a.d.d. brothers and sisters?

[flexshack]

what

[BUSTINOUT]

flex, I too have ADD. And every thing you said is right on. Not only is living with in a pain, but the loved ones around you that deal with it too, go through their own hell. I tell people if they could spend 10 minutes inside my head, they would be spent for the rest of the day. But getting it diagnosed was a liberating experience in itself. At least I know that I wasn't totally losing it. The sad thing is that it goes overdiagnosed in children, and sadly underdiagnosed as adults. By that point, damage is starting to set in...depression, low self esteem, etc. There is a great book out for anyone that suffers from it or lives with someone who does, called Driven to Distraction. It is a great read. I'm like you, I hate to blame stuff on others, but this will paralyze you if you are not careful, and will destroy anything that is valuable to you. Feel free to email me anytime you need to blow steam or anything man. I know I get the urge. Take care.

[TNT]

Yep - I'm a long-time ADD'er. In fact, Mike ("God") and I did a short exchange on this about a week ago in the thread on the 'roid forum titled "Another Injecting Question" (the thread started by Terinox).

Hey, Bustinout, I love the description in your post, "I tell people if they could spend 10 minutes inside my head, they would be spent for the rest of the day." Truly a great quote, bro.

Anyway, I had mucho problems with it as a kid, but this was before they automatically recommended Ritalin as a cure-all. In fact, I was not diagnosed until I was an adult and, even then, it started as a self-diagnosis. A buddy of mine in grad school was diagnosed with ADD (he was a proverbial class trouble-maker and pain in the ass - no wonder I love the guy), and I checked it out in the DSM-IV (the diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals, kind of a psychiatric equivalent of the Merck Manual). I read the diagnostic criteria, sat back, and said, "Holy shit . . ." It was like looking in a mirror.

Anyway, this was about 10 years ago, and at the time ADD was like the "hip disease of the decade" (taking over for herpes, which was the popular bitch-and-whine disease in the 1980's). Since I felt it was waaaaay too easy to cop a claim of ADD, I actually had it checked out by pulling up old school records (back to childhood) and went so far as to get a WAIS (IQ test done).

Fun point: One of the main diagnostic tools for ADD in an IQ test is the "Digi-Span," in which you repeat several digits spoken by the evaluator, both forwards and backwards. Unfortunately, I knew about that before going in, and hyperfocused during the Digi-Span portion of the test, getting every one of them right and thus convincing the examiner that I couldn't possibly have ADD. (The guy knew a little about ADD, but didn't have a clue as to what hyperfocusing is.) Fortunately, my own doctor was able to confirm the diagnosis based on the research I had done and the records I had pulled up. One thing I definitely recommend, since this is one of the conditions in which the person with ADD usualy ends up knowing more about it than many professionals: Confirm everything, and do not rely solely on self-diagnosis, which can often become an excuse.

Anyway, at the time, Ritalin was a biiiiggg fad, so I decided to try it and saw a doctor, whose entire examination was geared toward determining whether I had an addictive personality and simply wanted the Ritalin to get a buzz. He asked nothing clinical about ADD at all, and he was supposedly an ADD specialist. But he prescribed it, and I tried it for about two weeks before reaching a stunning revelation . . . Namely, that I had managed to earn three college degrees in the course of less than six years without the Ritalin, and already knew how to hyperfocus. So I dropped the Ritalin. (I have no problem with ADD'ers that use it, however. It's just not for everyone and, as you probably know - especially if you've read Driven to Distraction, which I recommend to every adult ADD'er, whether to use a drug or not can be a controversial point in the ADD world, especially when it comes to kids.)

Anyway, Flex and Bustin, having provided a little background, I do have to take issue with one phrase you both used, namely the notion of "suffering from the disorder." (Cringe, cringe.)

Remember that ADD is a disorder, not a disease. Whether you "suffer" from it or not is, quite literally, your choice. And I've found that ADD has as many advantages as it has disadvantages. ADD'ers are some of the most creative people I know, and while they may zonk out on some subjects at school (which I can vouch for, since I dropped out in 11th grade due to sheer boredom), they tend to excel greatly in the areas that interest them. Like I said, I pulled off three degrees in less than six years by taking the subjects in which I was interested, finding a way to beat the system on the subjects that bored me, and focusing on the areas in which I did best. (I don't want to blow my own horn - although I'd probably try if I were a contortionist - but to put a time frame on it, suffice to say that none of them were associate's degrees.) In fact, I ended up speaking for adult ADD groups and CHADD groups about how to get through college if you're an ADD'er.

In other words, you can look at ADD like a half-empty glass of water or a half-full glass of water, like a pessimist or an optimist. At this point, I wouldn't trade having it for anything. Granted, I can't sit still in a movie theater, but I can get the videos. Hell, I still can't sit still in a classroom, but I was lucky enough to have professors who were hip to my ADD and allowed me to wander outside the classroom or kick back on the hallway floor and listen to what was going on in class. And talk about advantages, I never had to take a freakin' note in class. If I wanted to know something, I only had to hear it once, and if I didn't want to know it, then all the notes in the world wouldn't help. And after I graduated and started teaching for a few years, I had no problems with a classroom - and was considered better than a lot of other teachers because I knew how to keep everyone's attention. (Of course, I ultimately got bored with teaching . . . After you've done the same course a couple of times it gets old. And being an ADD'er means being a true practitioner of, "Been there, done that . . .")

(For non-ADD'ers, one of the primary symptoms of ADD is a feeling of rambunctiousness, not being able to sit still or concentrate. The notion of being able to "hyperfocus" allows an ADD'er to concentrate on what's interesting and not be bothered with what is boring. For those who want to know more about what ADD is, check out http://www.chadd.org/about_adhd.htm.)

Bottom line: You can treat ADD as a blessing or a curse. I've chosen not to treat it as a curse, not to wallow in it (in fact, I rarely think about it these days), and to use the positive aspects of ADD to maximum advantage. Don't think of yourselves as freaky, guys (and gals, since ADD does its thing without regard to age or gender); you guys are special and can focus your ADD to work to your advantage, not your disadvantage. In the end run, you are responsible for you, so don't let the turkeys get you down.

I don't want to be so callous as to hit you with, "Would you like a little cheese with your whine," but I can assure you of one thing as time goes on . . . As you find out where your gifts, talents, and interests are, it gets soooooooo much better that you may find that you're ultimately glad you have it. In other words, if you have to have ADD at all, enjoy it - and use it to the max.

[BUSTINOUT]

TNT, OUTSTANDING POST!!!!

You are absolutely right when it comes to ADD being a blessing or a curse. Look at it like this...ADDers are great at starting businesses, they just suck at running them. Organizational skills are not always the best. lol But once you learn to really hyperfocus, God help anyone in the way.

As for my verbage, "suffering", my bad. Like anything, some good days and some bad. You only suffer with it until you get a handle on it. That too is a choice. Mine was initially self diagnosed as well. I was lucky enough to find someone who specialized in ADD about 3 years ago so God was looking out for me. I was at my friggin wits end. It was through a friend that I really started looking into it. After doing my research, like you, I thought I was reading my own diary. I also saw where it can lead if it goes unchecked. Massive depression, failed marriage(done that one), just a whole slough of things. Not to say all these happen because of ADD, but you'll find quite a trend of these things with ADDers. I said, "This is unacceptable", and started seeking help. Man was that tough.

When I told my family, they were like, "We knew that". I said, "Then why the hell didn't anyone tell me?" LOL Gee, thanks. When my girlfriend and I first started getting serious, I informed her too. She has been an angel in trying to understand it and learn about it. She has seen me during some of my "spells", and is understanding, although frustrated too at times. Supportive mates and families are very important as well.

As for medication, I was on ritalin as a small child. As an adult I take Wellbutrin, which seems to do well for me. What's important to realize for someone first getting familiar with this condition, is that it never goes away. You learn your strengths and you take them to the limit. You learn your weaknesses and focus on turning them into a strength. But there are situations that I try to stear clear of. Dwelling on past, stressing over petty things that cannot be helped, etc. Those little friggin things will just suck you right back into the pitty party of one that some ADDers sink into.

Again, great post TNT. I would like to discuss this more with you sometime.

Bo

[Kullman]

I have ADHD, it does suck. It does wear on many people around me at times. I do think ADD is used as a scapegoat nowadays for a lot of people. If someones child is doing poorly in school they take them to the doctors and they are diagnosed with ADD. Most people can't really pay attention to things for too long, it's just a lot worse in some cases.

Kull

[partyboynyc]

what was the question again?

[flexshack]

okay

[Full Intensity]

some people tell me i have add LOL

[TNT]

hey guys
sorry i didn't reply sooner, but i have been extremely busy recently and haven't been on the computer since i started this thread.

Excuses, excuses . . .

Actually, I think it's healthy to have a life away from the computer. It can be more addictive than anything, which is why I occasionally take some time to get away from home for a few days and away from the computer, the TV, and all of the other distractions, real or imagined.

So here I sit overlooking a lake in Central New York right now . . . on a freakin' computer. Actually, I'm not checking in as often this weekend as I do most days, but did want to spend some time replying to this post since it touches on so many issues

For that reason, I've actually composed the response off line, quoting part of Flexshack's original post at a time.

i want to talk a little bit about how i deal with it. i am presently taking adderall, also a psycho-stimulant like ritalin, 15mgs/day. i also take zoloft 100mgs/day for depression. any finally, my latest addition to my drug intake, clonapin or clonazepam .5mg/day only weekdays for anxiety purposes. i feel like an old man having to take all of these meds everyday! it's ridiculous.

Okay, Flex, you know the drill already . . . You're on three "psychotropic" medications. If you haven't done so already, think about discussing any AS you're using with your psychiatrist. That's in case the AS will have any negative impact on the other drugs' action, and vice versa. Of course, first make sure that he won't report your AS use to your parents. Despite your age, remember that you are his patient, not your folks, but it doesn't hurt to make sure he understand that.

anyway, i am going to come out now and tell everyone, at least everyone that reads this post, my age. 17 years old. i have been hiding this for some time now in order to get good information on roids. if i said i was 17 and wanted to do roids, i wouldn't have gotten the same responses as i did. you know what i mean. anyway, i decided to tell you this because now you know what stage of my life i am in.

Seventeen? Oh my god!!! Relax, bro, we were all 17 once. And I'm sure that you're not the youngest person here. And you're probably right - had some of us known your actual age, we probably would have simply advised caution without elaboration. So in a way, I have to congratulate you - you managed to get some real information from us.

Besides, those of us who are over 17 (or 27, 37, or 47) realize that some of "you youngin's" are gonna do your thing regardless of what anyone says, regardless of any caution we try to communicate to you. So in the end run, the important thing is that you get the best, most complete information you can. We hope you'll be real careful, bro, but as with any of us, the ultimate responsibility for what you do is rests with you. If you understand and accept that responsibility, make the most of it.

i am presently a junior in high school and when i read tnt's comment about dropping out in 11th, it really struck home. i came extremely extremely extremely close to also dropping out but in the end i could not because of my parents. they wouldn't sign the release form to get me out. until 18 i legally must get parents permission to drop out. tnt, how did you go to college if you dropped out of high school?

I guess that my parents were hip enough to realize that they ultimately couldn't motivate me to continue on. I wasn't happy in high school - bored as hell, and simply woke up one morning and said, "You know, I just don't want to go back there." I guess you could say they were supportive, because I was geared toward learning things on my own.

Let me make a quick digression . . . Between 10th & 11th grade, while taking a summer course (in Behavioral Psychology, of all things - you know, B.F. Skinner and the boxes of lab rats), I hit the college bookstore and picked up a book that blew me away - A.S. Neill's Summerhill: A Radical Approach to Child Rearing. Neill was a progressive British educator who founded a school (obviously called Summerhill) in which all classes were optional and students could choose to cut class and hang out all year if that's what they wanted to do. The result was that students did better when they chose to go to class than when they were forced to go to class. And even the students that did nothing would eventually discover what their own goals were, find classes that helped meet those goals, and make up all the time they lost when they were cutting classes because they finally had motivation.

Well, Flex, that was me. In high school, my main interest was in music. Unfortunately, my high school - one of those bourgeois public high schools in a well-to-do suburb, had only two music courses, and I took both of them in 10th grade. By the time I hit 11th grade, there was simply nothing happening that interested me. So I split and pursued the things that did interest me.

After I dropped out in the spring semester of 11th grade, I hung out for a year and a half and read stuff that I wanted to read, took a few courses in music at a local college (I didn't have to be a high school graduate to take individual courses), and learned stuff that I wanted to learn. I also got a job teaching guitar at a local studio, and when I was 17 I was also hired to teach guitar courses at a local adult school.

Anyway, when I turned 18, I immediately took the G.E.D. and got my high school diploma anyway. Some tests I did very well in (like English and social studies), at other tests I sucked eggs (like math and science). But at least I managed to pass them all, and the bottom line was that I had the diploma.

There's a message in that . . . When I dropped out, I could have hung out all day and done nothing. (Horrors! Even worse, I could have started watching soap operas!) The idea is that if you can't function in an environment - whether school or anywhere else, the solution is not to simply drop out and vegetate, it's to actively pursue alternatives and find the areas in which you are interested and do well. A few years later, when I decided to do college, I zipped right through to my B.A. in less than two years by challenging courses (remember, I'm an ADD'er - I wouldn't have been able to take sitting in a classroom 15 hours a week for four years) - testing out for the most part. The reason I was able to pull that off was that after I dropped out of high school, I kept up when it came to reading (I still liked self-learning in areas like the humanities and social studies) instead of doing soap operas and comic books and, yes, instead of hanging out in the gym all day every day.

anyway, i am still learning how to deal with add. i guess i still have a while to go before things start to improve. this is why i mentioned that i was "suffering".

Arrrrggggggh! Okay, I've already discussed my feelings about the notion of "suffering" from a disorder (in an earlier post in this thread), so I'll leave that one alone. The important thing is that you are progressing rather than regressing. Learning is an ongoing process and, in my opinion, bro, you're on the right track.

i also currently see a psychiatrist for the meds and a psychologist for weekly counseling. it helps alot. i really need it. as for the meds, i need them too. believe me, when i tried taking a break from the zoloft over the summer, because i didn't think it was doing anything for me except makeing me tired, i fell into an extremely deep depression for the month that i went off it. when i mean deep, i mean DEEEEEP! i didn't want to do anything ever, except sleep, watch alot of tv, and eat eat eat. it was pathetic and lousy. so i went back on the zoloft again and things returned to normal. i guess it did work. i have been on the zoloft for about a year and a half to two years. the adderall a little less time and the clonapin very recently, like two three weeks at most.

[A little bit of background for everyone else who's reading this . . . Fifty years ago, if you had a problem, you want to a shrink - specifically, a psychiatrist, period. Because of managed care (HMO's, PPO's, etc.), psychiatrists no longer do counseling, they just do medication management. In most states, psychologists primarily do T&A (get your minds out of the gutter, guys - it means testing and assessment) and, in states where counseling is licensed, the actual counseling is done by licensed professional or mental health counselors. That's why Flexshack is seeing both a psychiatrist and a psychologist, not because he's any more bonkers than the rest of us. ]

I think you'll find that you're doing the Zoloft just as much for the BDD (discussed below) as for the depression. (Zoloft is one of the primary drugs indicated for BDD.) You may also find that as time goes on and you get older, you'll begin to find alternatives to the medications (especially the notion of multiple medications).

However, at this point you're on the right road, especially as long as you're living at home. In other words, when you're on your own you have more control over your relationships, but when you're still at home you may need more assistance with the one relationship that you can't (and shouldn't necessarily) walk away from - the folks. (By the way, a quick note: As you get older, believe it or not, you're likely to find that your relationship with your parents will get better. Whatever you do, try not to ever write them off - you only get one set of folks and, despite any faults they have, it works both ways: you'll always be their kid, and they'll always be your parents. You'll all learn to value that more down the road.)

its only a short term help because of severe anxiety attacks at school because i have such a low self esteem. i have body dysmorphic disorder also. so, this is my life right now.

[Okay, another quick note for all readers . . . Body dysmorphic disorder ("BDD") is similar in theory to anorexia, except that (1) it is not necessarily accompanied by not eating, and (2) rather than being concerned with the appearance of one's body on the whole, a person BDD is usually preoccupied with a specific part of the body - for example, a person may think that her nose is so ugly that it causes psychological problems. Or someone may want cosmetic surgery on a body part despite the fact that there's really nothing wrong with it in the first place. BDD affects guys and gals equally, and with teenage guys, it is quite common in a body-worshipping society to be preoccupied with things like muscular development, bulking, a specific area likes biceps or pecs, etc. - Think of John Travolta flexing in front of his mirror in Saturday Night fever, or the recent thread on this forum that addressed the "Adonis complex" - today's G.I. Joes being more muscular and ridiculously bulked than in past years. Take this to the extent that any dissatisfaction one feels manifests so strongly as to become a clinical obsession, and you've got Body Dysmorphic Disorder, or BDD. If you want to know more about BDD, you'll find a great overview at http://www.aafp.org/afp/991015ap/1738.html.]

it has been hell for the past few years after i moved from my childhood town because of my dad's job, bigger house, and better neighborhood reasons. i hope i am not boring anyone with my life. its just that i need to talk right now and you guys actually understand where i am coming from. doctors do also but not like the actuall adders do.

Not only do I think that you're not boring most of the guys here with your life, I think you'll find that other identify with exactly where you're coming from - whether they would admit it or not. The fact that you're willing to openly write about it not only shows that you have more balls than most people, it can actually help anyone else who can identify with you.

And you're right - Doctors have a clinical understanding of where you are coming from, but only someone else who has been there can truly identify with you. (For anyone who does not understand this concept, here's an exercise for you: Describe an orgasm in some way other than simply saying, "Wow!") For that reason, I would encourage you to check out any peer support groups that might be available to you - whether oriented to ADD, BDD, depression or anxiety. Don't do them instead of therapy and medication, but as an adjunct to them.

so far, add has brought nothing but trouble for me. i have missed so much school, its not even funny. i just would stay home whenever the hell i felt like it and my parents couldn't do anything to get me to go. i hate school because of all the stress, anxiety, and any other annoying things that it brings me. i avoided it at all costs; lost every privelege i had, didn't get my license on my b-day(oct 31), had the police called on me. my dad called the police when i ran away into the woods and slept behind a tree for six hours just to avoid school. this is when he also called my closest family members to tell them about what has been going on with me; pretty much what i didn't want them to find out or know. so the clonapin is pretty much my last resort to getting me to school now. i guess thats pretty sad, having to drug myself to get my ass in school! so far my life must sound bazarre as hell to you, even to you fellow adders.

My guess is that your relationship with your parents could be healthier than it is, especially if your dad would actually call the police simply because you split for six hours in order to avoid school. (That's not to conclude that he may not have felt he had a reason, especially if you had done anything to make him rationally think that you might be dangerous to yourself or somebody else. It is, however, unusual.)

Flex, remember that in the end run, you're 17. At your next birthday, you'll be "of age" - a legal adult (in every way except the drinking age). You may not yet be in a position to go out on your own, but this is the time to start thinking about the big picture in terms of when you are - what you want to do, how you want to live, and how you will choose to excel. Alright, so you already know what your hang-ups are; now it's time to start figuring out what your gifts are. Remember, you're an ADD'er, dude! And that means that behind all the bullshit, you've got talents- all you have to do is recognize them, focus on them, and develop them.

anyway, i am going to take a break in typing now and see what your responses are. please, no bashing or making fun. i don't think i can take anymore of that crap. i hear it everyday from my parents.

Like I said . . . But realize, at the same time, that there's at least one asshole in every group (whether it's a 'net forum or anyplace else in life). And that you will be bashed or made fun of occasionally. But if someone chooses to do that, it's their hang-up, not yours. And you can take it, because you're better than they are.

The great contemporary philosopher Robin Williams probably put it in perspective better than anyone: "Joke 'em if they can't take a fuck."

so there it is. i guess part one of my life in the recent years dealing with add. hope you find it interesting. i bet you have never heard of such a crazy story like this before. thanks for listening guys. i really appreciate it.

I think it's important to recognize that we're not talking only about ADD, here. The ADD may be the cake, but you've also presented us with the icing - the BDD and the anxiety, for example.

And like I said, the fact that you had the guts to present it at all shows that you've got more balls than a lot of the other guys here. You're alright in my book, bro.

ps--whoo!! that was a mouth full!

Yeah, bro! Who do you think you are writing such long epistles . . . me?

[Full Intensity]

shit all your post are novels! it must take u some time to post all this info. You are a post whore of a whole new dimension LOL

[TNT]

Originally posted by Full Intensity
shit all your post are novels! it must take u some time to post all this info. You are a post whore of a whole new dimension LOL

Well, F.I., some of us go for the quantity of posts, and some of go for the quality of posts.

[Full Intensity]

Originally posted by TNT
Well, F.I., some of us go for the quantity of posts, and some of go for the quality of posts.

seeing as i am not a true whore yet i'm going to safe i have a blend of both LOL

[wild-one]

Ya'll are scaring me because I have sooooo many of these traits I've always suspected that I've got ADD. I'm not as bad as I used to be, but it's only cause I've learned how to control some things. Is there differing degrees of this disorder? Like, can someone have it worse than others.

[TNT]

Originally posted by w8lifter
Ya'll are scaring me because I have sooooo many of these traits I've always suspected that I've got ADD. I'm not as bad as I used to be, but it's only cause I've learned how to control some things. Is there differing degrees of this disorder? Like, can someone have it worse than others.

Yes, and yes. Or, some can have it better than others, depending on how you look at it.

Background for what I'm about to say: As I've written elsewhere, the primary diagnostic manual for physicians is The Merck Manual. For psychiatrists and psychologists, however, the primary diagnostic manual is the DSM-IV the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders. The DSM-IV is actually a very comprehensive list of diagnostic criteria, with specific criteria used to diagnose each condition's level or severity, as well as to break down specific sub-types of each condition. That said . . .

The DSM-IV criteria for ADD (also called ADHD, for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) can be found at http://www.psychologynet.org/add.html (look under the section titled "Diagnostic Criteria"). ADD can come in several "flavors," the most common of which are ADD with or without hyperactivity.

Remember, unlike other conditions, ADD tends to often be self- diagnosed. (You generally don't find a schizophrenic saying, "Hey, I'm schizo!" But you will find that many ADD'ers first recognized it in themselves.) That's why it's important to validate the notion that you may have ADD with a professional. The validation process may include a comprehensive survey, testing (such as an IQ test, which includes indications of whether a person has ADD), and your medical, psychological, and educational history.

ADD can affect both kids and adults, both males and females. And as I've written elsewhere, it can have as many advantages as disadvantages, as many ADD'ers tend to be both more creative and smarter than average (especially in areas in which they excel or have interest). One reasons that children and adolescents have more trouble dealing with it is that they are more often forced to function in a structured environment, such as a classroom. But recognizing and addressing it is usually the first step toward making the most of it.

[wild-one]

I did the little test...I got 110.

On Attention/Distractability Score I got 29, the cutoff being 25
Organization Score 15, cutoff being 12
Stimulation Seeking Score 8, cuttoff 5

These are the areas where I have the worst time and always have had the worst time.

[Nathan]

I hope you guy srealize that like all of these posts are long as hell and they're aimed at PEOPLE WITH ADD. Think about that for 2 seconds.
I do not have ADD, but I am bi-polar, have OCD, and suffer from depression. It isn't fun being me at the best of times. I for one wish I wasn't such a damn weird kid.

[flexshack]

what

[TNT]

Originally posted by Nathan
I hope you guy srealize that like all of these posts are long as hell and they're aimed at PEOPLE WITH ADD. Think about that for 2 seconds.

ROTFLMFAO! Brilliant observation, Nathan - and right on the mark. But then, I've always believed that ADD'ers can absorb a lot of material, including the technical stuff - when it's relevant.

I do not have ADD, but I am bi-polar, have OCD, and suffer from depression. It isn't fun being me at the best of times. I for one wish I wasn't such a damn weird kid.

I hear you (quite clearly), and the good news is that I won't write mgnum opie (the plural of magnum opus, named after the kid on The Andy Giffith Show ) on bipolar disorder and OCD. I"ve learned to stick to my areas of expertise (or as Clint Eastwood said, "A man's got to know his limitations."), and I'm not as "fluent" in these as I am in ADD.

I can tell you, though, that regardless of the specific disorder, the best thing we can do is roll with the punches and take control as much as we can. My thoughts are with ya, bro.

[Nathan]

Thanaks dude. Us carzies have to stick together.

[dumbells101]

Daughter ADHD, and Me OCD, my wife...A SAINT having to put up with us and my 3 year old wrecking machine son!

[Big Rush]

i have been clinically diagnosed with ADD as well. I take 40mg of Adderall usually 4-5 days a week (depending on studies and classes). I will be doing a cycle here shortly. I hope I will be able to eat right and maintain muscle. Well, I'll give it a shot anyway.

[TestTubeBaby]

i have ADHD.

[Babyweight]

Originally posted by Nathan
I hope you guy srealize that like all of these posts are long as hell and they're aimed at PEOPLE WITH ADD. Think about that for 2 seconds.
I do not have ADD, but I am bi-polar, have OCD, and suffer from depression. It isn't fun being me at the best of times. I for one wish I wasn't such a damn weird kid.

I'm with you on this one ..in both ways.. 1 yes I have ADD, and 2, it's sad to say I don't have the patience to read this whole thread. Maybe if I had a glass of wine.
No but really, I was diagnosed when I was in high school. Can't quite remember my score but the distraction part was the highest. I've left Dr's offices after having to wait any longer than 10 minutes...It's horrible..and traffic...oh my God, that is the worst. It feels like I'm having a heart attack..(actually an anxiety attack)

[Big Rush]

Hey babyweight.
i feel ya .
Peace

[popeyethasailah]

the original thread to this has put a smile on my face the main reason being that i have a nasty case of adHd, and all kinds of shit is tough. i have a natural aggression which can be nice, but sometimes i am very emotional towards stupid shit... i wish i had read all the above replies but my adderal is well out of my rapidly flowing blood stream. i will read it tomorrow though, depending on how the does is treating me. by the way, my doctor prescribes me clonidine HCL (catapress) to help slow me down also, and it is mainly used to reduce blood pressure which is beneficial to people who like to GeaR. many people have add/adhd. i recently switched to adderal from my ritalin because it seems like it calms me down more and doesnt have such a drop off. before i was taking the "smart pills" my grades blew and i didnt have the attention span to clean my room. always had problems in shit like sports too, because all demonstrations/lectures went right through my head... anyway, i feel you too bro, and its nice to know you had some balls to talk about it. peace.

[Bert2]

WOW...that's a lot of reading! I'm definately going to check out some of those sites.

Our son has been having problems in school for that past year and a half (he's in grade 4). Pete and I went through the punishment/rewarding thing trying to get him to try harder. When nothing worked (and this was after many, many months), it got to the point where I thought we weren't good parents! He's extremely smart, always getting 100% on tests, but can't focus if his life depended on it, unless of course it's something that HE is interested in. We finally took him to our family doctor who did a DSM-IV. Our son scored 9 out of 9 on the inattentive questions and only a 3 out of 9 on the hyperactive questions. We're waiting to see a pediatrician, but it takes at least 6 weeks to get in to see one I don't want to see him fail the year, but if it's better for him in the long run to repeat grade 4 then that's fine. At least his teacher is really understanding and glad that we're going down this path. She already has 1 ADHD and 1 ADD in his class and she's already started working with him as if he does, to try and see if things improve until we get in to the doctor.

I'm really glad this thread was started because there is tons of great insight and information. Thanks guys!

[Big Rush]

big fat bump for all the add bro's/sis's!!!!

[Big Rush]

Originally posted by Bert
WOW...that's a lot of reading! I'm definately going to check out some of those sites.

Our son has been having problems in school for that past year and a half (he's in grade 4). Pete and I went through the punishment/rewarding thing trying to get him to try harder. When nothing worked (and this was after many, many months), it got to the point where I thought we weren't good parents! He's extremely smart, always getting 100% on tests, but can't focus if his life depended on it, unless of course it's something that HE is interested in. We finally took him to our family doctor who did a DSM-IV. Our son scored 9 out of 9 on the inattentive questions and only a 3 out of 9 on the hyperactive questions. We're waiting to see a pediatrician, but it takes at least 6 weeks to get in to see one I don't want to see him fail the year, but if it's better for him in the long run to repeat grade 4 then that's fine. At least his teacher is really understanding and glad that we're going down this path. She already has 1 ADHD and 1 ADD in his class and she's already started working with him as if he does, to try and see if things improve until we get in to the doctor.

I'm really glad this thread was started because there is tons of great insight and information. Thanks guys!

bert, your son sounds soooo much like a younger, smaller big rush (i repeated the 1st grade )!!! what kind of doc did you take him to??? let me suggest that you take him to a psychologist to have him tested (i was when i was 8 or so...i'm ADD not ADHD)...then, if he is diagnosed, take him to a neurologists for the rx meds and general check up's...there are great pediatric neurologists out there who specialize in the field of ADD/ADHD...good luck and please don't hestitate to contact me if you have any questions, after all...i am a living example..lol..of course this is an old post, so you have already probably done that

[m16a2]

I just read this post and TNT's post was awsome. It took me a good 20 minutes to read it since I kept loosing my place but it was great.

As far as benifiting from ADD, my research and agument papers (writing classes) and most of my college academic papers are all pretty good, but math kills me because I can't concentrate past the first 2 minutes of a complex problem. I also end up making careless errors and not catching it. I remember when I took my SAT's I kept loosing focus of what I was doing and having to remind myself to concentrate. I still scored top 2%, but it took 2 tries and alot of prep.


I will live with my ADD one way or another. I did, however, goto the doctor at long last the beginning of this summer to get my diagnosis.

My reason wasn't to get the academic edge, or for some cheap high, it was because when I was driving I would loose focus. I weighed my options and thought that if my ADD was endangering me while I was driving then I better do something about it. (During the school year, I lived on campus = short drives).

It turns out that I certainly (according to the doc) have ADD and he prescribed ritalin (of course). He gave me the SR at first, and now I'm trying the LA. Personally, my opinon of it is that when I take it, I get super-productive. I start to get things done and I can focus on things. I can read stories, books, essays, newspapers. Usually I will loose interest or focus in an article within the matter of a few minutes.

However, when your body has metabolized the medication, your back to square one, and its like a feeling of withdrawal almost. I have never taken 2 in one day before, or anything like that, but I do feel more ADD than usual when my med wears off. I managed to do pretty decent in my first year without the help of any medication. However, I don't dismiss the idea of treatment completely.

I am willing to give the meds a try and see if they can actually help my performance in school. If I notice that they can't, I'm done with treatment. I will simply learn to live my life with my condition.

[m16a2]

This online test is like a personal biography

With exception to this one...

"Easily distracted during sex, causing frequent breaks or turn-offs during lovemaking"

I've never had that problem

[tt333]

Originally posted by Nathan
I hope you guy srealize that like all of these posts are long as hell and they're aimed at PEOPLE WITH ADD. Think about that for 2 seconds.
I do not have ADD, but I am bi-polar, have OCD, and suffer from depression. It isn't fun being me at the best of times. I for one wish I wasn't such a damn weird kid.

I know what your talking about nathan. Im bi-polar and add and it sucks. The bi-polar is almost controlled but the add keeps on going. It drives you crazy and like everbody says spend 10 minutes in my head!! Alot of people dont understand add. I was never a wild kid that would get in trouble in class. I stayed quiet but could never concentrate on anything, teachers always told me that I was lazy and that I didnt care about doing work. They also told me that I was stupid too. Im in college right now but its still hard to concentrate on work and studying for test but ive learned how to handle it a little better now. Sometimes I dont even know how my wife handles it.

[Hitman]

yeah i suffer ADHD and TNT you always have greats post but i dont have the will power to sit still long enought to read through them LOL but seriously is it heredtiery?because i have had my 3 year old tested(the said it was inconclusive because of his age, but way try to test him then?)because he is totally uncontrollable every canch he gets hes either trying to cook his tonker toys in the microwave or hes running away. When i was old enough to understand it, alot of it made sense but by that time i had already flanked out of school and pretty much wasted my youth doing silly shit and it didnt help when people would say "oh its just bad parenting" man theres some ignorant fucks out there.Ok i better stop now.........HITMAN

[palme]

To much text!!!
What is ADD? Do i have it!?

[samoth]

Bumping some great words by TNT.

[Phillyboy1]

i think its super funny how all of you have add, but you can type novels for posts. i dont have add but i cant read more then the first 3 lines of all of them. i know im gonna piss alot of people off here, but i think add is a bunch of melarky, you pay attention to what interests you, and if what someone is telling you isnt interesting you dont pay attention. its that simple, you dont need to put a label on it and call it add, and start loading up kids with drugs to make them pay attention....

im saying sorry in advance cause i know im gonna get flamed but its just my belief.

and yes i do think parenting has alot to do with it.....

FLAME AWAY

[samoth]

You didn't read a bit of this thread, did you? Everything you just stated was addressed in prior posts here.

i think its super funny how all of you have add, but you can type novels for posts. i dont have add but i cant read more then the first 3 lines of all of them. i know im gonna piss alot of people off here, but i think add is a bunch of melarky, you pay attention to what interests you, and if what someone is telling you isnt interesting you dont pay attention. its that simple, you dont need to put a label on it and call it add, and start loading up kids with drugs to make them pay attention....

im saying sorry in advance cause i know im gonna get flamed but its just my belief.

and yes i do think parenting has alot to do with it.....

FLAME AWAY

[Dude-Man]

i have add. hey, what's that noise. ...

[Phillyboy1]

You didn't read a bit of this thread, did you? Everything you just stated was addressed in prior posts here.

no i didnt, i think i even said that in my post. guess you didnt read it either lol. its cool

[daman1]

Had it real bad when I was little. Had to take insane amounts of ritalin. It's slowly been going away over the years, but I still have it a tiny bit.