Does anyone have any experience with being diagnosed and treated with ADHD as an adult?
I have always had trouble focusing in school, and well, everything. I was told that they tried to diagnose me with ADD when I was in kindergarten, but my mom refused the diagnosis because I was super high scoring during testing, and being the 80's every kid was diagnosed with ADD. (Then I was held back a year)
I find that I can focus when a new subject is broached, but once I have mastered the basics I can no longer focus on it, even if I want to. Work, school, and pleasure activities all fall into this pattern. I am high functioning enough that I can always pull off what I need to at the end near a deadline, but I know it was not my best work and I should be able to do better. I want to do better, but cant seem to focus for more than 15 min.
It concerns me because I just started a 4 year college, and I know that I cannot rely on the same "chunk and test" method that got me through JC. In fact, it already is catching up to me in the first two days of class. My wife and I am making huge ($$$) sacrifices to be there, as well as several donors (scholarships) and I realize things have to change.
I am nervous about altering my brain chemistry, but am unsure that the management techniques will be be enough.
Any advice on who I should see first? Any experience that you wouldn't mind sharing?
I'd really appreciate it.
not that I have it, I'm bored all the time and can't focus at all,
but my son does. and one of the first things we did is refuse medicine.
he goes to a therapist that works on focus skills and he also does Karate to help build focus and self discipline.
it helped to a point. he eventually did go to a low dose med only for the school day.
but in conjunction with the therapy, his attention span, self discipline and grades all increased.
I've had it since I was a kid. The only thing that helped me focus was xanax but that shit gets addictive so I resorted to smoking (both 420 and regular cigs [evil]). I no longer participate in the pot movement but have had a hell of a time quitting smoking, now on three days clean. If you don't smoke DO NOT START! The best thing you can do is work out, ride a bicycle or motorcycle to clear your mind. I found that if I was tired form exercise I could focus better in the class room or while studying. I've heard that Paxil control release works well on some guinea pigs but have never tried it. Make sure you take classes you like or you'll pay the price of wandering.
wellbutrin helped me focus and concentrate
I have it as well.
Tried all kinds of things when I was younger (including wellbutrin) but had no luck with any of it.
I have to agree, take classes you are interested in or you are F'd. I find that I can throw myself completely into something I find interesting but once it's mastered it's onto the next thing. If the mental stimulation is gone I can't stay with it.
I also side track easily, forget things and barely graduated high school despite testing at above a 140 (for whatever those numbers are worth) IQ.
Find ways to keep yourself focused. I find making lists of things I need to do is a great thing. Once it's written down I seem to not feel as overwhelmed when I have a lot to do.
^ if only that were possible.... i take a lot of classes i am not intrested in at all.
Drugs are great for the short term to show u what ur goal is, but its no way to live life. Theres a book called driven to distraaction which is a great read for anyone who has adhd. its got some great tips.
there was a recommendation for taking 4,000mg of fish oil a day. it defintely helps i think. It can be easy to depend on meds to get through college though. because once u start on them, its a night and day difference. but like i said, its great to show u what ur goal is, but its no way to live your life hopped up on that stuff.
Quote from: Monsterlover on August 25, 2012, 11:51:12 AM
I have it as well.
Tried all kinds of things when I was younger (including wellbutrin) but had no luck with any of it.
I have to agree, take classes you are interested in or you are F'd. I find that I can throw myself completely into something I find interesting but once it's mastered it's onto the next thing. If the mental stimulation is gone I can't stay with it.
I also side track easily, forget things and barely graduated high school despite testing at above a 140 (for whatever those numbers are worth) IQ.
Find ways to keep yourself focused. I find making lists of things I need to do is a great thing. Once it's written down I seem to not feel as overwhelmed when I have a lot to do.
Me too, except the meds and school. Never tried medication and I used a written schedule in HS to help keep me focused. I turned my schedule into a game. I still use this today.
I used this when I was a kid and it helped.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylphenidate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylphenidate)
^
Tried that too. The best it did was get me about an hour of focus before it wore off. Tried all kinds of dosages and frequencies to no real benefit.
I have it as well. I found out last year. At this point I have not tried any of the various drugs. Reading as much as I could about it helped me greatly--as someone else mentioned, 'Driven to Distraction' is great. I find this list from the authors to be helpful: http://www.addresources.org/?q=node/253. (http://www.addresources.org/?q=node/253.)
What time of day are you the most focused? I would try to take the classes then if possible.
+2 for driven to distraction.
they have alot of meds in XR now with time release so they last about 5 hours.
they are a hassle still. mosts people react differently, but its all worth a try to see the difference.
+11tyb on making it a game.
Quote from: He Man on August 25, 2012, 01:14:29 PM
Theres a book called driven to distraaction which is a great read for anyone who has adhd. its got some great tips.
Quote from: He Man on August 26, 2012, 07:20:27 AM
+2 for driven to distraction.
ADHD mu...
Wait, what were we talking about?
;D
My brother has ADD, so I'm not sure if it's the same situation. He's basically drinking caffeine all day, be it by energy drinks or coffee. He's super intelligent, but school has been one of his least favorite things in the world.
Quote from: DRKWNG on August 26, 2012, 10:05:23 AM
ADHD mu...
Wait, what were we talking about?
;D
SQUIRREL!!!
(http://a1.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/129/3bfaec6b41db4bfa82699f6006ae4553/l.jpg)
If you do choose the medicine route, I would avoid the amphetamine type medications such as Adderall or Riddalin. There is a non-stimulant drug called Strattera that is supposed to work pretty well.
//Hunter\\
Quote from: DRKWNG on August 26, 2012, 10:59:07 AM
(http://a1.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/129/3bfaec6b41db4bfa82699f6006ae4553/l.jpg)
>:(
They treat ADHD with medical marijuana.
Quote from: kopfjäger on August 26, 2012, 02:18:19 PM
They treat ADHD with medical marijuana.
They treat it with regular marijuana, too ;D
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
Quote from: kopfjäger on August 26, 2012, 02:18:19 PM
They treat ADHD with medical marijuana.
What a joke.
//Hunter\\
Quote from: Peggy on August 26, 2012, 03:30:32 PM
They treat it with regular marijuana, too ;D
:D [drink]
Quote from: JaxSurfer on August 26, 2012, 03:41:09 PM
What a joke.
//Hunter\\
http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/medical-marijuana-and-adhd-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-an-alternative-treament (http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/medical-marijuana-and-adhd-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-an-alternative-treament)
Quote from: DRKWNG on August 26, 2012, 10:05:23 AM
ADHD mu...
Wait, what were we talking about?
;D
i cant believe i did that! i guess ti really shows huh? :P
Quote from: kopfjäger on August 26, 2012, 02:18:19 PM
They treat ADHD with medical marijuana.
I'm allergic to it.
That, and I would like to remain clear headed for school, the object is to improve my schooling. [laugh]
The best non-pharm solution I've found is Alpha Brain made by the company Onnit partly owned by Joe Rogan. It's sort of expensive (around $30 a month) but man does it work. Plus it's all natural and healthy. Definitely helps me at work and just every day. I am able to focus and get stuff done much easier. BE WARNED: if you take it and I really think you should try this before other meds, you will have very vivid and messed up dreams. This however is my favorite part of taking Alpha Brain. I love going to bed ready for whatever adventure I'm about to go on.
Seach online for coupons Onnit is always having sales.
As a side note, I noticed my tendacy to get distracted go away when I was working and going to school both full time. Seemed like since I never had enough time I buckled down more.
^ dreams about Carlos Mencia
Alpha Brain hmm. i need to try this.
Quote from: ducpainter on August 26, 2012, 04:15:53 PM
which part?
Marijuana use to treat ADHD
Quote from: kopfjäger on August 26, 2012, 04:43:58 PM
http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/medical-marijuana-and-adhd-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-an-alternative-treament (http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/medical-marijuana-and-adhd-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-an-alternative-treament)
Which leads to this.........decline in IQ.
http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/27/13509508-teen-pot-use-linked-to-decline-in-iq?lite (http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/27/13509508-teen-pot-use-linked-to-decline-in-iq?lite)
Although Marijuana is not physically addicting, it is mentally addicting and has been proven to lower ones ambition to do anything. However, I will not get into this debate as both sides are locked in their opinion and it can't be swayed either way.
//Hunter\\
I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention. ;)
So you're with big pharma?
Quote from: JaxSurfer on August 27, 2012, 03:20:08 PM
...decline in IQ.
http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/27/13509508-teen-pot-use-linked-to-decline-in-iq?lite (http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/27/13509508-teen-pot-use-linked-to-decline-in-iq?lite)
Although Marijuana is not physically addicting, it is mentally addicting and has been proven to lower ones ambition to do anything.
Please go tell this to my brother. I'm afraid he might not be able to complete his third PhD, or be published for the sixteenth time if he keeps smoking it.
Quote from: ducpainter on August 27, 2012, 03:31:05 PM
So you're with big pharma?
No, I didn't say that. I am with people learning to focus on tasks by figuring out what it is that is distracting them. As I stated earlier, most of the ADHD drugs are basically legalized methaphetamine. That couldn't be good for you. I think the problem is kids watch too much TV, video games, etc etc. Their brain doesn't learn to sit and read a book or focus more than 30 seconds.
Quote from: DRKWNG on August 27, 2012, 03:31:50 PM
Please go tell this to my brother. I'm afraid he might not be able to complete his third PhD, or be published for the sixteenth time if he keeps smoking it.
Will do.
Quote from: DRKWNG on August 27, 2012, 03:31:50 PM
Please go tell this to my brother. I'm afraid he might not be able to complete his third PhD, or be published for the sixteenth time if he keeps smoking it.
:D [drink] We need a smoking smiley. Cigs of course.
Quote from: JaxSurfer on August 27, 2012, 03:46:05 PM
No, I didn't say that. I am with people learning to focus on tasks by figuring out what it is that is distracting them. As I stated earlier, most of the ADHD drugs are basically legalized methaphetamine. That couldn't be good for you. I think the problem is kids watch too much TV, video games, etc etc. Their brain doesn't learn to sit and read a book or focus more than 30 seconds.
Will do.
I'm not sure, but I think this is about Adult ADHD. I could be wrong though. ;)
Quote from: JaxSurfer on August 27, 2012, 03:46:05 PM
Will do.
I'm hoping you didn't miss my never so subtle sarcasm.
From ADHD to pot in less than two pages. [clap]
Ok back to topic.........stay busy and if you don't already ride enough find another hobby quickly especially before entering college.
Whoa......something shiny!
Quote from: Speedbag on August 29, 2012, 02:01:27 PM
Whoa......something shiny!
Was it a chicken? I think it was a chicken. With a chrome helmet.
I saw a Dr in my 20's same situation as you, every report card from kindergarten on had something about "doesn't pay attention in class"and "not working to full potential" My first two years in college I left with a 1.64 average. I joined the Army afterwords and when I got out I tried going back to school again. Same result. I was prescribed with Adderall an went back to school and ended up with a 3.2. It changed my life for the better almost immediately. I was less likely to lose my temper with others, get frustrated or screw up or forget work or school assignments. I can't recommend Driven To Distraction too much, that book is amazing. However, I stopped taking the drugs as my work overseas makes it hard to keep a prescription. My suggestion would be to talk to your Dr about different ways to manage it. Maybe medication is the answer maybe not. I found that after taking it I was able to see what focus was and could sometimes manage without the adderal. My feeling is to first do something that will help you immediately and then work with your Dr and nutritionist to find a way to manage your ADD without meds. If you think you have a problem I suggest you see someone. Everyone knows and jokes about "Squirrel!" but rarely does anyone mention the high highs and low lows and the frustrations that can be part of ADD. I can tell that in my 20s (When life can be a real pregnant dog while trying to "find" your place in the world) I had some very dark days and if I didn't have great friends and family I could have easily put myself in a bad spot either through self medication or succumbing to the depression. Sorry for the long post, but this is kind of a personal issue for me. I would like to add that when I went to the Dr. initially I was dead set against drugs, I think too many are prescribed in general, but in my case they made a difference in my life.
Quote from: DMFerFKP on August 29, 2012, 02:17:54 PM
Was it a chicken? I think it was a chicken. With a chrome helmet.
I think so. Maybe a squirrel. Dunno, got distracted.