The result of the meeting was the psychologist/psychiatric nurse saying that many of my wifes behaviors could be ADHD, but she did not think trying medication was warrented--at least until we tried non-medical treatments. She also said she would read the list of behaviors I made. My wife took this as "She says I don't have ADHD."
Another weird way she sees herself vindicated: I mentioned the symptom of blurting out hurtful or embarrassing things, and her explanations that she is not inconsiderate, she doesn't think about my feelings. The specialist replied that this "could be ADHD or it could be passive aggressive." My wife sees being passive aggressive as better than having ADHD? She sees being purposefully mean as better than not being able to control negative behavior?
She did the questionnaire (which unfortunately had a lot questions that were about children, such as behavior in school) which scored things on a 0 to 3 scale, with 3 being the highest level of something happening often. My wife even gave herself a "2 or 3" on many of the questions.
My wife often complains that I talk about things that happened years ago and don't acknowledge the things that have gotten better. During the evaluation, I prefaced some statements by noting that things are not as bad as they used to be. So she complained about that!
I’m sorry you didn’t get the
Submitted by Hopeful Heart on
I’m sorry you didn’t get the support and help that you are wanting and needing. I have avoided couples therapy with my husband because I’m afraid we’ll get a therapist that tells me it’s all my fault or it’s all my responsibility. I’ve also avoided pushing my adhd husband to get therapy by himself because he has very different perception of reality than me. His memories are also very different than mine. It’s so hard when you’re living a nightmare and you get outside people telling you it’s not that bad while simultaneously giving your disordered spouse more ammunition to use against you.
I'm sorry the couples therapy
Submitted by AdeleS6845 on
I'm sorry the couple's therapy session didn't work out as you had hoped.
I found that couple's therapy with my ex husband did not work, mainly because he was not willing to take responsibility for his part in our marriage problems. He also played innocent and blamed me for almost everything. My ex did NOT have ADHD.
So frustrating
Submitted by 1Melody1 on
That is so frustrating, Petunias. I am so sorry. It does seem like there is no uniform standard for diagnosing adult ADHD. My husband's doctor asked him a lot of questions like "Do you lose your wallet/keys/phone a lot?" and "Do you start projects and have a hard time finishing them?" I thought they were excellent questions, but they were definitely not standardized. And some doctors are pro-medication while others are not. Truly frustrating when you are at the end of your rope, which you probably are. Sounds like this could have almost hurt your situation vs. helped it. :(
Still, you got your wife there, you were honest and you are making a sincere attempt to make your partnership work. That is all you can do.
I suggest you forget adhd, and deal w/ the behaviors....
Submitted by c ur self on
This is a link to Patrick Doyle's talk on Boundaries in relationship....I think it fits your relationship needs, just like it does mine (many of us here). If you will Stop diagnosing your wife, and just work on stopping the pain you are in....I think you can gain ground...But as long as you aren't willing to set boundaries to force accountability, I'm afraid nothing will change...So much of our pain is self inflicted because we aren't willing to do what must be done....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi7IkucDXyE
Here is another great one on denial....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-U8ivAOytQ
C, This was good to watch
Submitted by jennalemone on
This was good to watch as a sort of pep talk to keep our ownership of ourselves. To keep strength in your own self. I had to laugh and it is so true by the guy's grandmother's quote, "You don't want to wrestle with a pig. You both get muddy, but the pig likes it." This Youtube broadcast is a way of thinking to get out of anguish and victimhood and in to living a life of integrity. Thanks, C. I feel stronger after seeing this.
Yes Jenna...
Submitted by c ur self on
I'm 100% responsible for making my identity something real, lasting and eternal....And I am 100% responsible for asking myself all the tough questions related to my marriage...Then accepting what is possible to have a peaceful life,,,Instead of suffering frustration because I can't have what I want....It doesn't matter how normal what I want is....What is possible must always be what I accept....So I can live out the remainder of my life on this earth (that I am afforded)... Peacefully, with a thankful heart, and a sound mind....
Blessings friend...
c