12 Aug 2009, 5:54 pm
12 Aug 2009, 8:22 pm
I don't really have problems with concentration and as far as I know that's not an AS issue. I have trouble forcing myself to focus on things that don't interest me, but that's not the same thing.
At the risk of being alarmist, some of your description has more the sound of early-onset Alzheimer's than Asperger.
On the other hand, some movies (especially action films based on video games and heavy on the CGI) just don't make a lot of sense because they were stupid ideas to begin with. I've seen several in the last few years that lost any resemblance to logical plot progression by the third act. Maybe some of the problem isn't in your brain, but in your video picks 
Tory_canuck
Veteran
Joined: 8 Jun 2009
Age: 40
Gender: Female
Posts: 1,373
Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
12 Aug 2009, 9:01 pm
12 Aug 2009, 11:23 pm
Yes, this absolutely. In fact, when I was getting my Neuropsych Eval done in March for my diagnosis, the doctor said I had such poor short-term memory that if I were in my 60's instead of my 30's they'd be ordering neuro testing on me. I can remember any lyric to any song, recite cereal commercials from the 80's, but don't ask me to tell you any details of a short story I just heard 5 minutes ago!
How has a lack of concentration affected your life, and what, if anything, have you been able to do about it?
I've definitely had this problem most of my adult life, and I have done a lot of covering up for it, making adjustments. My life is all about lists, sticky notes. In fact, I usually have a notebook at all times, with all my to do stuff in the front, and "longer term projects/needs" in the back. I have a fairly photographic memory, so if I need a phone number that someone has given me, I can "see" it on the page, especially if I draw a shape or little cloud shape around it. Man, this is sounding really strange when I type it out!
Has medication helped you at all?
Once I was accidentally put on Adderall, which is an ADD drug, back in the 90's when I was seeing a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with everything and the kitchen sink (heh, except ASD!). We had tried so many antidepressants that just weren't doing much for me, so out of desperation he "diagnosed" me with kind of a fake diagnosis of ADD so I could try that class of drugs. Little did I know that he may have been right. I do remember feeling better, although it wasn't stunning clarity or anything. I've often thought about trying something along those lines again, although I've been off meds for a long, long time and I'm kind of hestitant to get back into the "psychopharmacological pincushion" mode again. It might be worth it though.
13 Aug 2009, 1:33 am
13 Aug 2009, 4:38 am
13 Aug 2009, 8:29 pm
I have trouble concentrating because of my depression. 
13 Aug 2009, 9:29 pm
In the last two years I've completely lost all ability to concentrate myself, on anything. I used to have outstanding moments of mental clarity, but they are all but gone. I attribute it partly to my depression. It's actually become so bad that it's almost quasi-dementia
Just for interests sake, you might want to check out the criteria for ADD, I was surprised to see that I met them myself.
I. Either A or B:[93]
EITHER
(A.) Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
Inattentive:
Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
Often has trouble organizing activities.
Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (such as toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
Is often easily distracted.
Often forgetful in daily activities.
OR
(B.) Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
Hyperactivity:
Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
Often talks excessively.
Impulsiveness:
Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (example: butts into conversations or games).
II. Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.
III. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (such as at school/work and at home).
IV. There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.
V. The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (such as Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).
I'm hoping to get on Ritalin soon, it sounds like a great medication to me, the side effects aren't horrible, and the anorexia and weight loss often accompanied would be great for me (I have, at maximum, a BMI of 16.5, but I have Anorexia Nervosa and I see myself as disgustingly fat. Whether that's true or not, who knows)
15 Aug 2009, 8:40 am
