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).

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."