Expert: Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP - 6/5/2006

Question
Christine,

    Hello. I had a question actually for my boyfriend who I think is in dire need to get re-tested for ADHD. The thing is when he was tested [actually in jail] they wouldn't diagnose him with ADHD simply because they thought he was too bright to have ADHD - so they only diagnosed him with having an impulse disorder.
    I know he would be so much better off if he got the help he needed because I'm also diagnosed as having both ADHD and being gifted. The problem is that I was diagnosed in another city a few years ago before I met him. Would most clinics diagnose and help with controlling his ADHD? He has so much potential just sitting there all because no one will give him a proper diagnosis – and I am confidant that if he went on medications that he wouldn’t have the impulse to get him in trouble and end up in jail for a few days, to get out and repeat what he knows is stupid anyway. What would your advice on this be?
    I also have one more question that is a little out there, but I thought I would ask anyway. Both my boyfriend and I really love the fumes of gasoline and hair dye. We don't inhale it, but we can't deny that is sort of soothing if we're filling our cars with gas or if I'm getting my hair dyed at the salon. Is this shared by others with ADHD, so simply a quirky coincidence?
    But, thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you can help out. Thanks!


-Elizabeth

Answer
Dear Elizabeth,

Thanks for asking me your questions.  

The answer to your first question about would 'most clinics diagnose your boyfriend and treat him,' that is hard to say.  Would I expect a clinic that treats adults with attention defict disorder or an impulse control disorder to work on treating the problem, the answer is yes.  Just be sure to ask the right questions going in. Ask how many patients they have treated with AD/HD as adults.  Do they think that stimulant medication works?  What other treatment options do they recommend?

Don't settle for someone who just says, we treat everything.  Please encourage treatment.  It is supected that as many as 30% of all inmates have AD/HD.  

With that being said, it is also common for those of us with AD/HD to be drawn toward addiction also - including inhalants.  Be very careful about being lured into the 'smell' because it is calming or alerting.  It causes brain damage.  Look instead for some other odors that you might find stimulating or relaxing.  You can try going to a good candle store or even burning insence.  Try to remember though, that when we inhale things, there is just a very thin layer between our nasal passages and the brain.  Keep things safe always.  

The answer to your question though is, it is not uncommon for individuals with AD/HD to have sensory quirks.  From being too sensitive with some touches, to being soothed by quirky things.  In general it caused by the same 'dys-regulation' of the nervous system.  Have fun with the quirks among those of us who understand best.  

Good Luck.  Thanks for being a supportive ADDer.

Christine