ADHD: Symptoms, Challenges, and Seeking Help

Q: ADHD: Symptoms, Challenges, and Seeking Help

Hello： Compared to whether you have ADHD, your long-term negative emotions are more important. <br>As you mentioned, it would be more appropriate to seek consultation (testing or treatment) at a mental health clinic. <br>Additionally, regarding your vision issues (17+1=19, writin

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Hello Doctor, I often experience jumping lines and missing words when reading.
There have been instances where what I think differs from what I say or write.
I frequently make errors when writing, such as writing "阿拍" instead of "阿拉伯" (mixing the left side of "拉" with the right side of "拍").
When I intend to write "海苔餅," I might write "海苔乾" instead, possibly because the two characters for "餅乾" don't appear together, and I can't distinguish them at the moment.
However, once I write it down, I realize the mistake, but it's already done.
I also confuse similar characters, like writing "粒末" instead of "粉末," and I mix up the order of names, such as writing "福田安" instead of "田福安" (since "福田" is a term).
This happens frequently, and it becomes worse when I'm anxious.
I'm not sure if psychological factors are affecting my performance, but this has been a consistent issue.
I actually had this problem in junior high school, thinking it was due to academic pressure and my eagerness to perform well, so I didn't pay much attention to it.
However, now that I'm in the workforce, the issue seems to have resurfaced.
In junior high, I would unconsciously fidget in my seat and was jokingly called hyperactive, but it was just a joke.
Additionally, I'm not good at socializing; I get nervous easily and tend to avoid getting to know people without deepening those relationships.
I generally get along well with others, but I feel inexplicably anxious.
I can control not showing it, but I can hear my own heartbeat, and I know I'm nervous.
It's hard to find someone I can be completely comfortable with; it seems like I can't be myself in front of anyone, not even family.

When I have something to say, I often hesitate and end up swallowing my words.
The things I plan to say in my mind rarely come out as intended, and when I do speak, it's often hesitant.
When I'm alone, I talk to myself, but when someone I want to talk to appears, I find it hard to express myself.
I haven't been diagnosed, but I have a vague sense that I might have depression (or bipolar disorder) because negative emotions hit me suddenly, and I can't control my thoughts from drifting to the negative side.
I feel disillusioned but not suicidal.
When I'm in a bad mood and encounter issues like a pen running out of ink or my phone freezing, I might throw them.
I even miscalculate simple math, like 17+1 as 19, and I don't realize it until a friend points it out.
Although I laugh it off, it hurts because it feels like my symptoms are returning.
The frequency of my mistakes has become so habitual that I don't know if it's psychological or physiological.
Could I have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? I'm aware of my lack of attention, and despite my efforts, I still struggle.
I feel powerless and wonder if I should undergo any relevant tests or treatments.

Thank you.
Additionally, my night vision is poor, but my vision test shows no significant myopia increase, and my astigmatism is only 25-50 degrees.
I don't have night blindness, as I can see after a while in the dark.
However, I'm unsure if my poor vision in dim light (like when the lighting is low but not completely dark, making it hard to see steps while walking) is related to my issues, as my depth perception has never been very good, and my visual acuity isn't precise.

Mai Miao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/12/12

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry

Hello: Compared to whether you have ADHD, your long-term negative emotions are more important.
As you mentioned, it would be more appropriate to seek consultation (testing or treatment) at a mental health clinic.
Additionally, regarding your vision issues (17+1=19, writing errors), you may also want to consult an ophthalmologist for their opinion.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2017/12/12

More Info

Understanding ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can be quite complex, especially when considering the symptoms, challenges, and the process of seeking help. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a range of difficulties that could be associated with ADHD, as well as potential anxiety or mood disorders.

Symptoms and Challenges
1. Inattention and Impulsivity: You mentioned frequently skipping lines while reading, missing words, and making errors in writing. These are common symptoms of ADHD, where individuals struggle with maintaining focus and may have difficulty organizing their thoughts. The fact that you notice these errors after writing them down indicates a disconnect between your internal thought process and external expression, which can be frustrating.

2. Hyperactivity: The tendency to fidget or move around while sitting is another hallmark of ADHD. This behavior can be misinterpreted as being "hyperactive," but it often stems from an underlying need to release pent-up energy or restlessness.

3. Social Anxiety: Your description of feeling nervous in social situations and having difficulty expressing yourself suggests that you may also be experiencing social anxiety. This can compound the challenges of ADHD, as anxiety can further impair concentration and lead to avoidance behaviors.

4. Mood Fluctuations: You mentioned experiencing sudden negative emotions and feelings of hopelessness, which could indicate a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder. These mood swings can be particularly challenging for individuals with ADHD, as they may exacerbate attention difficulties.

Seeking Help
1. Diagnosis: It is essential to seek a professional evaluation from a mental health provider who specializes in ADHD. They can conduct comprehensive assessments, including interviews and standardized tests, to determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD or any co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.

2. Treatment Options: If diagnosed with ADHD, treatment may include behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Stimulant medications (like Ritalin or Adderall) are commonly prescribed for ADHD, but there are also non-stimulant options available. Therapy can help you develop coping strategies and improve your organizational skills.

3. Coping Strategies: In addition to professional treatment, there are self-help strategies you can implement. These include:
- Structured Routines: Establishing a daily routine can help you manage your time and tasks more effectively.

- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation or deep-breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety and improve focus.

- Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: This can make overwhelming tasks more manageable and help you stay on track.

4. Support Systems: Engaging with support groups or counseling can provide you with a network of individuals who understand your experiences. This can be particularly beneficial for managing feelings of isolation or frustration.

Addressing Vision Issues
Regarding your vision problems at night, while they may not directly relate to ADHD, it is worth discussing with an eye care professional. Difficulty seeing in low light could be due to various factors, including eye strain or other visual processing issues.

Conclusion
In summary, your experiences suggest that you may benefit from a thorough evaluation for ADHD and any co-occurring conditions. Understanding your symptoms and seeking appropriate help can lead to effective management strategies that improve your quality of life. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are professionals who can guide you through the process of understanding and managing ADHD.

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