I honestly am not sure.

[teh_delta]

This is my first time actually trying to find out about disorders I may or may not have. I have always been regarded as an above average student by my peers and relatives. Throughout my academic life, I maintained a relatively good GPA and always believed school was too easy. In eighth and ninth grade, I think I may have had a case of depression; always being alone, with maybe one or two friends. I have never used drugs/alcohol and I really doubt that I ever will. But on to today's problems: it's now my junior year in high school and I have been enrolled into a program within my high school that allows me to attend a college and earn college credits while simultaneously fulfilling my high school requirements. As of late, my grades have begun to slip. I don't know what is to blame for this, but it may be that I have an addiction to gaming. Each day, I wake up, and play games for a bit, then do my schooling, come back, and play games for the rest of the night until my parents yell at me to get off of the computer. They have tried to get me to stop playing, but each time, I end up being lectured for an hour, going to bed and sulking (often times thinking of suicide), or suffering through withdraws. In my classes, I can hardly stand being there, and end up sleeping through most of it, which greatly reflects my grades. Overall, what I'm trying to get at, is there perhaps a disorder I have that may be preventing me from keeping my focus on important issues in my life? I have heard the symptoms of OCD, ADHD, ADD, and Depression. They all seem to fit what I am going through now. I have never had much self-confidence and I'm incredibly scared of revealing myself to people, especially my parents. I honestly have no idea where to go to find answers or how to confront my parents about my problems. Any help would be very-much appreciated.

[teh_delta]

As with Ellen, your advice is very helpful to me. I will see to it that I try psychology before attempting the use of medical drugs. But as far as the gaming goes, it's really the only thing I have at the moment. If you may not have deciphered it, I don't not have many friends that I know outside of school. (maybe 5 or 6 total) I try to be with them as much as possible, but they, too, don't get out much or are busy spending time with their boyfriend/girlfriend. Which, of course, takes a large priority over me. So, I spend my time chatting and playing with online communities, wasting my time away.

[teh_delta]

Thanks for your advice, hopefully I can talk my mom into it. It's currently 5:15AM and I've been up all night...Once again, thank you for the excellent advice and any others' will be greatly appreciated.

[Hensley258]

I think it may be a little to soon to lable yourself as suffering from a major depressive dissorder.

If the recient issues your having are having a negitive impact on your life that I think it would be wise to consult with a good Psychologist for evaluation.

At your age I would caution about taking antidepressants or any other forms of Psychotropic medications. For reason not fully understood people under 19 don't tend to do very well on antidepressant drug therapy. Sometimes for very young people they can even make matters worse.

My suggestion would be to work on your issues with weekly talk therapy. If later it is determined that other alternatives are needed, then meds are always on option, but they should never be a first option.

As for the online gaming. You need to limit your time spent withh that. I also enjoy gaming on-line, but all in moderation. At your age you need to be getting out and spending time with friends away from the computer.

That's how people build healthy relationships, not thru a computer monitor.

[ettebette]

It's very perceptive of you to be able to separate yourself from your actions, and see that you might have a problem.  Talk with your parents, and tell them honestly how you've been feeling, and would like some help.  Tell them you'd like to be evaluated by a psychaitrist -- someone is who trained to diagnose these things.  Your medical doctor can give your family some referrals.  You are so smart for wanting to nip this in the bud.  The psychiatrist can also refer you to a good therapist for you to talk to.  You may find this very helpful, as well.  Also, if the psychiatrist feels you need medication, don't be afraid to try it.  Often times, the combination of medication and talk therapy can be a good combination.  I wish you the best of luck.  Keep us posted.

To good health, and many blessings,

Ellen