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What Causes Difficulty In Understanding Numbers?
Question: Hi, I'm a 20 yo female who is an avid reader and writer. I've been diagnosed with ADHD. For most of my life I have greatly struggled with math and numbers. High school was a nightmare for me, I couldn't understand what was going on during math, it was like a foreign language to me. Math has progressively gotten more and more distressing since around fourth or fifth grade.
I never was able to learn my times tables or how to divide. Even nowadays I struggle to divide or do any other simple math even on paper and using my fingers. I struggle to tell time on a traditional clock, I have to count and often lose count and get frustrated.
I reverse or transpose series of numbers without realizing it and will be frustrated at the fact that I'm getting nowhere then I realize I wrote stuff down in the wrong order and have to start again. Math concepts confuse me. In the rare event that I understand how to do something, I fail to correctly apply it to a problem. I have to write formulas next to every problem every time or else I don't know how to even begin. I solve things "the long way" , people say I "work backwards" and end up doing more work but that's just the way that I can make it work.
I frequently mix up times and dates, can't do mental math, and never carry cash because it's confusing. I'm a medic, and when it comes to dosages, though, I'm the go-to person. I enjoy medicine so I don't struggle very much with numbers in that sense.
Sometimes when someone dictates numbers to me I draw a blank, not knowing what thaf number looks like. I try to force myself in that moment to write so I don't look stupid and just end up with a wobbly squiggle because my hand didn't know what shape to make.
I know for a fact this isn't due to my ADHD, as the usual problems with that is my hyperactivity and impulsivity.
I don't know what's wrong with me, please help.
I never was able to learn my times tables or how to divide. Even nowadays I struggle to divide or do any other simple math even on paper and using my fingers. I struggle to tell time on a traditional clock, I have to count and often lose count and get frustrated.
I reverse or transpose series of numbers without realizing it and will be frustrated at the fact that I'm getting nowhere then I realize I wrote stuff down in the wrong order and have to start again. Math concepts confuse me. In the rare event that I understand how to do something, I fail to correctly apply it to a problem. I have to write formulas next to every problem every time or else I don't know how to even begin. I solve things "the long way" , people say I "work backwards" and end up doing more work but that's just the way that I can make it work.
I frequently mix up times and dates, can't do mental math, and never carry cash because it's confusing. I'm a medic, and when it comes to dosages, though, I'm the go-to person. I enjoy medicine so I don't struggle very much with numbers in that sense.
Sometimes when someone dictates numbers to me I draw a blank, not knowing what thaf number looks like. I try to force myself in that moment to write so I don't look stupid and just end up with a wobbly squiggle because my hand didn't know what shape to make.
I know for a fact this isn't due to my ADHD, as the usual problems with that is my hyperactivity and impulsivity.
I don't know what's wrong with me, please help.
Brief Answer:
Learning disorder, ADHD etc are the probable reasons for your symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries
I have read the details of the problems you have mentioned and it appears that to some extent the ADHD is the cause of these problems. But in ADHD poor learning occurs due to lack of focus and concentration, so learning problems in all domains of life are seen.
Your all problems are related to numbers and calculations. You even feel difficult in finding numbers. Such symptoms can be explained by learning disorders especially specific learning disorders. Though more detailed evaluation is need to make final diagnosis.
So I'd advise you to not to waste time in feeling bad and consult a psychiatrist. You are a young female and will respond to medicines well. Amphetamines like Concerta or Adderall can help to improve focus and concentration. If used with proper prescription and in right doses these drugs are very useful in improving the focus and help in learning. Assisted learning and counselling by a psychologist also help to improve the learning. A good psychologist will help you.
Don't remain distressed with all these symptoms. Just remember one thing that you are not the only person with such symptoms. With proper medicines and evaluation you will come out of this mess.
Hope this helps you. Please dont hesitate to ask again for more doubts.
Thanks, Take care
Learning disorder, ADHD etc are the probable reasons for your symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries
I have read the details of the problems you have mentioned and it appears that to some extent the ADHD is the cause of these problems. But in ADHD poor learning occurs due to lack of focus and concentration, so learning problems in all domains of life are seen.
Your all problems are related to numbers and calculations. You even feel difficult in finding numbers. Such symptoms can be explained by learning disorders especially specific learning disorders. Though more detailed evaluation is need to make final diagnosis.
So I'd advise you to not to waste time in feeling bad and consult a psychiatrist. You are a young female and will respond to medicines well. Amphetamines like Concerta or Adderall can help to improve focus and concentration. If used with proper prescription and in right doses these drugs are very useful in improving the focus and help in learning. Assisted learning and counselling by a psychologist also help to improve the learning. A good psychologist will help you.
Don't remain distressed with all these symptoms. Just remember one thing that you are not the only person with such symptoms. With proper medicines and evaluation you will come out of this mess.
Hope this helps you. Please dont hesitate to ask again for more doubts.
Thanks, Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
i am currently taking Concerta actually, and it has been great, but the issues with numbers persists.
i feel distressed because my psychologist just brushes off what I tell her about my issues with numbers and since I am in the army, there are no services available through the military to either test or assist with learning disorders.
would you know of any programs or anything like that that you would recommend for someone like me with such limited options? my city has only a handful of psychologists that help adults with learning disorders, and none of them are currently taking any new patients but also their fares are extremely expensive even for evaluations so I am seeking any other alternate means of help.
i feel distressed because my psychologist just brushes off what I tell her about my issues with numbers and since I am in the army, there are no services available through the military to either test or assist with learning disorders.
would you know of any programs or anything like that that you would recommend for someone like me with such limited options? my city has only a handful of psychologists that help adults with learning disorders, and none of them are currently taking any new patients but also their fares are extremely expensive even for evaluations so I am seeking any other alternate means of help.
Brief Answer:
Some drugs can used to augment the actions of risperidone
Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up question
As Concerta is not resulting full effects so in case some drugs can be added to augment the therapy. Clonidine, Guanfacine both drugs can help to better effects of the drug. Even low dose anti psychotics like Risperidone can also help. If possible discuss about these drugs with your psychiatrist and start taking the drugs.
There are no specific programs that can address the problems you are having at your age. But as you have mentioned that you have showing the improvement with the drug and issue of numbers is persisting, wait for some more days and you will see improvement.
Thanks, Still have more doubt please ask again. Take care
Some drugs can used to augment the actions of risperidone
Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up question
As Concerta is not resulting full effects so in case some drugs can be added to augment the therapy. Clonidine, Guanfacine both drugs can help to better effects of the drug. Even low dose anti psychotics like Risperidone can also help. If possible discuss about these drugs with your psychiatrist and start taking the drugs.
There are no specific programs that can address the problems you are having at your age. But as you have mentioned that you have showing the improvement with the drug and issue of numbers is persisting, wait for some more days and you will see improvement.
Thanks, Still have more doubt please ask again. Take care
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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