickly as it appeared.

Minimize distractions. Find ways to reduce the distractions throughout the day. If you find yourself being distracted by loud music or the television, turn it off or use earplugs. Move yourself to a quieter location or ask others to help reduce distractions.

Find constructive outlets for excess energy. People with ADHD sometimes seem to have more nervous energy than others, and this hyperactivity needs to have an outlet of some sort. A hobby or other pastime can be helpful.
Ask for help. We all need help from time to time and it is important to not be afraid to ask for it when you need it. If you are having disruptive thoughts or behaviors, ask a counselor if they have any techniques that might help control them.

Living with Adult ADHD

Although most people don't outgrow ADHD, they do learn to adapt. If the difficulties associated with ADHD are managed appropriately throughout their lives, adults with ADHD can learn to develop personal strengths and become productive and successful.

[Nat]

DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A.Either (1) or (2):

1.Six (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

Inattention

a.Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities
b.Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
c.Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
d.Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
e.Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
f.Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
g.Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books or tools)
h.Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
i.Is often forgetful in daily activities

2.Six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

Hyperactivity

a.Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
b.Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
c.Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
d.Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
e.Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
f.Often talks excessively

Impulsivity

g.Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
h.Often has difficulty awaiting turn
i.Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
B.Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years.
C.Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school [or work] and at home).
D.There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning.

[Nat]

Utah Criteria for ADHD in Adults --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Childhood history consistent with ADHD
II. Adult symptoms
Hyperactivity and poor concentration
Two of the following:
Affective lability
Hot temper
Inability to complete tasks and disorganization
Stress intolerance
Impulsivity

[Nat]

Some children with ADHD continue to have it as adults. And many adults who have the disorder don't know it. They may feel that it is impossible to get organized, stick to a job, or remember and keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with ADHD.

These adults may have a history of failure at school, problems at work, or difficult or failed relationships. Many have had multiple traffic accidents. Like teens, adults with ADHD may seem restless and may try to do several things at once, most of them unsuccessfully. They also tend to prefer "quick fixes," rather than taking the steps needed to achieve greater rewards.

[atomiczombie]

I have ADD but not ADHD.

[Nat]

Keeping in mind that ADHD is unique in each individual, it can be even more difficult to determine symptoms of ADHD in adults. However, the list below will provide a guideline for how symptoms manifest themselves in adults with ADHD. (Please note that this should not be used for diagnostic purposes, if you feel that you may have ADHD, please discuss your concerns with your physician or a medical professional that is qualified to make a diagnosis.)

Inattention can appear in many different ways:

· May lose or misplace items such as keys, important papers, phone numbers and other things used on a daily basis. This often occurs on a regular basis

· Often forgetful, may consistently forget to take out the trash, may forget to pick up the children from activities, may forget to complete tasks, even after instructions have been given

· Beginning, but not completing tasks

· Often distracted, for example, may begin a task such as mowing the grass, but hear the phone ring, go inside, get a drink, pay attention to what is on television, talk with your children and completely forget to finish mowing the lawn until hours later

· May have difficulty following conversations. May be easily distracted and miss important details of conversations

· Lacks self motivation, even if the project sounds like something you would like to complete

· Often loses track of time or misjudges how much time has passed. Can be difficult to follow a timed schedule

· Your mind wanders easily, even if someone is speaking to you or you should be completing a task or project

Hyperactivity in children can be easy to spot. Children can’t sit still for even a few moments or they are constantly in motion. They may act as if driven by a motor and often jump or bounce around the room

· Needs constant motion, may tap feet, play with a pencil, doodle or fidget

· Easily bored. May move from job to job because you become bored once you have learned the job, may not complete projects because you become bored after a short time. You need be intensely interested in something for it to hold your interest

· Although you can sit still, you feel restless after just a few minutes of inactivity. You feel the need to get up, walk around the room or do something

· Active, risky or fast paced activities are more interesting and more apt to hold your interest

Impulsiveness is reacting without thinking first. Children that are impulsive might yell an answer out at school without raising their hand or waiting for their turn. Children may jump from a play set before thinking of the consequences. Adults with ADHD can also be impulsive:

· Consistently interrupts others while talking or answering a question before it has been completed

· Enters conversations while others are still talking

[Nat]

Originally Posted by Nat

Stratterra is the only nonstimulant medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ADHD, not just for children and adolescents, but for adults as well. This is the first medication to receive an FDA indication for treatment of ADHD in adults.

Strattera does not have abuse potential and does not require a special prescription.

I got a message in my reps that Strattera does require a prescription. I wanted to update this to make it clearer (more clear?).

The stimulants used to treat ADHD require a "special" prescription - because they are considered a "controlled" substance. Strattera still requires a prescription, but it's easier to deal with because it's the normal kind of prescription where you can get refills and such without having to go to your doctor's office to pick up a new prescription each time.

I've seen herbal supplements which are supposed to help with adhd, but I haven't explored them for the most part. I did take a break from stimulant medications for about 2 years - and during that time my symptoms did improve when I walked to work and back (3 miles a day), cut out simple carbs, ate mostly organic and meditated regularly. I never thought sugar affected my brain function until I had been on this type of eating plan for a few months - then had some sraight maple syrup. My ADHD symptoms immediately were exacerbated.

However, the stimulant medication still does a better job. Not sure if it will shorten my lifespan. I assume if I develop heart issues at some point, I'll probably be forced to explore non-stimulant options.

I'm hoping to walk to work and back again soon, though I'm waiting for this Texas heat wave to be done. It makes a big difference in my brain function and stress levels.

[atomiczombie]

Originally Posted by Nat

I got a message in my reps that Strattera does require a prescription. I wanted to update this to make it clearer (more clear?).

The stimulants used to treat ADHD require a "special" prescription - because they are considered a "controlled" substance. Strattera still requires a prescription, but it's easier to deal with because it's the normal kind of prescription where you can get refills and such without having to go to your doctor's office to pick up a new prescription each time.

I've seen herbal supplements which are supposed to help with adhd, but I haven't explored them for the most part. I did take a break from stimulant medications for about 2 years - and during that time my symptoms did improve when I walked to work and back (3 miles a day), cut out simple carbs, ate mostly organic and meditated regularly. I never thought sugar affected my brain function until I had been on this type of eating plan for a few months - then had some sraight maple syrup. My ADHD symptoms immediately were exacerbated.

However, the stimulant medication still does a better job. Not sure if it will shorten my lifespan. I assume if I develop heart issues at some point, I'll probably be forced to explore non-stimulant options.

I'm hoping to walk to work and back again soon, though I'm waiting for this Texas heat wave to be done. It makes a big difference in my brain function and stress levels.

Wellbutrin is an anti-depressant which my psychiatrist said sometimes helps with ADD. I was on it for a bit and I was able to focus better, but it made me super duper anxious (more so than I already am!) so I had to stop it.

[Morgan]

I was diagnosed with ADHD 2 years ago and was prescribed adderal, but the dose was too much and I know from my really early years, the effects of speed. Clenching my teeth, heart racing, so went back to my doctor and asked if I could go on a lower dose, she prescribed a little lower and things seemed great. My life was back on track, I was taking college courses, getting A's, had the perfect job and was able to concentrate on tasks, getting raises and promotions, perfect right? The Adderal finally kicked my butt, I was a friggin speed freak. I do have ADHD and Adderal works, but do I want to live the rest of my life addicted to a drug or is there a way to learn how to concentrate and function without the medication? I don't have to be perfect, but I want to be normal, I don't want my mind wandering, I want to stay on track, I want to have normal conversations with people without acting like I am disinterested in the conversation, and most of all I don't want to cut off people in the middle of a conversation with what is in my own head and not part of the conversation. It is hard to make friends and be around people and have heathy relationships with women, when you appear to be spaced out, dis-interested and most of all rude.......

[atomiczombie]

Originally Posted by Morgan

I was diagnosed with ADHD 2 years ago and was prescribed adderal, but the dose was too much and I know from my really early years, the effects of speed. Clenching my teeth, heart racing, so went back to my doctor and asked if I could go on a lower dose, she prescribed a little lower and things seemed great. My life was back on track, I was taking college courses, getting A's, had the perfect job and was able to concentrate on tasks, getting raises and promotions, perfect right? The Adderal finally kicked my butt, I was a friggin speed freak. I do have ADHD and Adderal works, but do I want to live the rest of my life addicted to a drug or is there a way to learn how to concentrate and function without the medication? I don't have to be perfect, but I want to be normal, I don't want my mind wandering, I want to stay on track, I want to have normal conversations with people without acting like I am disinterested in the conversation, and most of all I don't want to cut off people in the middle of a conversation with what is in my own head and not part of the conversation. It is hard to make friends and be around people and have heathy relationships with women, when you appear to be spaced out, dis-interested and most of all rude.......

Years ago I decided to stop wanting to be "normal". That is a nebulous concept to begin with and having that as a goal never leads to happiness imho. I changed the wording in my head from normal to functional. Being as functional as I can be is a more realistic goal without the sting of judgment attached to it. However, with my myriad of diagnoses (addict, PTSD, agoraphobia, bipolar, ADD) I still have to keep my expectations more realistic. My unsolicited advice is to drop the word normal from your list of goals.

As for the addiction, all I can say is if you are only taking the amount prescribed and not taking it for reasons other than your ADD, then you are ok. If, however, you are finding yourself fiending for it, tempted to take more or are taking more than prescribed, and/or taking it for other reasons (to party, to deal with stress, etc.) then it is a problem and you should talk to your doctor about it. Above all, be honest with yourself. It sounds like you already are, and that is good. I wish you the best of luck and if you do need to take something else instead of the adderal, I hope that you find something less addicting that works just as well.

[moxie]

Originally Posted by Nat

I got a message in my reps that Strattera does require a prescription. I wanted to update this to make it clearer (more clear?).

The stimulants used to treat ADHD require a "special" prescription - because they are considered a "controlled" substance. Strattera still requires a prescription, but it's easier to deal with because it's the normal kind of prescription where you can get refills and such without having to go to your doctor's office to pick up a new prescription each time.

I've seen herbal supplements which are supposed to help with adhd, but I haven't explored them for the most part. I did take a break from stimulant medications for about 2 years - and during that time my symptoms did improve when I walked to work and back (3 miles a day), cut out simple carbs, ate mostly organic and meditated regularly. I never thought sugar affected my brain function until I had been on this type of eating plan for a few months - then had some sraight maple syrup. My ADHD symptoms immediately were exacerbated.

However, the stimulant medication still does a better job. Not sure if it will shorten my lifespan. I assume if I develop heart issues at some point, I'll probably be forced to explore non-stimulant options.

I'm hoping to walk to work and back again soon, though I'm waiting for this Texas heat wave to be done. It makes a big difference in my brain function and stress levels.

I am going to piggy back on your post, hope it is okay.

Strattera and Intuniv are the only non-stimulant prescription ADHD meds. Like Nat said, every other one is a stimulant and considered a controlled substance, which means that the refill amount will be zero and you have to get a new prescription every month.

[EmpressM]

Personally, I didn't have much luck with herbals or Straterra, but that's just me and everyone's body chemistry is different. What works for one doesn't work for another.

I'm with you on the proper diet and exercise. Sugars and simple carbs definitely exacerbate my ADD symptoms. I walk 4 miles everyday, Pilates three times weekly, and also mix in tennis and yoga. I find I'm more clear headed, especially with the exercise, plus the endorphins help elevate my mood!

Originally Posted by Nat

I got a message in my reps that Strattera does require a prescription. I wanted to update this to make it clearer (more clear?).

The stimulants used to treat ADHD require a "special" prescription - because they are considered a "controlled" substance. Strattera still requires a prescription, but it's easier to deal with because it's the normal kind of prescription where you can get refills and such without having to go to your doctor's office to pick up a new prescription each time.

I've seen herbal supplements which are supposed to help with adhd, but I haven't explored them for the most part. I did take a break from stimulant medications for about 2 years - and during that time my symptoms did improve when I walked to work and back (3 miles a day), cut out simple carbs, ate mostly organic and meditated regularly. I never thought sugar affected my brain function until I had been on this type of eating plan for a few months - then had some sraight maple syrup. My ADHD symptoms immediately were exacerbated.

However, the stimulant medication still does a better job. Not sure if it will shorten my lifespan. I assume if I develop heart issues at some point, I'll probably be forced to explore non-stimulant options.

I'm hoping to walk to work and back again soon, though I'm waiting for this Texas heat wave to be done. It makes a big difference in my brain function and stress levels.

[JAGG]

Originally Posted by Nat

I'm curious to know how many of us are out there. I think it's often a misunderstood thing - with people throwing the terms around who don't understand the definitions and with many denying it's an actual condition. Many people laughingly refer to their own "ADHD" or "ADD" when describing one or two occasional behaviors, but without any real knowledge of what it's like to live within an ADHD/ADD brain. In the past also, it was seen as a condition that went away in adulthood, but there's a growing understanding that the symptoms can morph in adulthood rather than go away. I'm going to post some more info in the following posts, but this is just the *getting this started* post. I'm pretty sure there must be others besides myself who live with this "disorder." I'm hoping you join in and contribute to this thread in whatever way you'd most enjoy.

Remember you hoped for this! ;-) I don't think someone having ADD or ADHD and not knowing, is that big of a deal. Since it really only affects the person who has it. The real problem, that I deal with everyday on our highways, are the ones with Shaken Adult Syndrome!! :-D

[Rockinonahigh]

As far back as I can remember I have had a problem with keeping my consentration and focus on many things,sometimes I totaly lose my train of thought,I also fidget a lot cause its not often I sit still for long...lord knows my mind normaly goes a mile a minit.Both my kids have some for of add,my oldest was way worse than my youngest.When I was growing up there was no diagnoses for it so my doc told mom I was just an over active kid.As I grew up I just found ways to just deal with it,my oldest son took meds for it but after the meds made him a near zombie I slowly took him off it with the docs help.

[Nat]

Originally Posted by JAGG

Remember you hoped for this! ;-) I don't think someone having ADD or ADHD and not knowing, is that big of a deal. Since it really only affects the person who has it. The real problem, that I deal with everyday on our highways, are the ones with Shaken Adult Syndrome!! :-D

ADHD affects anybody who lives with, loves, works with or in any way counts on the ADHD person. Some of us manage it better than others, but it can be frustrating for those close to us that we have so much trouble staying focused on conversations, on following up, on following through, on completing tasks, on noticing that it's been a long time since we called, on remembering dates, on knowing what day or month it even is. I will have something in my hand and intend to take it one place, then I'll get distracted, put it down somewhere weird and never notice. This happens multiple times a day. I lose my keys regularly. I lock my keys in my car regularly. yadda yadda. It's a pain to be with an adhd person in some ways. It's frustrating when people don't realize it's a real thing, and then they blame it on character flaws and attribute evil intent to absent-minded forgetfulness or differing perspectives and definitions.

[SoNotHer]

It is, Nat. I have to leave keys and glasses in a certain spot or I'm lost. I also have to turn the "noise" on things and simplify, whether that means unsubscribing to some e-newsletters or closing some browser windows or telling myself to finish out a task, though the next task is already beckoning me. :-)

[Nat]

I was reminded today of the time thing - how I can get engrossed in life and forget that time has gone by and I haven't reached out and made necessary contact with those I care about. My grandmother sent a message through my mom that she misses me. I used to have a regular habit of going to Austin, spending the evening with a dear friend, sleeping on her floor, getting up the next day and calling my grandmother to volunteer to bring her and my grandfather a surprise lunch. I did this every month or two. Then a year ago, in the aftermath of many changes and the suicide of a mutual young friend, that friendship just burned down entirely. So I stopped this ritual and never replaced it. And so I've only seen my grandparents at family gatherings over the past year. Part of it's just the sheer cost of gas, and maybe a little is how grumpy my now dementia-riddled, bed-ridden grandfather is, but I love them both and yet I have not been there like I intended to be lately.

So I'm making plans to visit them in a few weeks' time.

Otherwise, my biggest challenges right now are mostly dealing with my house and organization and messiness. I'm happily in a job now that works way better for my brain. It's a reminder that sometimes a job that sucks is a job that sucks, and adhd may not be the entire reason you might find yourself miserable. I love my job now - thank goodness and knock on wood. This last year, I've really had to prove myself capable to myself. ADHD or not, I'm a capable person. I may not live a life that makes utter and total sense to people who have a higher degree of executive function, but I get by in my way. I'm really trying a bit harder to see the positives in my life instead of criticizing myself for not being perfect - whatever perfect actually is.

[oboejive]

I was diagnosed with ADHD Inattentive Subtype at around the age of 26. I had no clue that my "dazing off" and "being in my own world" could be attributed to such a diagnosis, but I was given a battery of tests (WAIS-IV, memory, impulsivity), and that was the diagnosis I was given. Symptoms have moderated now, but I still drive my partner nuts with my disorganization.