![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 27. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Gee on May 22, 2008, at 17:34:16
My "t" recommended a book "Scattered Minds" by Gabor Mate, so I bought it today and started reading it. I came across this passage and it just seems to explain the ADD mind so well
"You decide to clean your room which, typically, looks like a tornado has just passed through. You pick a book off the floor and move to replace it on the shelf. As you do so, you notice that two volumes of poetry by William Carlos Williams are not stacked side by side. Forgetting the debris on the floor, you lift one of the volumes to place it beside its sibling. Turning a page, you begin to read a poem. The poem has a classical reference in it, which prompts you to consult your guide to Greek mythology; now you are lost because one reference leads to another. An hour later, your interest in classical mythology exhausted for the moment, you return to your intended task. You are hunting for the missing half of a pair of socks which has gone on furlough, perhaps permanently, when another item of clothing on the floor reminds you that you have laundry to wash before the evening. As you head downstairs, laundry hamper in arm, the telephone rings. Your plan to create order in your room is now doomed." (13)
I think it may be because I'm attempting to actually clean my room (instead of just stuff everything in the corner) and I'm not getting too far...
Hope you enjoy!
Posted by Dinah on May 22, 2008, at 17:57:05
In reply to A quote that seems to explain so much..., posted by Gee on May 22, 2008, at 17:34:16
:)
You mean that isn't every mind?
Posted by TexasChic on May 22, 2008, at 18:14:07
In reply to Re: A quote that seems to explain so much... » Gee, posted by Dinah on May 22, 2008, at 17:57:05
Wow! That is so me!!! I have suspected for a while that I am ADD, but I've never been sure. How do you find out if you are? Do you take a test or do you just describe your symptoms and a doc decides you have it?
-T
Posted by Phil on May 22, 2008, at 19:35:57
In reply to A quote that seems to explain so much..., posted by Gee on May 22, 2008, at 17:34:16
I like this poem by Emily Dickinson. I read it in another add book--forgot the name..anyway.
I felt a cleaving in my Mind--
As if my Brain had split --
I tried to match it -- Seam by Seam --
But could not make them fit.
The Thought behind, I strove to join
Unto the thought before --
But Sequence ravelled out of Sound
Like Balls -- upon a Floor
Posted by Gee on May 22, 2008, at 19:48:04
In reply to Re: A quote that seems to explain so much..., posted by TexasChic on May 22, 2008, at 18:14:07
It's kinda a long round about story about how I found out, but you can go to your md, t, or pdoc, and they *should* send you to an educational psychologist to get testing done -- like IQ and learning disability testing. It's pretty easy and kinda fun.
Posted by Gee on May 22, 2008, at 19:48:36
In reply to Re: A quote that seems to explain so much... » Gee, posted by Dinah on May 22, 2008, at 17:57:05
apparently not... who knew?
Posted by Gee on May 22, 2008, at 19:50:45
In reply to Re: A quote that seems to explain so much..., posted by Phil on May 22, 2008, at 19:35:57
I like that one too. Emily Dickinson is such an interesting writer/poet
Posted by TexasChic on May 22, 2008, at 21:37:48
In reply to Re: A quote that seems to explain so much... » TexasChic, posted by Gee on May 22, 2008, at 19:48:04
With ADD, do you tend to focus really hard on one thing, to the extent of all others? My boss said this about me in my last review. Also, my sister always talks about how me, my bro and my nephew all do this thing where if we watch tv, you can call our name over and over and not get our attention.Does that sound like ADD in your opinion?
-T
Posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on May 22, 2008, at 21:54:37
In reply to A quote that seems to explain so much..., posted by Gee on May 22, 2008, at 17:34:16
> My "t" recommended a book "Scattered Minds" by Gabor Mate, so I bought it today and started reading it. I came across this passage and it just seems to explain the ADD mind so well
>
> "You decide to clean your room which, typically, looks like a tornado has just passed through. You pick a book off the floor and move to replace it on the shelf. As you do so, you notice that two volumes of poetry by William Carlos Williams are not stacked side by side. Forgetting the debris on the floor, you lift one of the volumes to place it beside its sibling. Turning a page, you begin to read a poem. The poem has a classical reference in it, which prompts you to consult your guide to Greek mythology; now you are lost because one reference leads to another. An hour later, your interest in classical mythology exhausted for the moment, you return to your intended task. You are hunting for the missing half of a pair of socks which has gone on furlough, perhaps permanently, when another item of clothing on the floor reminds you that you have laundry to wash before the evening. As you head downstairs, laundry hamper in arm, the telephone rings. Your plan to create order in your room is now doomed." (13)
>
> I think it may be because I'm attempting to actually clean my room (instead of just stuff everything in the corner) and I'm not getting too far...
>
> Hope you enjoy!BY gawd I wish I had even an OUNCE of energy to do all of that in my worst times (sometimes even in 'better' times!)lol! You could have thrown some hot chick wearing only a smile into my bed and I would have hogged the covers..lol. Oh...yes..btw...I am a 'bit' better in THAT department these days. Now I just need a female partner to practise my ideas about having wild, bold Tantric sex with. I was giving the lady in the 7-11 a rundown this morning, just some quick snapshots, and boy, I could have given some woman a, ummm....really good 'workout'..hahaa. Sorry...I am bad, but geez it has been soooo long!
Now I sound all trashy and sluty. I've ruined my image! Ohh..no! hahaa.lolJay
Posted by TexasChic on May 22, 2008, at 22:04:58
In reply to Re: A quote...(Warning.....X-Rated Post :), posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on May 22, 2008, at 21:54:37
Well I was going to talk about the pretty, inspirational poetry, but I don't think I can follow that! ;-)
-T
Posted by Phillipa on May 23, 2008, at 12:31:13
In reply to Re: A quote...(Warning.....X-Rated Post :), posted by TexasChic on May 22, 2008, at 22:04:58
T think yours sounds more like anxiety. If you stay on one topic and don't go from topic to topic with no concentration. Gee sounds like me. Love Phillipa
Posted by Phil on May 23, 2008, at 15:04:15
In reply to Re: A quote that seems to explain so much..., posted by TexasChic on May 22, 2008, at 21:37:48
People with ADD are able to hyper-focus at times so yeah.
Posted by Gee on May 23, 2008, at 19:43:30
In reply to Re: A quote that seems to explain so much..., posted by TexasChic on May 22, 2008, at 21:37:48
I'm not sure about the tv thing, but ADDer's have the ability to hyperfocus on one thing for a long time. Like today, I hyper focused on a project that was due. I totally lost track of time, but I got it done, and wasn't distracted by anything around me.
Man, my focus is totally gone now... sorry for the ramblishness
Posted by Kath on May 23, 2008, at 21:22:32
In reply to A quote that seems to explain so much..., posted by Gee on May 22, 2008, at 17:34:16
> My "t" recommended a book "Scattered Minds" by Gabor Mate, so I bought it today and started reading it. I came across this passage and it just seems to explain the ADD mind so well
>
> "You decide to clean your room which, typically, looks like a tornado has just passed through. You pick a book off the floor and move to replace it on the shelf. As you do so, you notice that two volumes of poetry by William Carlos Williams are not stacked side by side. Forgetting the debris on the floor, you lift one of the volumes to place it beside its sibling. Turning a page, you begin to read a poem. The poem has a classical reference in it, which prompts you to consult your guide to Greek mythology; now you are lost because one reference leads to another. An hour later, your interest in classical mythology exhausted for the moment, you return to your intended task. You are hunting for the missing half of a pair of socks which has gone on furlough, perhaps permanently, when another item of clothing on the floor reminds you that you have laundry to wash before the evening. As you head downstairs, laundry hamper in arm, the telephone rings. Your plan to create order in your room is now doomed." (13)
***********JEEZ LOUISE - is THAT ever MOI!!!I've gotta print that out! I used to joke that I am busy ALL DAY & move around doing this & that & get distracted & at the end, feel like I got nothing done!
Thx for posting that. I actually did not think I have ADD but if that describes it - that's sure enough me.
Kath
Posted by Kath on May 23, 2008, at 21:30:45
In reply to Re: A quote that seems to explain so much..., posted by TexasChic on May 22, 2008, at 18:14:07
But TC - I thought if you & I can laugh about it, maybe there's hope for us!!
TC - does this mean we can get dexidrine????? (That used to be one drug used to treat ADD; it had the opposite effect on ADD people - wonder if it still is)
~sigh~ - I wouldn't take meds for my ADD symptoms, as I seem to be doing okay, except that my house is a disaster & the disorder bothers my mind, but anyhow....how are you & how is brother & mother?
love you, Kath
Posted by TexasChic on May 23, 2008, at 22:02:12
In reply to ****trigger - tasteless joke about drugs***** » TexasChic, posted by Kath on May 23, 2008, at 21:30:45
> but anyhow....how are you & how is brother & mother?
So far so good. Work is more exhausting than usual lately - that's why I'm not around much.
-T
Posted by Kath on May 24, 2008, at 12:38:25
In reply to Re: ****trigger - tasteless joke about drugs*****, posted by TexasChic on May 23, 2008, at 22:02:12
> So far so good. Work is more exhausting than usual lately - that's why I'm not around much.
>
> -T***So glad about bro & mo. Hope that the weekend gives you a nice chance to rest up.
I was totally blown away by reading the description & realizing that that is EXACTLY how I carry on in my day. Around the house is like that. If I'm out & about, doing errands, etc I stay 'on track'. How about you?
Kath
Posted by Kath on May 24, 2008, at 12:42:23
In reply to Re: A quote that seems to explain so much..., posted by TexasChic on May 22, 2008, at 21:37:48
> With ADD, do you tend to focus really hard on one thing, to the extent of all others? My boss said this about me in my last review. Also, my sister always talks about how me, my bro and my nephew all do this thing where if we watch tv, you can call our name over and over and not get our attention.Does that sound like ADD in your opinion?
>
> -T
********sure sounds like my son & he was labelled as ADD by a pediatric specialist when he was in about Grade 9. She also said that kids with ADD OFTEN get into trouble with drugs; trying to deal with the stress & the "You are SMART - you could DO BETTER - you just have to APPLY yourself" litany that they've gotten from teachers (& maybe parents) for years!!!Kath
Posted by Kath on May 24, 2008, at 12:44:19
In reply to Re: A quote that seems to explain so much... » TexasChic, posted by Gee on May 23, 2008, at 19:43:30
Gee - you're a student, right?
How have you found ADD has affected that?
My son just DIDN'T do well in school. Found it VERY hard to deal with.
Kath
Posted by TexasChic on May 24, 2008, at 22:22:11
In reply to Re: A quote that seems to explain so much... » Gee, posted by Kath on May 24, 2008, at 12:44:19
My nephew is now on meds for ADD, but my sister can't figure out if she really believes he has it or not. I can't either, I don't know enough about it. The thing is he is SO SMART! I mean he blows me away sometimes. But he may not pass 3rd grade and he already got held back in 1st grade. He's having trouble passing the TAKS test (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) that he has to pass in order to go to the next grade. I think its because its one of those long test and he can't stay focused that long. He gets a few attempts at it, but he's failed the first two. They will find out soon if he passed the final one. Keep your fingers crossed, I'm so afraid of what it will do to his self esteem if he gets held back again.
-T
Posted by Phillipa on May 25, 2008, at 20:01:04
In reply to Re: A quote that seems to explain so much..., posted by TexasChic on May 24, 2008, at 22:22:11
Why not post a question on the meds board asking the symptoms of ADD or ADHD? Love Phillipa
Posted by Kath on May 25, 2008, at 20:58:48
In reply to Re: A quote that seems to explain so much..., posted by TexasChic on May 24, 2008, at 22:22:11
Jeez TC - don't they have a Special Ed department or something. My son is extremely smart also, but it NEVER showed in how he did in school.
I cross my fingers for this poor little kid who is 'falling between the cracks'. I think that if they are going to have a test like that for a child to pass to next grade, they darn-well should realize that various kids have various problems!!!! That they might well know the stuff they need to know, but have difficulties with tests etc. It seems AWFUL to me for young children to have such stressful stuff happening.
luv, Kath
Posted by Kath on May 26, 2008, at 15:54:24
In reply to A quote that seems to explain so much..., posted by Gee on May 22, 2008, at 17:34:16
In fact WAYYYYYYYYYYY longer!
Last night, I went into my room & the light was on the about 5 piles of clothes sat here & ther, ready to be washed. (My laundry room is in the basement). I had gone out of the bedroom HOURS before, looking for a laundry basket to put the stuff in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As I entered the room & saw the light on, I thought "Oh, hubby must be in here!" LOL
K
Posted by Gee on May 26, 2008, at 17:28:35
In reply to Re: A quote that seems to explain so much... » Gee, posted by Kath on May 24, 2008, at 12:44:19
I didn't find out that I had ADD till a couple of years ago. The meds have made a HUGE difference in my school performance. I was always the student who fell between the cracks. I don't have the hyperactivity to the same extent as some others. I learned to be quiet (very very quiet) as my way of dealing. My mom helped me get through school. I was very very very lucky to have her. She basically taught me math all throughout elementary and into highschool. I wouldn't have done so well without her
Posted by Gee on May 26, 2008, at 17:32:07
In reply to Re: A quote that seems to explain so much..., posted by TexasChic on May 24, 2008, at 22:22:11
Just because he's smart doesn't mean he doesn't have ADD. It may just be harder for him to 1. learn the material and 2. regurgitate the material. Has he been taking the test in the classroom with all the other kids? I've found that a separate test taking location has helped me tons. None of those typical distractions and I can take longer and I don't feel as pressured or anxious. Does he do better if someone is reading the questions to him? Sometimes ADDer's do better orally and most often that a test accommodation that is easily put in place.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Social | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.