ADHD in adults

[WindingRoad]

I am curious if anyone suffers from ADHD here on TE? Based on problems I have been experiencing over the last several years I think I have ADHD. Two of my cousins were diagnosed with it and apparently it is 75% genetic. Just to give a little background, I have been talking to my school counselor about some issues I'm having regarding inability to concentrate, sleep, plan ahead, prioritize and stay focused on one thing at a time. After these conversations I am beginning to realize these problems have been present since I was in grade school. As an adult I have compensated in various ways, i.e. long distance cycling, ahem. Since my time has been greatly reduced for things like cycling I am finding my concentration has suffered dramatically. I know that the treatment for ADHD is stimulant therapy. In the past I have used Mini Thins to stay awake on long drives etc. The odd thing was they made me extremely focused and I was very calm after taking them. Most people take Mini Thins to be "juiced up" if you know what I mean. After some research about how stimulants affect the brains of people with ADHD, it sounds as though I was treating it unknowingly with the Mini Thins. I noticed a huge improvement. I have read in many cases of ADHD that patients are typically very dependent on coffee and since they don't react the same, it actually helps to calm them down. This describes me to a 'T'. I can drink coffee and it will help me sleep at night. To be honest my concentration has been absolutely awful this semester, no change in study habits seems to help either. Like I said I have been talking to my school counselor and she has recommended I seek an evaluation for ADHD. I am planning to find a doctor next week after the holiday is over. Its strange because I sit here thinking that if this has been going on for as long as I suspect, how extremely hard I have been pushing myself over the last 8 years. I have had bouts of depression over the years and now I must wonder if that too was induced by ADHD? I know many people are misdiagnosed with this disorder but after reading about the symptoms, history and genetics of this disorder I think there is a very high probability I have been struggling with this for years! I feel kinda hopeful that I will be diagnosed with it so I can have some relief! That may sound crazy but I can't describe the mental anguish I have been through over the last 2 years especially.

I would love to hear from anyone with any insight into this disorder. I will share what I find out as I learn more.

[Biciclista]

I don't know that you can blame depression on ADHD itself.
My husband (age 60) was diagnosed as hyperactive way way back when and he's definitely ADHD. he drives me nuts, always dropping things, not finishing what he starts. He has a good job where he has to keep track of A LOT of details. It's very hard for him but he gets great reviews. he drinks a lot of coffee.
Bicycling makes his life manageable I think.

[zoom-zoom]

Ha, I could have typed your post. ;)

I have not been diagnosed...but my son is VERY ADHD (he's a little Jekyll/Hyde depending upon whether he's on his meds), my brother is ADD (not really hyperactive, though he has always had that constant jumpy leg thing). My sister and I are both spacey, disorganized, and have a really hard time motivating ourselves...easily distractable.

I think depression can be a component of ADD/ADHD. Not necessarily from a chemical brain imbalance, but depression due to frustrations and struggles dealing with work and every day responsibilities. Drug/alcohol abuse are particularly common in untreated adolescents and adults with the disorder...our son's pediatrician explained that people who aren't receiving any sort of treatment for the disease are much more likely to "self-medicate."

Sometimes I think I should go ahead and be assessed...mostly to confirm what I already know. But I don't know at age 38 if I would pursue medication or not. My brother was diagnosed when he was about 34. Incidentally, his GF was diagnosed in her mid-20s. It's not all that unheard of for adults to have managed their way through childhood and college prior to diagnosis. My brother's GF was diagnosed early in her law school career. She is absolutely brilliant...I mean seriously one of the smartest people I have ever met (she and my brother are both shockingly intelligent). She failed the bar on her first try, even though she pulled pretty much straight As through school...testing is just really difficult for her, even while medicated.

One thing that gives me pause to go through the diagnosis process and take meds is the side-effects. They can cause heart damage. They also have a tendency to really kill one's appetite (our son's growth is almost certainly going to be a bit stunted, since it's hard to get him to eat). Yeah, I'd LOVE to drop some weight, but not if it means bonking on a regular basis during workouts. My brother's GF has to make herself eat when she's not hungry...she sometimes remembers to eat when she starts to shake and notices her stomach growling.

[badger]

I think I probably have some ADD tendencies, though caffeine does rev me up and keep me up at night so that alone probably rules me out. But I can definitely sympathize with lack of planning, not being able to focus, starting projects and not finishing them, and just generally not very organized.

I'd imagine you're going down the right route to try and get it officially diagnosed and go from there in terms of treatment and dealing with it. We are so much more aware of this now than ever before, so you'll probably find a lot support.

Good luck!

[spokewench]

I don't have ADHD, but my boss is the poster child! Often times, people with ADHD are brilliant, it is just hard to focus all the brilliance! So, you can look at the glass as half empty or half full, your choice! I'm sure it would not hurt to look into this for yourself and perhaps you can find out some of the tricks that help ADHD people function and focus better.

Good luck in your journey

[WindingRoad]

"My brother was diagnosed when he was about 34."

That's right about where I'm at now.

I definitely can't sit still, never could. Sometimes I wake up with racing thoughts and daydream the same types of thought. My mind is always busy with many things at a time. Sometimes I will have a cup of coffee and just feel so much more at ease. I don't like the idea of taking a stimulant all the time either but its so hard to function effectively like this. I found I have 4 cousins with ADHD and my niece was also diagnosed with it.

[zoom-zoom]

This is so me...I saw this recently (http://youtu.be/6oHBG3ABUJU). It made me laugh and shake my head at the same time.

[Crankin]

*disclaimer* 3 weeks until I'm actually a therapist... but, I have 30+ years experience with ADHD with kids, teens, adults as a teacher and as a counseling intern. Both of my kids and my DH have ADHD, primarily attention, not hyperactivity.
So, yes, many people are diagnosed as adults. The thing is, that ADHD is a diagnosis by history. There's no "test" for it. There is a huge genetic component. And many times, it's comorbid with depression and substance abuse, especially in adults when it's untreated. Adults with ADHD often have difficulty in maintaining employment and with their relationships, if it's untreated. About thirty percent of the incarcerated population in the US has undiagnosed ADHD, and if you talked to them, you'd discover most of them are very smart people.
My advice is go to a neuropsychologist to get diagnosed. If you can't do that, find a psychologist who specializes in ADHD, hopefully, knows something about it in adults. There are a lot of strategies that you can learn to compensate and develop routines to structure your studies and your life in general. I am not anti-medication at all, but if you go to a physician, you will get the meds, but not the other part of the treatment. A good neuropsych or psychologist will work as a team with a prescriber.
People with ADHD tend to throw themselves into interests and sports, like cycling, because there's a direct connection between the neurotransmitters that are processed when you do endurance stuff and the same ones that calm someone with ADHD.
Have you read this?

http://www.bicycling.com/news/featured-stories/riding-my-ritalin

PM me if you want to.

[Biciclista]

one other thing.
Once upon a time when people were not required to sit and stare at computer monitors (or tiny print) all day, ADHD was unknown.
Guys like my husband worked hard physical labor all day long and when they were done working, they went to bed... and never had a problem with all that energy...

Your body is blessed with a lot of energy and it is extremely taxing (and bad for you) to live our modern life style. So you bike. Ride like the wind. Enjoy it. Walk, run, swim. That's what you were designed to do.

[zoom-zoom]

one other thing.
Once upon a time when people were not required to sit and stare at computer monitors (or tiny print) all day, ADHD was unknown.
Guys like my husband worked hard physical labor all day long and when they were done working, they went to bed... and never had a problem with all that energy...

Your body is blessed with a lot of energy and it is extremely taxing (and bad for you) to live our modern life style. So you bike. Ride like the wind. Enjoy it. Walk, run, swim. That's what you were designed to do.

But it's not that simple. It's not about excessive energy, it's about abnormal brains. The brains of people with ADHD are not the same as "normal" brains. It's why stimulant drugs don't hop them up, instead they make ADHD folks focused...because that unstimulated area of the brain is properly activated.

I really hate when people just casually suggest that it's a matter of getting adult and kids active. My 10 year old son can ride 35 miles on the back of our tandem...that doesn't take his symptoms away. It helps tire him out, but he still cannot focus and is jittery.

Not all people have exactly the same symptoms with ADHD. My brother has never been "hyperactive." His symptoms have never been as severe as my son's, which is how he managed to graduated 2nd in his HS class. He got very good at coping.

During kindergarten screening they encouraged us to hold our son back (we didn't, instead we enrolled him in a Montessori school, which has been amazing for him), even though the kid now scores advanced on standardized tests and has read the first 5 Harry Potter books in 2 weeks. He simply could not cope without his meds. No amount of physical activity eliminates the bulk of his symptoms.

[zoom-zoom]

Have you read this?

http://www.bicycling.com/news/featured-stories/riding-my-ritalin

We read that article when it first came out and it definitely played a HUGE role in our decision to dump a lot of money into a Co-Motion tandem with the Periscope rear seat post. Aside from the positive effect it has had on our son, it's a helluvalot of fun. I don't care for riding on the back of the tandem (I can't see squat around my broad-shouldered, 6'2" hubby), but our son is like a pig in mud back there. He sings songs and yells "pedal faster, dad, we can drop mom!" Jerks. :p

[Biciclista]

you're lucky that Montessori worked for your kid. They threw my 4 year old OUT of Montessori school. His ADD was too much for them.
You'll never convince me that such a huge percentage of our children are somehow defective. If they didn't go to school and have to sit all day and then come home and sit and play computer games, I bet people would just say "what healthy active children you have!".

[zoom-zoom]

I'm more suspicious of things like pesticides (http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1989564,00.html) or other environmental chemicals playing a role in people developing the condition. I grew up in an agricultural area (mostly fruit orchards) and we had a well. We now live in an agricultural area (corn, soybeans, sunflowers, and grain) and have a well. Mine, my siblings', and my child's exposure to pesticides is almost certainly higher than that of the average American living away from agriculture and drinking water from sources away from farmland.

[Crankin]

Mimi, my kids most definitely did not sit at home and play computer games. They were exploring in the woods and playing sports, creating art, and playing music. But, neither of them could remember anything. They still both have terrible short term memory. My younger son was called "la-la" boy, because it seemed like he was in la-la land. Academically, they were both above average. But, the older one never did his homework and lost everything, until he got to 11th grade and college was looming. He couldn't take medication, but my younger son did for 7 years. He took himself off of it when he went to HS, but doing homework for AP classes took a toll on him. Cycling was the last in a very long chain of "obsessions" he had. While he wasn't hyperactive in school, he is impulsive about many things and gets bored easily... hence joining the Marines. It's all a part of ADHD. He's very successful, but in a way, this is a typical pattern of underachievement for someone with ADHD. I can't tell you how many times he has been asked by commissioned officers, "Why are you an enlisted Marine? Did you take the SATs? Did you go to private school?" because of his vocabulary and general knowledge, compared to others who enlist. If you met him, you might not know he has ADHD, but I smiled when I heard his wife say, "He can walk past me and not remember a thing I say." Yeah, he doesn't.
My other son was fine once he got to college and could study what he wanted to. Of course, he had a few "extended deadlines" and incompletes that took a few weeks to finish, but he has been a star in his professional career. Yet, he doesn't remember things or organize his personal stuff well; we laugh about it now, but I am glad his wife sort of helps him deal with it.

[Biciclista]

Crankin, you're describing my family members too. Both of my sons were total disasters in school until almost the last year of high school. Now my younger son is going for his PhD in pure math while the older is still bobbing along the river of life.

zoom-zoom the pesticide stuff sounds really scary!

[zoom-zoom]

My other son was fine once he got to college and could study what he wanted to.

This was my experience, as well (I'm sure it didn't hurt that I was paying my own tuition, too...not easy to slack-off when investing that kind of dough). But I HAD to keep a day planner and get everything done well in advance. I still have to plan my workouts, as well, or else I don't get them in or I lose motivation.

It helped that I was so busy in college with work and school that I didn't have time to waste. I do best when I am under the gun.

[badger]

This is so me...I saw this recently (http://youtu.be/6oHBG3ABUJU). It made me laugh and shake my head at the same time.


I had a good laugh, that's brilliant! I have age-activated attention deficit for sure!!

[WindingRoad]

This is so me...I saw this recently (http://youtu.be/6oHBG3ABUJU). It made me laugh and shake my head at the same time.

Welcome to my world, crazy as it may be. I totally relate to this poor woman. Its odd because I used to always joke with my friends about I saw something shiny so I was distracted. Little did I know. LOL. :)

[Azurah]

I truly believe that I have undiagnosed ADHD. My 8yr old son has been diagnosed with ADHD, but he isn't at the point where he needs medication.

I am very disorganized, procrastinate, have a hard time finishing things I start, have difficulty concentrating, major memory problems, and I'm very easily distracted. I'm in college and have been getting straight A's. I am a major procrastinator, but deadlines help with the motivation! I have to study alone because in groups, it's impossible to focus.

I'm a dental assistant and I find that my memory/concentration issues really affect my job. I often make mistakes/leave things off of chart notes that I have to correct later. I notice that if I'm not the one doing something, it's harder to remember. It's hard to remember all the teeth/surfaces/procedures we did on a patient because I'm not the dentist...I'm just suctioning/rinsing or passing them things. I can't just rush and write up the chart, I need to sit and really concentrate to make sure I'm getting all the details.

Because of my issues, I find that I can't be as good at my job as I want to be, now matter how hard I try. I actually want to be a hygienist. It would work better for me because I'd be the one doing the procedures. If I'm more engaged in something, the better I can focus.

I don't need to be diagnosed because I can't take stimulants. I already take propranolol to calm me because I get anxious at work and get shaky hands.

Just the other day at work while we were finishing up a patient's fillings (ironically, it was a 10yr old with major ADHD), the dentist said she needed an xray of a particular area when we were done. When the filling was done, the dentist left to see another patient and I was disinfecting everything and replacing used instruments so the chair would be ready for the next patient. Meanwhile, my patient is asking me a billion questions at rapid fire about what was this, how did we do that, etc etc. I'm concentrating on answering his questions and I walk him out to his mom, completely forgetting to take the xray the dentist asks for. Of course, I remember as soon as the patient and his mom have left. Typical type of situation for me.

[Azurah]

Just watched that youtube video! That's so funny, yet so sad because I'm only 28, but that's how my brain works.

[Crankin]

Azurah, if you are having anxiety that causes physical symptoms, I would recommend you re-evaluate your medication... it's not usual to prescribe propranolol for anxiety. And the anxiety you feel needs to be addressed, not just by medication. I have several clients who take medication for ADHD and anxiety. You need to see a good psychopharmacologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD. It's quite possible that your anxiety is part of the ADHD.

[zoom-zoom]

It's quite possible that your anxiety is part of the ADHD.

I'll echo this. My son gets anxious when he's not well-treated...it's very stressful and upsetting for him to not feel in control of himself. I have to wonder if your anxiety is result of feeling like you can't focus to do your work. That would cause anyone significant anxiety.

[limewave]

My dad has ADHD and my grandfather had it too. Unfortunately my dad was not diagnosed with it until sometime in the last 5-10 years. Struggling with his ADHD symptoms really took a toll on him--he never read us stories as kids (never finished reading a book period), struggled with various drug addictions, loss of friendships, etc. He ended up writing a booklet about ADHD. I've watched a great documentary ADD and Loving It (http://http://www.addrc.org/add-and-loving-it/) about adult ADHD which has helped me understand my dad better.

I have always dealt with anxiety and depression, that la-la forgetfulness one of you mentioned, lack of focus, etc my whole life as well. I have not sought treatment for ADHD specifically, but working with a naturopath doctor has helped with many of those symptoms.

And very recently I've been wondering if my DD has ADHD. We've had extreme behavior issues with her. One counselor suggested that she has "Oppositional Defiant Disorder." She also has anxiety. I have to prepare her thoroughly for any new situation. And if something doesn't go exactly as she has imagined it, she completely shuts down.

She is very bright, very smart, but lacks focus. It's going to be an interesting ride with this child.

[Azurah]

Crankin and zoom-zoom, you are both probably right that my anxiety has to do with my problems focusing at work. I'm almost 100% sure of it. I have seen a psychologist and tried several medications, but none of them helped my shaky hands. I have been on various SNRI's and SSRI's, but they made my brain more foggy and had undesirable side effects. My heart seems to be super sensitive to the norepinephrine inhibiting effect of SNRI's and my resting pulse would often be in the 100's.

I did bring up ADHD with my psych and she felt that it was possible, but even if I did have it, she told me she would never be comfortable prescribing a stimulant with the way my heart rate reacted to snri's.

Perhaps I will see another psych in the future for a second opinion, but I'm not ready for that yet. Other than getting meds, I see no need to be officially diagnosed. It wouldn't change the fact that I have these issues.

[Crankin]

There are several, well established alternative treatments for anxiety, that might also help with the focusing.
Mindfulness Stress Reduction (8-12 week class)
progressive muscle relaxation
yoga therapy
controlled breathing/meditation

Who is prescribing your meds? I understand the side effects with the SSRNIs, etc, but a psychopharmacologist is someone who specializes only in prescribing medications. They are usually psychiatrists with specialized training. There are new ADHD meds that are not stimulants.
You might also want to consider a neuropsych. evaluation.

[Azurah]

It was a psychologist who prescribed the ssri and snri's and I went for weekly therapy sessions for a little over a year. I no longer see the psychologist. It was my physician that prescribed the propranolol and the psych agreed that it was good idea for my shaky hands.

Good to know that there are non-stimulant meds for ADHD treatment. I may look into finding a neuropsych.

[WindingRoad]

"And very recently I've been wondering if my DD has ADHD. We've had extreme behavior issues with her. One counselor suggested that she has "Oppositional Defiant Disorder." She also has anxiety. I have to prepare her thoroughly for any new situation. And if something doesn't go exactly as she has imagined it, she completely shuts down.

She is very bright, very smart, but lacks focus. It's going to be an interesting ride with this child.[/QUOTE]

This sounds quite familiar to some of the things I experienced when I was younger. I was known to be quite defiant in many respects. I hope you can figure out what her issue is.

So I finally got to a psychologist who officially diagnosed me with adult ADHD today. He seems to think I will see a very dramatic difference after going on medication. He said he wants to have another session before he jumps to medication though. I am actually excited to see how it works for me, it would be so great to be able to not be completely spastic when I need to sit and study for hours. For that matter, I'd just like to be able to pay attention during class without being distracted by every little noise.

[zoom-zoom]

WR, I'm really glad that you have a diagnosis...it's that whole "knowledge is half the battle" thing. Now you have a starting point, which is excellent. Please continue to keep us posted on things.

[Crankin]

Azurah, psychologists cannot prescribe medication in any state in the US. You must have been seeing a psychiatrist, or your therapist was working with a doctor who prescribed for him/her.
You need to find a different therapist. One who really knows his/her stuff, both about ADHD and anxiety. Therapy for a year, with no abatement of severe anxiety symptoms isn't right. This is interfering with your work.

[WindingRoad]

So I keep reading about some of the typical issues involved with ADHD. I continue to run across articles saying CYCLING is a sport highly recommended to help alleviate the symptoms. Some even say it fills that Impulsivity void we have. I just can't believe how much things are starting to make sense now. From the explosive anger moments to reading 5 books at a time, good lord I wish I had know this about 15 years ago. I'm not complaining though.

I do realize I'm going to have to rid myself of a lot of my preconceived notions about my rocky elementary and high school years. It was a horrible experience really; I was so frustrated with everything that I literally made bubble pictures on my SAT back in high school :rolleyes: There is a point when you just can't fight it anymore and you just give in the to "bad student" label. All I can say is by all means if you suspect your kids of having ADHD, please have them evaluated and don't put them through the emotional roller coaster I had to go through. I think its worse for girls too, bc we already have issues with image and self esteem. Throwing a learning issue into the mix really screws with your confidence.

[Crankin]

I once read the teacher comments on my DH's report cards from early elementary school. I was astonished. One said "Something is wrong here..I don't know what, but something is very wrong. Steve is very smart, but cannot focus..."
Some of the comments were just plain mean. I couldn't imagine what would have happened if I had written that stuff when I was teaching. But, people just didn't know in the early sixties. My DH got almost a perfect score when he took the SATs and he was accused of having someone take the test for him, because, well, how could someone like him do that?
So, yes, the self esteem issues that are part of ADHD are not small things at all.

[zoom-zoom]

One of my son's preschool teachers told us that Dane couldn't be ADHD, since he could hyper-focus on things he enjoyed to the exclusion of everything else.

Duh, that is one of the hallmarks of ADHD! We went another 2 years without pursuing any sort of diagnosis because of that woman's "assessment."

Then kindergarten screeners recommended we hold him back...because he had no focus during the session (put a little car/truck-obsessed boy in a room full of his favorite toys and what do you expect, people?).

This is the same boy who now scores advanced on state standardized tests. Holding him back would have been a disaster. Instead of being just ADHD he would have been bored to tears and ADHD. Bucking their recommendation and enrolling him in an Montessori kindergarten (and subsequently a Montessori Elem. school) was the best thing we ever did for our kid. It was at that kindergarten that the school director recognized instantly that our kid was perfectly ready for kindergarten. She also worked with us and our son's pediatrician through the diagnosis process. Rather than writing him off as a "problem child," as previous educators had.

[WindingRoad]

So I've seen my psychologist now a couple of times. I am told I have moderately severe ADHD symptoms. I asked where I rank to others who have ADHD and he said I was in the "upper echelon". Apparently this has been a much bigger problem than I ever realized for a very long time. I'm in the process of getting on some type of drug therapy. I'm a little worried about side effects and all. I hear that each drug reacts differently in each person so there's no way to know exactly what will happen.

[indysteel]

Wow; that's pretty heavy stuff, WR. I'm just glad that you finally pieced it together and sought professional help. Hopefully your doc will keep a close eye on your meds and help you deal with any side effects. Is conventional talk therapy also recommended. Good luck with dealing with this.

[myjas]

My son was diagnosed with severe ADHD by a pyschologist years back. As he was diagnosing him I seen similarities in the symptoms in me. I mentioned it to him and he said that women cope with it better because we can multi task. He also explained how the meds work if you do have this disorder compared to if you don't. And it can be seen on a special scan of the brain.

[Crankin]

Winding Road, I am glad you are on your way. You will notice an immediate effect with the medication. It might take awhile to work out the dose or even which one is right. And these meds don't seem to follow the usual rules of dosage by weight. It's a very individual thing.
Women don't get diagnosed because they are nice little girls, sit in the back of the classroom and daydream. Then people wonder why they can't read, etc. But, sometimes they act out in other ways. If you looked at the stats on girls who have a substance issue, cut, or are sexually promiscuous, you might find a pretty high # of them have untreated ADD. All of those things are self medicating/soothing. Sometimes people can focus themselves on one thing they really love (like riding), but it doesn't help with all of the symptoms. The women/multitasking thing has no real basis in neuroscience. The evidence is very contradictory. You can make it look that way if you want to.

[alexis_the_tiny]

I have been recommended for testing but decided not to pursue it since it serves no purpose now. This was after 11 years of struggling in school with accompanying low self esteem issues, depression and such things. It MAY NOT be proper ADHD because the psychologist's suspicion is that I may have sensory issues which make me seem like I'm ADHD, dyslexic and dysgraphic. But whatever the heck it is, it does interfere with my life and I work with my therapist on modifying my life and behaviors to make it less interfering. It may not be practical for everyone but the thing that changed my life was changing jobs. I now work in special education where I'm required to be extremely active and be able to do ten thousand things accurately at the same time. Which is terrific because it puts all the annoying ADHD-ish traits to a use that is functional. And I find that after chasing around kids and multi-tasking like my life depends on it for 5 hours a day, I can settle down relatively ok to finish off paperwork for the next 5. There are other things like forgetfulness and the hyperactivity but I figured out what helps with remembering stuff and also what I need in order to avoid hyperactivity (enough sleep because exhaustion dulls my senses and I will seek out more extreme sensory input like spinning on chairs or jumping around, none of which are appropriate, to get some sensory input).

The thing is, it takes a long time to figure out what works for you. You may need meds, you may not need meds. Along the way, there will be people who tell you that you're just imagining things, like this neurologist I was sent to who told me that all I needed was a larger dose of psychiatric drugs to stop thinking. But keep looking for information that helps you, get a professional's help if you need to, keep going at it. It will get better one day.

[shootingstar]

Great some folks here have found their path from ADHD.

[Crankin]

Alexis, has your therapist recommended that you work with an OT? I have seen a world of wonders done by OTs who work with people who have sensory integration issues. Don't laugh at this, but many years ago, when I was teaching, I had a student with very, very severe ADHD and other things. The OT assistant asked me if I would run a hairbrush over his back a couple of times a day. I thought this was nuts, but now I know that it works.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Crankin, my therapist has recommended an OT but I can't get services because it means having to get a diagnosis which can cause me trouble at work. But she did do a lot of research for me and she has recommended brushing, weighted blankets, chewys, all of which I use. People find it hilarious that I have a chewy at 24 years old but in the last year, there was a lot of improvement and I'm slowly tapering off the use of them now.

[Crankin]

Alexis, are you a teacher or an assistant? I don't see how a dx of ADHD would harm you at work. It's confidential medical information that no one would know about, unless you tell them in the first place, and second, I worked with several teachers who were on various ADHD or psychotropic medications for things and they became better at their jobs because of it.

[emily_in_nc]

Crankin, my therapist has recommended an OT but I can't get services because it means having to get a diagnosis which can cause me trouble at work. But she did do a lot of research for me and she has recommended brushing, weighted blankets, chewys, all of which I use. People find it hilarious that I have a chewy at 24 years old but in the last year, there was a lot of improvement and I'm slowly tapering off the use of them now.

What's a chewy? I mean, my dog has one :D, but in relation to people? Just curious b/c I truly don't know!

[Jolt]

The women/multitasking thing has no real basis in neuroscience. The evidence is very contradictory. You can make it look that way if you want to.

I also don't think the multitasking thing is accurate...either that or I just didn't get a copy of that gene! Trying to do more than one thing at a time usually makes me crazy.

[zoom-zoom]

I also don't think the multitasking thing is accurate...either that or I just didn't get a copy of that gene! Trying to do more than one thing at a time usually makes me crazy.

I'm suspicious of that, too. I have not been conclusively diagnosed, though everyone who knows me and is familiar with ADHD is pretty convinced that I am (and having a kid and a sibling with it makes it very likely). I can't multitask to save my life. Waiting tables was really a rough career for the few years I did it.

[alexis_the_tiny]

What's a chewy? I mean, my dog has one :D, but in relation to people? Just curious b/c I truly don't know!

OTs sell these things called Chewy Tubes for kids with sensory issues, they're just tough little rubber tubes shaped like a little hammer with bumps and stuff for chewing on. Mine isn't as sophisticated, I just got one of those teether things they sell at the baby store. They function like chewing gum. Only about a few hundred times tougher.

Chewing helps to give sensory input which can heighten a person's concentration. That is why sometimes, people like to chew gum, pens, pencils or snack while doing concentration heavy work. :D

[Tand-Rand]

Or fingernails, I must add. People believe that nail biting is from stress and anxiety but it is actually connected with concentration.

[zoom-zoom]

Or fingernails, I must add. People believe that nail biting is from stress and anxiety but it is actually connected with concentration.

Huh...I have always been a nail-biter--moreso when I was a kid. Drove my grandma nuts!

And I just read this the other day: 15 signs you may have adult ADHD (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/26/adult-adhd-15-signs-you-m_n_867048.html?ref=fb&src=sp#s283656&title=Youre_restless). I have 10-11 of those signs... :eek: I go back and forth on whether or not I should be assessed. I'm about 99% certain that I do have ADHD, given that my brother and son are both diagnosed and my sister and I have a high # of symptoms. But at 38 I'm not sure there is much point. I've coped for this long....

[Geonz]

I've found that many of the coping strategies for ADHD are helpful to me; so I read up on it. A formal Dx -- well, actually, it was entertained but it's incredibly subjective.
Now, I NEED TO GET BACK TO WORK. STrategy: JUST DO IT -- as in, don't do *anything* else until I've sent that email. (Fourth attempt, though...)

[Bethany1]

ADHD runs in my family. My brother had the classic symptoms as a kid and even now struggles with employment and relationships. He self medicates with drugs which is scary. Looking back, my dad says he is also ADHD. He would tell stories of all the problems he caused my grandmother growing up. It affects people differently, but the symptoms and problems are the same.

I've been diagnosed as bipolar instead of ADD or ADHD and if not properly medicated causes huge problems. My brother and I always got along because we were so hyper and could keep up with each other. Since we both have tempers, we could fight it out if needed but have always remained close.

I bounce from one fad to another. I'm hoping that cycling stays, but I'm smart enough to know I could easily lose interest after spending a fortune on bikes. I do think women manage it better, but every day is a battle between the highs/lows/anxiety/depression of everything.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Crankin, I'm a teacher. I'm hired privately now but eventually, I would have to go into civil service if I want better employment prospects. And the OT services I CAN afford are provided by government owned hospitals and there is nothing in my country at all, to protect people with learning disabilities or mental illness from being discriminated against in the hiring process, especially in civil service. If I can live without a diagnosis, I'd rather err on the side of caution and not have one. Just in case.

[Crankin]

Sorry, Alexis; I assumed you were in the US. I understand why you are erring on the side of caution. I might still try the gov. sponsored OT if you can do that without a diagnosis.
I am assuming that getting a teaching license/job is a national thing in your country. It's interesting that you can be "hired privately."
I hope you can at least find a therapist/counselor to work with. You are dealing with a lot.

[WindingRoad]

Well I thought I'd give you all an update on my ADD situation. So I've been to my primary care provider who is working with my therapist to try drug therapy on me. Today is my first day on Adderroll. I feel good so far, aside from some really bad dry mouth issues. I've been wearing my heart rate monitor all day bc I wanted to see if or how much my heart rate increased. I'm a bit concerned about this bc it's a side effect that seems like it could complicate my cycling. I can already tell a huge difference in my ability to focus. I'm excited but I hope bad side effects don't show up later. It kinda feels like someone took my brain out and washed the fuzz and extraneous thoughts out of it. Such a quieter place up there right now. It almost seems to good to be true. Crossing my fingers and praying this drug works out for me in the long run.

[indysteel]

Well I thought I'd give you all an update on my ADD situation. So I've been to my primary care provider who is working with my therapist to try drug therapy on me. Today is my first day on Adderroll. I feel good so far, aside from some really bad dry mouth issues. I've been wearing my heart rate monitor all day bc I wanted to see if or how much my heart rate increased. I'm a bit concerned about this bc it's a side effect that seems like it could complicate my cycling. I can already tell a huge difference in my ability to focus. I'm excited but I hope bad side effects don't show up later. It kinda feels like someone took my brain out and washed the fuzz and extraneous thoughts out of it. Such a quieter place up there right now. It almost seems to good to be true. Crossing my fingers and praying this drug works out for me in the long run.


Good luck, WR. I hope the drug works for you without major side effects and that, if it doesn't, that your doctors are willing to work with you to find something that does.

[zoom-zoom]

Yup, I hope it works well for you, long-term. And if it doesn't, there are other meds you can try. I believe Adderall is one of the meds that's not a formulation of Ritalin. I know a couple of people who didn't do well on Adderall, but are now on Concerta (a long-acting Ritalin med) and having better results.

[Crankin]

Usually the side effects (in my experience from others) like increased HR happen right away. Glad you can feel the difference.
Keep us posted.

[WindingRoad]

So it's been about a week, I quickly learned NOT to take meds after 1 pm unless I plan to stay up all night, lol. My doc said I could cut the dose if I wanted so I have been doing 10 mg 2x a day. It works pretty well but sort of bottoming out around 8 pm. It may just have to be that way but I'm gonna play with some other combos too to see what works best. Today I'm gonna try 20 in the am and 10 at 12:30 and see if that keeps me a couple hours longer in the evening which would be good. I rode the morning shop ride Friday on a full dose to watch my heart rate and I couldn't really tell anything above normal. We averaged 18.5 so that was a pretty hefty ride for me. I figured I'd try it around people I know pretty well, I can trust those guys too. All in all it was a good ride and I didn't feel bad from the meds so that it awesome. Yesterday morning I'm not sure but I had a bit of a crying fit in the am cuz BF said something that hit me pretty wrong. I hope these aren't indicative of things to come. Right now I realize my body and mind is going throuh a lot. It's ok to have a crying fit once in a while regardless :-) The stomach is still kinda upset a lot but seems to be easing up well unless I eat fried chicken. Yeah I was bad at work and had some they brought in for us and nearly died. Won't do that again. I see why weight loss is a side effect now. Greasy foods are deadly hard on my stomach. Thank God for Greek yogurt is all I have to say! I hope me posting all this is useful to atleast one woman out there who ends up with a late diagnosis like mine. After a LOT of researching I am really happy I finally figured this out, most women in my situation live very unhappy lives and never know why. This drug therapy has a lot of side affects for sure but I think I will take them all over feeling the lever of 'crazy' I have dealt with in the my life this far. I hear a lot of smack talk on the Internet about people abusing the meds for this disorder and is really makes me angry bc then there are people like me out there that have drammatic positive changes due to it. We aren't just abusing it for shits and giggles we also don't get 'high' off of it. If you genuinely have ADD it doesn't make you high at all, it calms you down on your mind so you don't have a constant bottle neck of thoughts racing every hour of every day. You can focus in other words. I know this probably seems like a book but like I said before if it helps one other woman it's worth it. I specify a woman simply bc it's REALLY hard to diagnose for us. I have been to various psychologists for anxiety, panic and depression for the last 10 years and nothing has been as helpful as this. It took 2 psychologists and a trip to my regular doc to convince ME I had his disorder if that puts it in perspective for you.

[Crankin]

WindingRoad, I have seen *many* adults in your situation. People generally don't think ADHD is so debilitating and they don't realize the ways it wrecks adults' lives. What you said, about the difference in how you are able to function now, well, I have had parents say things to me like, "We were able to go to church and sit as a family for the first time." Many parents would tell me stories like yours, with tears in their eyes. ADHD is debilitating and many clinicians don't have a lot of experience with it, especially if they only work with adults. I don't push medication on anyone, but I have seen the difference it makes for some, just like you describe.

[zoom-zoom]

WR, the attitudes you are seeing are frustrating, indeed. We had several of DH's older relatives blame our son's behavior on our "bad parenting." Funny, since the same people have commented on how angelic he is in recent years (on meds). :rolleyes:

And it's true...if a person doesn't have ADD/ADHD they will generally experience a high. Those who truly have the brain abnormality will experience the focus and calm.

The emotional/weepy stuff you've experienced...in our experience with our son this is pretty normal. When he first started his meds he'd definitely get some of this in the period when the drugs would wear off. This didn't last long...maybe a month or two? When he's changed doses we've noticed it, as well.

I'm really glad to hear this is helping you. I'm almost certainly ADD, but have never been treated. Most days I'm OK, but there are days when I think "wow, I can't get anything done...perhaps I'd stop procrastinating and get organized if I were treated."

[WindingRoad]

O-M-G girls I just discovered someone at work actually stole my ADD meds while I was working last night! :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad: What do people typically do in this situation??? I have a pretty good idea of who did it but I can't just start making accusations. I had some money stolen a few weeks ago too. I really can't believe of the people I work with it has come to this. I get the impression the person I suspect has gone down a very dark path in her life. I have noticed many signs of drug abuse in her. I feared something like this would happen and I don't have a locking place to store things at work. Since I take small doses of my medication 4x a day I have to keep them with me. This is just so shocking and honestly I'm disappointed in her and this makes me quite sad. I called and left a message with my doctor about what happened. I emailed my boss, I didn't mention any names though I'm sure it won't take them long to look her direction. We have ALL noticed how her behavior and appearance has dramatically changed over the last few years. What upsets me most is that this girl is a young, beautiful and charismatic person when she is not strung out on God only knows what. I know she used to be very active in the cycling community too and in some way it would be great if she read this and she would use this as a sign that she needs to get herself into rehab before she gets caught doing something else and ends up in jail. She needs to know this isn't something to take lightly and it can and will destroy her life. Don't be a fool get help. You can't handle it on your own. I hope she still reads this forum.

[indysteel]

Wow, WR. That's pretty crazy. I really hope your boss takes what happens pretty seriously as I assume your ADHD med is a controlled substance. I would suggest that from here on out you carry your meds and money on your person when you're at work.

[WindingRoad]

Yeah it is very much a controlled substance. I am not supposed to even have it on my person without it being in the bottle with my script info on it. I hope they take it seriously too.



Wow, WR. That's pretty crazy. I really hope your boss takes what happens pretty seriously as I assume your ADHD med is a controlled substance. I would suggest that from here on out you carry your meds and money on your person when you're at work.

[zoom-zoom]

Yeah it is very much a controlled substance. I am not supposed to even have it on my person without it being in the bottle with my script info on it. I hope they take it seriously too.

It's possible someone took it to sell, too--apparently Ritalin has a pretty high street value.

[WindingRoad]

Good grief I hadn't even thought of that! :confused::eek:


It's possible someone took it to sell, too--apparently Ritalin has a pretty high street value.

[indysteel]

That occured to me, too, which is one of the reasons I hope your boss takes it very seriously. As for the employee you suspect, if her issues are so obvious, why does she still have a job? That's pretty sad.

[Catrin]

Winding Road, I am sorry to read what happened at work, I am sure it is even more upsetting to know what a co-worker did this than the effort and expense to replace the medication.

Somehow I missed your original post, and my hat is off to you for doing what you need to do to help yourself. That simply rocks, and it sounds like you have good medical advice. If the woman you suspect is the culprit, hopefully something in this situation will finally get her attention.

Can you lock the meds in your car and just step outside briefly when you need to take it?

[WindingRoad]

I usually ride my bike or I would lock them up in the car.

[Catrin]

I usually ride my bike or I would lock them up in the car.

I had forgotten about that...any chance you could use one of the bike lockers? Do they let staff use them or are they just for customers since there are just a couple of them?

[withm]

I don't understand why anyone else would even know to look for them. But I'd just put one or two pills - whatever I needed for the day - in a small pill box, and keep it in my pocket. Something like this is very small.

http://www.containerstore.com/shop/travel/bottlesMedication?productId=10024522&N=253&Nao=40

[zoom-zoom]

Yeah it is very much a controlled substance. I am not supposed to even have it on my person without it being in the bottle with my script info on it. I hope they take it seriously too.

You know, the more I think about this, the more I think that's a bogus rule/law. We've never heard that. And, really, once the meds are in your possession they are YOURS. As long as you don't give or sell them to someone else you should be able to transport and store them as you see fit. Leaving them in the bottle where everyone KNOWS what the contents are seems far more risky.

[WindingRoad]

So I called Costco's pharmacy and they did say that because this med is a controlled substance I must keep it in its marked container. However they did mention that I could ask for an additional container with my info on it so I can just take out what I need and carry it in that.

[WindingRoad]

I was curious if anyone had had any issues with not sleeping while taking Adderroll? I am trying some other options with the help of my doctor to try to be able to sleep at night for more than 3 hours at a time. It's so frustrating because I notice a HUGE improvement in my concentration but then after so many nights of very little sleep it catches up to me and I have to go off the meds to rest up. My doc switched me to Ritalin - SR (the generic of that). Anyone have experience with this?

[zoom-zoom]

My son was on Ritalin SR for a couple of years (until it became difficult to refill due to stock issues, then we switched him to Concerta). Ritalin SR is rated to work for something like 7-8 hours, so that might be perfect for you. I believe Adderall is one of those really long-acting ones, which explains why you're having sleep issues, especially if you take it later in the AM. I think it can be in a person's system for about 13 hours.

[Zippinalong]

I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was a child. My mother didn't want me on the drugs so I struggled most of my life with it (until I had a job and could go to the doctors on my own). I tried Ritalin but I couldn't handle the side effects. I haven't been on any drugs for the last 15-20 years. Some days I'm ok, others I'm bad. I do see they've come out with so many more new drugs I've been thinking of trying some.
As for the comment that you can find structure and routines to help you cope better I found that's not the case. No matter how much I try to structure things or try to have routines I still struggle. People make it sound so easy but it's not.
In the end go to a doctor to help get diagnosed. The sooner you know what you're dealing with the better.

[zoom-zoom]

I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was a child. My mother didn't want me on the drugs so I struggled most of my life with it (until I had a job and could go to the doctors on my own). I tried Ritalin but I couldn't handle the side effects. I haven't been on any drugs for the last 15-20 years. Some days I'm ok, others I'm bad. I do see they've come out with so many more new drugs I've been thinking of trying some.

Just an FYI, but the vast majority of ADHD meds are still Ritalin, but they have different patented delivery methods...some are short acting, some med. acting (like Ritalin SR), others are long-acting (like Concerta). Just about all of them are Methylphenidate as the active ingredient, aka Ritalin. But different delivery systems and dosages work differently for every person. For our son we've had to reassess his dosage about once/year, as he grows his needs have grown, too.

[Zippinalong]

Just an FYI, but the vast majority of ADHD meds are still Ritalin, but they have different patented delivery methods...some are short acting, some med. acting (like Ritalin SR), others are long-acting (like Concerta). Just about all of them are Methylphenidate as the active ingredient, aka Ritalin. But different delivery systems and dosages work differently for every person. For our son we've had to reassess his dosage about once/year, as he grows his needs have grown, too.

Interesting. I'll have to try some of these others and like you say, see if something works better than others.

[alexis_the_tiny]

WR, oh my goodness. I actually know someone who abuses Ritalin during examinations to keep up with the amount of work they need to do. Its insane and it cannot possibly be healthy. I'm sorry you had your meds stolen. Hope someone at work does something about it.

Zippinalong, what you said about structure and difficulty is very interesting. I need the structure to my days but have ALOT of trouble and even resistance with it. Yes, I am actually capable of resisting my own efforts at something, its mind boggling. What I find helpful is that I try to keep to some semblance of structure but don't get too rigid about it. For example, if I want to wake up at a certain time, I give myself a 20 minute window to do it. It at least puts a limit on the amount of time spent dwandling.

But practise does help a lot. My ability to follow a structured day is better now because I teach special ed and my students require structured days. So I've sort of gotten into the habit of it although its still a struggle when I'm at home.

[WindingRoad]

So far its been good with the Ritalin SR - alas I can sleep :)

It hasn't been all flowers and rainbows though. Most of my issues lately have been simply getting my RX filled. I dunno if anyone here has experienced this but I feel like some kind of drug ***** everytime I go get this damn thing filled. The pharmacy techs always give me "that look". So irritating. I realize this is a controlled substance but geez! I brought my RX to fill yesterday at Costco and they refused to fill it because they said I was back to fill it before what they thought I should be. I went to my doctor and told him I needed the refill and he readily gave it to me. He knows my situation, I'm am experimenting with the dose that works for me. Basically what I found was that if I take two 20mg in the AM it works long enough to get me through the day. If I only take one I don't notice anything at all. Geez I feel like I have to justify this to prove I'm not abusing this stuff because the way the pharmacy acts everytime I go there :(

So in the pharmacy's defense..... as I was walking up to get my RX filled I overheard a woman in front of me say something like "well I don't REALLY need it anyways it just helps me study". I walk up to the window as they turn her away, and I say something like "tell me that's not what I think I heard?" Pharmacy tech says something like "are you filling an Adderroll RX too?". I was like well if she didn't NEED it then why was she filling the RX and the pharmacy tech says something rather sarcastically like "oh but you NEED yours, right?" :eek: After I dropped off the RX she called me 5 minutes later saying they could not fill the script. This was a horrible experience! Now I'm beginning to understand WHY people just say screw it and don't get treated for ADD when they really could benefit from meds. I understand why they have to be careful but they also don't need to be completely disrespectful just because of the TYPE of RX I'm filling!:mad:

[zoom-zoom]

So in the pharmacy's defense..... as I was walking up to get my RX filled I overheard a woman in front of me say something like "well I don't REALLY need it anyways it just helps me study". I walk up to the window as they turn her away, and I say something like "tell me that's not what I think I heard?" Pharmacy tech says something like "are you filling an Adderroll RX too?". I was like well if she didn't NEED it then why was she filling the RX and the pharmacy tech says something rather sarcastically like "oh but you NEED yours, right?" :eek: After I dropped off the RX she called me 5 minutes later saying they could not fill the script. This was a horrible experience! Now I'm beginning to understand WHY people just say screw it and don't get treated for ADD when they really could benefit from meds. I understand why they have to be careful but they also don't need to be completely disrespectful just because of the TYPE of RX I'm filling!:mad:

That makes me sad and angry. Adults and kids with AD/HD are stigmatized enough...one shouldn't have to endure that crap at the pharmacy, too. And a pharmacy tech should be educated enough to understand that it's a legitimate disease in the same way that diabetes or depression or asthma are diseases that require chemical treatments to help the body reach a more "normal" state.

People who have seen our son on and off his meds totally "get" that his diagnosis is in no way faked or exaggerated. I think it's harder for females and adults, though, since there's frequently less of the physical hyperactivity component. As outwardly bonkers as our son can be, the mental inattentive/focus side of his disease is just as difficult to live with (for him and for those around him). But it's the inappropriate activity levels that people notice most. I suspect we'd experience a great deal more of the stigmatizing responses were he not also bouncing off the walls when not on his meds.

[zoom-zoom]

That's unethical. She just released medical information to you without that person's consent. It doesn't matter what that person just said. They aren't allowed to do that. Not even by inference, and this was considerably more than that. Dump them. Go somewhere else.

Yeah, she pretty clearly violated HIPPA laws with her comments.

[Owlie]

People who have seen our son on and off his meds totally "get" that his diagnosis is in no way faked or exaggerated. I think it's harder for females and adults, though, since there's frequently less of the physical hyperactivity component. .

Indeed. I seem to remember reading something somewhere that girls with ADD (and maybe ADHD as well) tend not to get diagnosed because it tends to manifest as inattentiveness, whereas boys "act out" more often.

A friend of mine used to drive me nuts--he did have ADHD but would only pull out the meds around exam time. He'd also frequently say "Well, I have a paper due tomorrow that I haven't started, but I don't feel like doing it, so I'll just tell the professor that I have ADHD and I can get an extension!" I get that it does interfere with the ability to get work done (I know I have difficulties focusing), but using it as an excuse just because you'd rather be playing WoW?

[zoom-zoom]

Indeed. I seem to remember reading something somewhere that girls with ADD (and maybe ADHD as well) tend not to get diagnosed because it tends to manifest as inattentiveness, whereas boys "act out" more often.

A friend of mine used to drive me nuts--he did have ADHD but would only pull out the meds around exam time. He'd also frequently say "Well, I have a paper due tomorrow that I haven't started, but I don't feel like doing it, so I'll just tell the professor that I have ADHD and I can get an extension!" I get that it does interfere with the ability to get work done (I know I have difficulties focusing), but using it as an excuse just because you'd rather be playing WoW?

Yeah, that's bad news. And it really is upsetting that there are people who will misuse the diagnosis and/or the meds. All that does is add to the negative stereotypes and encourage the stigmatization (kind of reminds me of ill-behaved cyclists who make things difficult for the rest of us by painting us all in a negative light).

I am reasonably certain that I'm ADD (it's highly genetic...my kid inherited it from somebody...and my brother has been diagnosed. My sister is even more symptomatic than I am, but hasn't been diagnosed). I don't think I've ever been overactive beyond the range of "normal," but focus and organization have ALWAYS been an issue for me. I'm frequently a babbling idiot (;)) and can come off as a total space cadet, even though I'm very well-aware of my limitations and frequently say or do things that make me want to slap myself, because they come off so wrong (I'm always putting my foot in my mouth). I get easily flustered and can't stay organized to save my life. The only time I came close to being focused and organized was in college, since I was in school full-time and worked part-time...I would have been a disaster without my day planner, though. To this day, if I don't have a written agenda I won't get stuff done. I do best when I am so overextended that I am forced to hyper-focus...but that's a very stressful way to live and tends to lead to chronic insomnia, which is worse than being a perpetual airhead. :rolleyes:

Sometimes I think I should be assessed. I wonder what it would be like to not be so prone to procrastination, disorganization, and living with so much clutter. I read stories of people who are diagnosed, treated, and suddenly find that they have no issues being focused, organized, and motivated...but would I still be "me" if I turned over that many new leafs. :confused: When my son is on his meds he is overly cautious and quiet. He gets his work done, but he's almost like a Stepford kid. Sometimes I think I prefer the loud, active, spirited, fearless version of him more, even though it's not conducive to him being in the school setting or other places that require more calm.

[Crankin]

WR, don't go to a "big box" pharmacy. I have gone to a local "independent" pharmacy for years. When I moved, I continued to go this pharmacy, until they happened to buy the other independent pharmacy in the area, that is a bit closer to where I live now. They really are great on customer service and something like you describe would never happen. It is not the pharmacist's job to comment on your medication! I got my son's prescriptions for years without one incident like you describe.
Please!

[Owlie]

Yeah, that's bad news. And it really is upsetting that there are people who will misuse the diagnosis and/or the meds. All that does is add to the negative stereotypes and encourage the stigmatization (kind of reminds me of ill-behaved cyclists who make things difficult for the rest of us by painting us all in a negative light).

I am reasonably certain that I'm ADD (it's highly genetic...my kid inherited it from somebody...and my brother has been diagnosed. My sister is even more symptomatic than I am, but hasn't been diagnosed). I don't think I've ever been overactive beyond the range of "normal," but focus and organization have ALWAYS been an issue for me. I'm frequently a babbling idiot (;)) and can come off as a total space cadet, even though I'm very well-aware of my limitations and frequently say or do things that make me want to slap myself, because they come off so wrong (I'm always putting my foot in my mouth). I get easily flustered and can't stay organized to save my life. The only time I came close to being focused and organized was in college, since I was in school full-time and worked part-time...I would have been a disaster without my day planner, though. To this day, if I don't have a written agenda I won't get stuff done. I do best when I am so overextended that I am forced to hyper-focus...but that's a very stressful way to live and tends to lead to chronic insomnia, which is worse than being a perpetual airhead. :rolleyes:

Sometimes I think I should be assessed. I wonder what it would be like to not be so prone to procrastination, disorganization, and living with so much clutter. I read stories of people who are diagnosed, treated, and suddenly find that they have no issues being focused, organized, and motivated...but would I still be "me" if I turned over that many new leafs. :confused: When my son is on his meds he is overly cautious and quiet. He gets his work done, but he's almost like a Stepford kid. Sometimes I think I prefer the loud, active, spirited, fearless version of him more, even though it's not conducive to him being in the school setting or other places that require more calm.

Zoom-zoom, I've often wondered if I have a mild case--I certainly have/had some of the symptoms, especially when I was younger. Inability to focus except when the deadline rolls around (or with caffeine or a bit of extra adrenaline!), disorganized (well, I know where my stuff is, but it certainly isn't neat!), hyperfocusing on my interests, inattentiveness in class... It got better when I was in college (I feel old saying that!), but not a whole lot. My parents got a lot of "she's smart, but what on earth is wrong with her grades?!" I have a pretty good memory and test well, though, so I don't know that it was ever picked up on.

[zoom-zoom]

My parents got a lot of "she's smart, but what on earth is wrong with her grades?!"

Ha, my very favorite principal was the guy I had in HS. At one point he flagged-down my folks at a school event, shaking his head. He had seen my standardized test scores and couldn't for the life of him figure out why I was not among the top of the class (aside from Math--I have never done well with that). It used to drive my folks batty...how could such a bright kid do so poorly in school? My sister was even worse. She would frequently do work and forget to turn it in or lose it in her locker.

[Crankin]

My DH was accused of having someone take the SATs for him, when he scored 1400 :eek:. Why else would such a non-achiever get that score? Every single person in his family (dad and 3 sibs) have ADHD, both types, but in the good old days, no one knew this stuff. I saw one of his reports cards, maybe from 2nd grade and the teacher wrote "There is something wrong with Steven. What, I don't know, but something is wrong." While I never in my life would have made a comment like that when I was teaching, in a sense, she was correct. He was not hyperactive, more like a girl would present, so he just slid by. It wasn't until after we got married, he went back to finish college and graduated with a 3.9 average.
If you feel you have the symptoms, even mild, get evaluated. ADHD wrecks marriages, relationships, and is implicated in quite a bit of job loss. Never mind the loss of self esteem when you know you are smart, but not achieving. Over 30% of the incarcerated population has it, which is a huge drain on our resources. If these people had help, they might be in a very different situation.

[zoom-zoom]

Over 30% of the incarcerated population has it, which is a huge drain on our resources. If these people had help, they might be in a very different situation.

I have heard this. Our pediatrician also told us that illicit drug use is very common in many non-treated individuals, since they self-medicate to make themselves feel more "right." I think my brother and I learned a lot of coping mechanisms (he actually graduated 2nd in his HS class and went to Northwestern--he was REALLY good at the hyper-focusing ADD trait). My sister drinks a lot. She doesn't sit at home alone drinking, but always seems to find people to drink with. Well, I should correct that...she was like that until fairly recently. Maybe a month or two before she hit 30 she got tired of being obese and has really done well with exercise and better diet. I think she's drinking less, too. Wanting to be healthier and slimmer has been good for her in more ways than one. I think the exercise has helped her to be better focused, too.

I'm currently unemployed...partly by choice, mostly by circumstance (living in BFE MI jobs are non-existent. I'm not willing to commute an hour and DS attends a charter school a half hour away, so not being employed enables me to get him to-and-from school and allows me to do my workouts during the day, that way DH is free to get out when he gets home--saves us on having to find childcare). If/when I end up re-entering the workforce I would likely consider having some assessments done. I've given thought to going for my Master's degree, too...I'm certain having more control over my focus and organization would be a real asset.

[Owlie]

Ha, my very favorite principal was the guy I had in HS. At one point he flagged-down my folks at a school event, shaking his head. He had seen my standardized test scores and couldn't for the life of him figure out why I was not among the top of the class (aside from Math--I have never done well with that). It used to drive my folks batty...how could such a bright kid do so poorly in school? My sister was even worse. She would frequently do work and forget to turn it in or lose it in her locker.

In my case, my grades weren't spectacularly bad, except in math--mostly B/C, but I got D's in math in junior high and one quarter my first year of high school. My grades in biology and history (subjects I liked!) were A's. They noticed a mismatch between who I was and how I was doing, but it wasn't bad enough, except in math. The other thing was from middle school on, they streamed students, and while I was in "gifted" classes, I was in the "smart, but not quite smart enough" group, which is why I think they let it slide.

Oh, and I did the "lose homework in the locker" thing in middle school. More times than I care to admit.

[zoom-zoom]

while I was in "gifted" classes, I was in the "smart, but not quite smart enough" group, which is why I think they let it slide.

Are we related?! I was also in gifted classes...but the rest of the kids in the classes were all straight A students...I pulled a lot of Cs (Ds in Math and Chem). I always felt very uncomfortable in those classes, since I knew that I didn't *belong* there with my grades...and so did the other kids in the classes. Plus a lot of the things we would work on were very Math-focused. It was not a lot of fun...

[Crankin]

OK, so when DS #1 was in 10th grade, a lovely girl set the auditorium on fire. During the spring vacation, which was about 2 days later, they had all of the kids come to clean out their lockers, so they could de-fumigate the building. My son came out with a giant sized green Hefty garbage bag, full of all of the papers he never turned in, notes and permission slips I sent to school, books, etc. It was mortifying. He came out carrying a sack and the other kids had a few papers in their hands!

[Dogmama]

In some people, ADHD meds are used when typical SSRI's and SNRI's (Prozac & Effexor, for example) don't work. Seems that the little lift that it gives can lift people out of depression.

Sometimes my focus is non-existent. I'll have a million things started all over & "Oh look - a bright shiny thing - what is THAT?" Other times, I'm on task. I think it's a menopausal thing.

[WindingRoad]

Still taking the Ritalin SR. It seems I realistically get about 5-6 'good' hours out of it. I kind of wish it would last a bit longer though. I'm taking two 20 mg tablets in the morning now, I wonder what would happen if I were to take another 20 mg tablet around noon or 1pm? My therapist said dosage was trial and error because everyone reacts differently. I think I'll try this tomorrow to see if it gives me any significant benefit? I have another doctor appointment soon so I'd like to try it before I go just to see if I should mention changing my dosage again? I know some of you have had to try and figure out what works for you and your kids. If you have any advice feel free to share :)

[Crankin]

One of my clients takes one 20 mg SR tab in the AM and then a regular (non-SR) at around 1-2 PM. He had to switch the second dose from 12 to later, to get him through the late afternoon.
Your therapist is right; dosages vary widely for individuals. Weight, age, etc. seems to make little difference in what you need. Talk to your doctor and don't play around with this without some medical advice.

[zoom-zoom]

My son used to take SR during the school day, but it always started to wear off after lunch...by the time he'd come home he had to take a standard short-acting Ritalin. We are MUCH happier with Concerta. It's 12-13 hours and seems to release more evenly, so he's not having zombie-fied periods.

[WindingRoad]

My son used to take SR during the school day, but it always started to wear off after lunch...by the time he'd come home he had to take a standard short-acting Ritalin. We are MUCH happier with Concerta. It's 12-13 hours and seems to release more evenly, so he's not having zombie-fied periods.

That is exactly what I'm noticing Zoom-Zoom! It's usually after lunch it starts to taper off pretty quickly. I'd love to take Concerta but my insurance is crappy so it would cost me a fortune. That is a thought though, I might mention about trying standard Ritalin after lunch.

[zoom-zoom]

That is exactly what I'm noticing Zoom-Zoom! It's usually after lunch it starts to taper off pretty quickly. I'd love to take Concerta but my insurance is crappy so it would cost me a fortune. That is a thought though, I might mention about trying standard Ritalin after lunch.

Look into it. Concerta went generic a while back, but I'm not sure all insurance companies are handling it as a generic. I'm not sure. I think we may still be paying $40/month. I have to ask DH--he's usually the one who ends up picking up the script from our son's ped. on the way home from work.

[WindingRoad]

So my ADD meds are working fine still. I have been talking to my school counselor and found that i am also dyslexic. Now that this has been brought to my attention I am noticing all kinds of test patterns at school that are causing me to miss answers. I can't believe it. This has been going on for so long that I assumed it was normal. I have researched ADD and dyslexia and apparently they affect the same part of the brain therefore there is a high comorbidity rate between the two. It all makes so much more sense now why I can never tell how well I did on a test. I always understand the material and I can explain it to other students. My knowledge never gets reflected on my tests and that is so damn frustrating I could scream. I have another appointment with my counselor coming up and she is going to help me with some techniques to make things easier for me. I just feel so frustrated right now.

[Catrin]

{{{Winding Road}}} It is always good to learn more about what is going on, but of course that gives us more to deal with. Sending you warm thoughts and hugs while you work this out.

[WindingRoad]

Thanks Catrin, I REALLY appreciate that. I am struggling with getting out and exercising on top of things and trying not to get down on myself for that. It's a vicious cycle and I am trying not to get caught in the depression part of it but it is really hard right now. Tonight I plan to take a ride over to Trader Joes and hopefully get a little exercise that way. My schedule has been so intense and I have had to study a ton lately. The whole dyslexia factor makes me question how I need to study too. I wonder if I have been overstudying? :confused: Tonight I have one goal: to ride my bike while it's nice outside. I need to keep it simple today.

[Crankin]

I am so glad you kept exploring all avenues, Winding Road. Just wondered how your counselor assessed your dyslexia.
Learning disabilities (of which dyslexia is is just one) is very comorbid with ADHD. You can get a 504 accommodation plan from the office of disabilities on campus; in fact you can get this on the basis of your ADHD diagnosis, or on the learning disability one (which will require a full educational assessment). This way, you might be able to get extra time on tests, and other things that will make school easier. Please talk to your counselor about this!

[Owlie]

Thanks Catrin, I REALLY appreciate that. I am struggling with getting out and exercising on top of things and trying not to get down on myself for that. It's a vicious cycle and I am trying not to get caught in the depression part of it but it is really hard right now. Tonight I plan to take a ride over to Trader Joes and hopefully get a little exercise that way. My schedule has been so intense and I have had to study a ton lately. The whole dyslexia factor makes me question how I need to study too. I wonder if I have been overstudying? :confused: Tonight I have one goal: to ride my bike while it's nice outside. I need to keep it simple today.

((Hugs)).

[indysteel]

(((WR))). I'm so glad you figured this out, although I realize that it raises as many questions as it answers. Cranking gives great advice. I hope you're able to learn some new study and test-taking tactics. Please don't be too hard on yourself. Look how much you've already accomplished without the aid of two important diagoses. You're a tough cookie; I have no doubt you'll quickly get a handle on this.

[WindingRoad]

First off thank you all for being so supportive it means more than you might think. Crankin I am receiving test accommodations now. I wasn't at the very start of the semester but now I am. In fact I'm not sure I would have even been observant enough of my own behavior to notice the "flipping" for lack of a better term. Since I could slow down and take my time interpreting questions for the first time EVER, I could see the odd way I read them. I probably read through each question atleast five times. Each time I mentally note the order of the key words in each sentence THEN I understand what it's asking. It's exhausting. I hope my counselor can help. I plan to see my regular psychologist over spring break too and get his angle as well.

[WindingRoad]

I am curious if anyone has noticed that if they change their medication sequence it makes them feel 'off'? I usually take 2/20mg in the AM then another 20 in the evening. However since I wasn't studying until later yesterday I decided to reverse that. I felt sooooo strange? I didn't feel like it ever really worked for some strange reason? I was pretty scattered brained all day? Very strange.

[WindingRoad]

Hi girls. I'm down to my last final tomorrow and I cannot wait! I have noticed through out this semester that my body is becoming more resistant to my medication so I have been adding in extremely low doses of Adderroll around 3 pm to get me through the long hours of evening/night study I've been doing this week and last. I'm planning to go on medication hiatus after tomorrows last test. I'm pretty sure it's not going to be pleasant as my body is basically 'hooked' on this stuff right now. I have a big ride planned Saturday AM and I'm going to try and ride as much as I can to work it out of my system and get my endorphins flowing. I dunno if anyone has ever done this but any input is appreciated.

[zoom-zoom]

I think that sounds like a good plan. Even if you can't find out how that's worked for others you'll know how it works for you...and we're all an experiment of one.

My BFF was recently diagnosed. She is basically dealing with the exact same diagnosis that my son has (ADHD with noted impulse control). She is also on Adderall, I believe. She is almost 36 and has been struggling with nursing school and family relationships. She has only been on meds for about a month and already finds that it's helping her a LOT.

[Crankin]

WR, Adderall is short acting. It's out of your body in 4-6 hrs., unless it's the SR. You're not physically addicted, but there might be a psychological aspect. You will have to get used to feeling "different," though.
What are your plans for the summer?

[WindingRoad]

I guess I should clarify that I am taking 5 mg of adderroll short acting at 3 in the afternoon to supplement my normal Ritalin SR doses of 40 mg am and 20 mg pm. I used the short acting bc I didn't want to be up all night just late enough to study like I have to right now. my doctor said I could take an extra 20 SR in the afternoon but it made me feel weird?

My plan for the summer starting tomorrow at about noon is to go for a bike ride. I'd like to up my riding over the summer just to do without meds for a couple of months so when fall semester starts I can fully reap the benefit of my meds. I still have classes through the summer but I can do most of the stuff online. I don't think the summer will be as academically challenging as this semester was or next will be.

[WindingRoad]

So far so good. I only felt like poo the friday after I went off my meds. I was a bit groggy at first Saturday but the 2200 ft of climbing I did sort worked that out of my system :D