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Agreeing with all the sentiment here. I'm sure that the issue is you don't really have very many options up there in bc, but this doc's whack-rear end diagnosis is probably just his way of getting you "medicated" without actually treating your adhd. I had a doctor do that once, I was put on depakote, neurontin, prozac and clonidine and all it did was turn me into a zombie. Lithium is bad poo poo, and unless you REALLY need it you want to stay far away. There has to be someone else you can go to in vancouver, right? Maybe on the island? edit: I find this all very intriguing as my girlfriend lives in bc and wants me to move up there post-marriage. I've been wondering just how easy it will be to get my medication up there (being that I'm on desoxyn i think there's very little possibility I'll be able to continue on it which is pretty lame) wilfredmerriweathr fucked around with this message at 06:05 on Oct 7, 2010 |
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Oct 7, 2010 06:03
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cloudstrife2993 posted:Agreeing with all the sentiment here. I'm sure that the issue is you don't really have very many options up there in bc, but this doc's whack-rear end diagnosis is probably just his way of getting you "medicated" without actually treating your adhd. I had a doctor do that once, I was put on depakote, neurontin, prozac and clonidine and all it did was turn me into a zombie. Lithium is bad poo poo, and unless you REALLY need it you want to stay far away. Man, if you can move to Canada and have access to their cheaper meds (aka less than 50$ a month for Adderall in the US), that's a win win.
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Oct 7, 2010 08:14
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I keep reading about people in this thread taking 10mg of adderall xl or whatever -- am I a complete freak? I'm on 60mg. Also, my insurance kicks rear end -- I can get 30 days of a 60 mg dose for 20 bucks.
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Oct 7, 2010 12:59
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Effexxor posted:Man, if you can move to Canada and have access to their cheaper meds (aka less than 50$ a month for Adderall in the US), that's a win win. yeah their drug prices are pretty sweet. Unfortunately I don't take adderall due to the worthless peripheral nervous system stimulation from the levoamphetamine, and even dextroamphetamine gives me terrible blood pressure issues at 7.5mg (that's after being on it for 10 years, it worked for a while). The cruelest joke ever is that I've finally found a drug that works and it costs me $400/month because my insurance doesn't want to pay for it and society thinks it's a demon drug. just in case anyone is wondering, people abuse methamphetmine because a) it's cheaper than regular amphetamine to synthesize and b) it has way LESS side effects than regular amphetamine, so abusers can take way more before having a heart attack not because the effects are more "fun" than amphetamine. I get distracting euphoria off adderall at 10mg, but none of desoxyn at 15mg. wilfredmerriweathr fucked around with this message at 16:40 on Oct 7, 2010 |
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Oct 7, 2010 16:37
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Xenoid posted:This thread has been a big help but my biggest issue is procrastination. There are things I need to do that have been sitting around for ages and that is just the norm for me. How do I do something when I know I need to but it still doesn't get done? I'll try and get myself to the library to see if I can get ahold of some of the books I've seen mentioned in here but mainly I'm dealing with some opiate withdrawals and the whole 'being sober' thing is a bit of a trip right now. I'm hoping it'll get better with time but I find myself doing things like smoking, which I don't even enjoy because anything helps the 'want to jump out of my skin' feeling. I was actually talking to my therapist about this this week. She says there are two main reasons for chronic procrastination. One is distractability - you might start to do something but it's just too boring and it would be more fun to surf the internet and four hours later you're on SA and you haven't gotten it done and you might have forgotten you need to do it. The other is anxiety - you start to think about what it is that you need to do and another thing you need to do and oh god you're so far behind you need to go take a walk to think about something else and get it out of your mind. Some people do both. We sort of ran out of time to talk in detail about either but in an extremely general way a way to deal with the first case is to identify the distractions and if possible get away from them. Can you go somewhere with no TV and no internet or whatever your personal indulgences might be so you're less likely to get quickly distracted? Also generally for the second case realize that a wave of anxiety will pass if you realize what's going on and can take a few deep breaths and wait a minute to get through it. She recommended this blog and the books written by the same guy as possible resources but shockingly I haven't gotten around to checking them out yet. The other thing I've found to be a help is carrying around one of those 'weekly planner' notebooks and when something pops into my head that needs to get done, however mundane, I write it down. Then when I do get a rush of energy there's a better chance I can use it a little productively. A lot of people in the thread seem to be doing the same things with smartphones but I know from experience I'm quite likely to ignore electronic checklists and I seem to get some visceral pleasure out of physically crossing something off the list. Done.
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Oct 7, 2010 16:47
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So I promised my dying grandfather (seriously) that I'd go back to college and get my degree. The problem? I hated myself in college. I was constantly anxious about everything, never felt like I was worth anything and couldn't keep my focus. I'm horrifically terrified about the idea of going back to that feeling of failure again, but I have to do this. It's the kind of promise that you just can't back out on. But I love my life now, I love that I'm successful and am actually in a situation where I thrive. Any suggestions on going back to school?
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Oct 8, 2010 19:06
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Reading this thread actually makes me kinda depressed. I was diagnosed with ADD back in 1986. I took Ritalin from 1986 to 1994, when I turned 16. It totally helped. A lot. Once I was taken off of Ritalin, the effects were drastic. My GPA dropped, I couldn't pay attention, everything suffered. It wasn't until recently, when I read this thread, that I knew ADD could still affect a person as an adult. To this day, even with the behavioral therapy I got as a child and teen, I still can't pay attention to anything that I'm not interested in. Of course, that's led to difficulties at work and in relationships. About a month ago, I went to my doctor to try and get it treated again, with an explicit request to not have to take stimulants again if possible. After all, I go to the doctor maybe once or twice a year, usually for the chronic sinus/ear infections I get. Sadly, my doctor, while recognizing that adult ADHD exists, and that I was diagnosed before it became "hip" to diagnose people with it, refuses to treat me until I get my blood pressure under control. Granted, my blood pressure is extremely high, due to the fact that I am lazy and eat shittily (which I am remedying). She told me that non-stimulants don't work on adults and that I'm going to have to go back on Ritalin, and right now, it's too much of a risk to put me back on it, cause I'll have a heart attack. Now, while I do know my blood pressure is way too high, and I am taking steps to fix that (reduced drinking, smoking and eating better), the fact remains that honestly, I don't think I can make those changes and stick to it without the ADD being treated. I feel like I'm in a sick Catch-22. I can't get treated for my ADD without my blood pressure under control, but I can't get my blood pressure under control until the ADD is treated. Argh. Maybe I'm just being a bitch and not manning up, but I've never really felt in control of myself without the ADD medication. Am I just a bitch, or are my concerns legitimate?
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Oct 10, 2010 07:58
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BobbyDrake posted:Am I just a bitch, or are my concerns legitimate? No, I think your concerns are legitimate. I also totally understand where you're coming from. With me, telling me to go 'do something' sometimes isn't enough, I need explicit directions on how to do so. And I don't have to worry about issues like having to cut back on drinking, smoking, and trying to improve your diet - simultaneously. That'd be a massive undertaking even for someone who doesn't have ADHD. If you have the means, I'd ask for a referral to a Psychiatrist, one who have expertise in treating Adult ADHD. Then, talk with them about your options, both medicated and nonmedicated. They can also help you with things like reducing drinking, cutting out smoking, etc. Not to undermine what your current doc says about your BP and stimulants, but someone who specializes in the disorder may have more knowledge about it. The other option is to go back to your GP, and explain that you need some sort of strategy on how to improve your behaviors, and some sort of explicit plan on how to do so. Like, what do you try to work on first - the drinking? The smoking? The diet? And how do you do this? With the smoking you chew Nicotine gum instead, etc. Hope this helps.
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Oct 10, 2010 08:48
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Effexxor posted:So I promised my dying grandfather (seriously) that I'd go back to college and get my degree. The problem? I hated myself in college. I was constantly anxious about everything, never felt like I was worth anything and couldn't keep my focus. I'm horrifically terrified about the idea of going back to that feeling of failure again, but I have to do this. It's the kind of promise that you just can't back out on. But I love my life now, I love that I'm successful and am actually in a situation where I thrive. Any suggestions on going back to school? I don't really have any concrete suggestions here, but I'm in roughly the same boat. I want to go back to school to study Theology, which I have loved for eons. But just reading the Admissions Requirements for the local Theological School (Seattle University) just gives me an anxiety attack. So I hear you there. It's annoying because I finally figured out that this is something I truly want to pursue, and I'm sick of delaying it. But, argh. Anxiety and process!
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Oct 11, 2010 23:17
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BobbyDrake posted:Reading this thread actually makes me kinda depressed. I was diagnosed with ADD back in 1986. I took Ritalin from 1986 to 1994, when I turned 16. It totally helped. A lot. Once I was taken off of Ritalin, the effects were drastic. My GPA dropped, I couldn't pay attention, everything suffered. It wasn't until recently, when I read this thread, that I knew ADD could still affect a person as an adult. To this day, even with the behavioral therapy I got as a child and teen, I still can't pay attention to anything that I'm not interested in. Of course, that's led to difficulties at work and in relationships. About a month ago, I went to my doctor to try and get it treated again, with an explicit request to not have to take stimulants again if possible. After all, I go to the doctor maybe once or twice a year, usually for the chronic sinus/ear infections I get. Sadly, my doctor, while recognizing that adult ADHD exists, and that I was diagnosed before it became "hip" to diagnose people with it, refuses to treat me until I get my blood pressure under control. Granted, my blood pressure is extremely high, due to the fact that I am lazy and eat shittily (which I am remedying). She told me that non-stimulants don't work on adults and that I'm going to have to go back on Ritalin, and right now, it's too much of a risk to put me back on it, cause I'll have a heart attack. Now, while I do know my blood pressure is way too high, and I am taking steps to fix that (reduced drinking, smoking and eating better), the fact remains that honestly, I don't think I can make those changes and stick to it without the ADD being treated. I feel like I'm in a sick Catch-22. I can't get treated for my ADD without my blood pressure under control, but I can't get my blood pressure under control until the ADD is treated. Argh. Maybe I'm just being a bitch and not manning up, but I've never really felt in control of myself without the ADD medication. Am I just a bitch, or are my concerns legitimate? Right there with ya, buddy! I, too, have high BP and ADD. I did some wikipedia-ing and asked my doctor about Tenex (Guanfacine is the generic). It was originally used to treat high blood pressure, but a few years ago, the FDA approved it to treat ADD. I figured I could kill two birds with one stone. I've been on it for about two weeks and, to be honest, it hasn't been that effective. Needless to say, I'm a little disappointed. Speaking of non-stimulant ADD meds, does anyone know when generic versions of Straterra will be available? I learned that, in August, the patent for Straterra was ruled invalid. From researching, Straterra is the first choice for non-stimulant meds.
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Oct 12, 2010 03:55
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I'm in my hardest quarter of school yet, and I'm starting to hit a breaking point here. I've bounced back and forth with the idea that I might have a long undiagnosed case of ADHD, and I've always come around to thinking that maybe I just need to apply myself more. I even posted in this thread a few months ago toying with the idea of stopping by my university psych center. I've been having a lot of breakdowns lately over how stressed out I am and no matter how much I try to structure my time it isn't working out for me. I went to my schools psychological center (I go to UCSC) and they gave me a sheet with a list of local places to go get tested. What should I know about going in? I'm a bit nervous about going in and talking with someone about this for the first time. I'm 21 years old and I feel stupid going in for this but at this point I really feel like I have some form of attention or organization disorder, whether it be ADHD or not.
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Oct 12, 2010 10:23
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Being nervous is normal (at least if you haven't been going to different specialists for years like a lot of people in this thread), but don't worry. Tell them who refered you to them, your history and your symptoms and let them handle the rest. They're trained for this, so as long as you're honest, you should be fine.
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Oct 12, 2010 10:38
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Rushputin posted:Being nervous is normal (at least if you haven't been going to different specialists for years like a lot of people in this thread), but don't worry. Tell them who refered you to them, your history and your symptoms and let them handle the rest. They're trained for this, so as long as you're honest, you should be fine. I'm one of the people that have been going to all kinds of specialists for years. I don't recall the last time I got nervous before going and seeing somebody, but I can tell you the fear of somebody judging you and shunning your problems and pain will always be there no matter how many people you see. Regardless, the only way the doctor can really help you is if you are as honest as you can possibly be. (This is very difficult for me, even years after having seeing people) Try not to just nod your head and say OK if you don't understand what they're saying, and always remember that you are paying them to do a job. If you are dissatisfied with somebody, go someplace else! They'll give you a spiel about how they can't tell anybody anything you say except if it's admission/intent of hurting somebody/yourself etc. Believe them and take them at their word on this because they can lose their license for telling other people what you've said.
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Oct 12, 2010 18:27
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This thread wasn't what made me go get tested, but it made it a lot easier to justify. I made it through high school and college only because my dad was cracking the whip every step of the way, but my first real job hit like a brick loving wall. Apparently analyst type work is rather difficult when you can't concentrate. It took about three months before I finally made the appointment to get tested, and two after that to actually get in and finish the testing (hello ironic procrastination) and get the diagnosis. Doc put me on Adderall and I've never felt so loving normal in my life. Definitely thinking about a little additional counseling to help form some good habits, but the stupid everyday routines that my parents used to yell at me for not doing when I was younger (clean up as you go!!) are coming pretty easy now, and I think I might be able to form some habits on my own that'll make life bearable if I have to go back off meds. I'm sure a lot of it is my stress level has dropped dramatically and not just the actual effects of the drugs, but drat. 
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Oct 15, 2010 15:30
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http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3357910 Curious about thoughts from you guys; appointment is Tuesday 2pm.
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Oct 18, 2010 16:11
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So - anybody know where to find a decent ADHD coach in the Seattle area? Or does anyone have any names they could recommend? A therapist or Psychologist who specializes in ADHD would also be good. I'm having issues with the old brain futzing out, and if drugs aren't an option, than maybe talking and direction are. Thanks.
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Oct 18, 2010 21:15
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So, no ideas? Maybe my psychiatrist will have some. Or the local CHADD list, which I just joined. I also want to reiterate here that exercise really does work. Lately, I've been doing some studying, and just taking a couple minutes to jog around the apartment (really really slowly!) or do some jump rope really seems to help and calm things down, at least for 15-20 minutes or so. Qu Appelle fucked around with this message at 02:09 on Oct 21, 2010 |
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Oct 20, 2010 19:13
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I've always been one of those "score really high on standardized tests but fail at anything that requires real work" folks. It's not that I'm unmotivated I'm just so easily distracted. Anyways I went to my GP to talk about it, he referred me to behavioral sciences, and the behavioral sciences lady diagnosed me with ADD. I go back tomorrow to talk about therapy and medication, how is CBT for those of you who have undergone it, and do you feel that therapy and medication have a cumulative effect or that one is better than the other? EDIT: If you take medication are you on it for good or is there a point where you can stop? baronvonwalz fucked around with this message at 08:14 on Oct 21, 2010 |
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Oct 21, 2010 08:10
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baronvonwalz posted:I've always been one of those "score really high on standardized tests but fail at anything that requires real work" folks. It's not that I'm unmotivated I'm just so easily distracted. Anyways I went to my GP to talk about it, he referred me to behavioral sciences, and the behavioral sciences lady diagnosed me with ADD. I go back tomorrow to talk about therapy and medication, how is CBT for those of you who have undergone it, and do you feel that therapy and medication have a cumulative effect or that one is better than the other? Depends really. I know my mom grew up without any sort of treatment and became an extremely high functioning person with ADD. She gets distracted sometimes but it is still apparent to those who pay close attention that she still has it and has to tell herself to do certain things. (This is for those that don't grow out of it, some people do apparently). I on the other hand, was medicated from an early point in my life. I never coped with organizational methods and didn't develop them early on. I do ok without my medication, but I'll never reach what potential I have when I am consistently medicated.
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Oct 21, 2010 09:08
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baronvonwalz posted:I've always been one of those "score really high on standardized tests but fail at anything that requires real work" folks. It's not that I'm unmotivated I'm just so easily distracted. Anyways I went to my GP to talk about it, he referred me to behavioral sciences, and the behavioral sciences lady diagnosed me with ADD. I go back tomorrow to talk about therapy and medication, how is CBT for those of you who have undergone it, and do you feel that therapy and medication have a cumulative effect or that one is better than the other? CBT rules, especially for my anxiety. For my ADHD, it helps a ton, but not as much as the medication. Literally, I am a wreck without it, I feel like I'm vibrating almost with energy. If I chose to go without it, I'm sure I could, but there's really no reason to get off of it. I function better, I'm calmer, I'm better to my friends and I'm far less likely to put my foot in my mouth and possibly offend people. My mom started taking Adderall at 55, and it's really helped her to focus. She can read a book all the way through for the first time in years. Okay, here's the best way that I can put it. You're nearsighted, so you get glasses. You could go through your day without them, you'd struggle through work or school, you'd need help constantly and wouldn't be able to go through life anywhere near as easy as other people. Or you could just wear your glasses and go through life happier and better. It's the same with medication. If it works and improves your life, take it. Read Driven to Distraction for more info on ADHD. What I've read in there is that medication is the biggest factor for people with ADHD who feel like they're succeeding and have their lives together. Therapy and medication are the best option for depression, but therapy is a sidenote to making sure your medications have your impulse control calmed enough so that you can work through what you need to do.
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Oct 26, 2010 20:58
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As a note, Driven to Distraction is the older edition by Hallowell and Ratey. Their newer book, Delivered FROM Distraction is what you should get.
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Oct 26, 2010 22:16
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TheGopher posted:As a note, Driven to Distraction is the older edition by Hallowell and Ratey. Their newer book, Delivered FROM Distraction is what you should get. They're different books, not different editions, and they're both worth reading.
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Oct 26, 2010 22:52
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ultrafilter posted:They're different books, not different editions, and they're both worth reading. Delivered from Distraction was published in 2005, Driven to in 1994. Delivered from was written as a follow-up to Driven to, so though you're right in saying it's not a different edition, the point of my post still stands: If you are going to get one book about ADHD, instead of getting Driven to Distraction which is out of date in some ways, you should get the book which is 10 years newer and is not out of print, Delivered from Distraction. It is written by the same authors who used their experiences from writing their first book on the same topic to make a better book that is also more relevant to modern day. Let's please not play the "technically correct" game.
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Oct 26, 2010 23:19
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I've read both, and they're both good. However, 'delivered' is both more up to date, and addresses those not diagnosed yet. If you only read one, read this one.
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Oct 26, 2010 23:36
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HOW ADHD POSSIBLY SAVED MY LIFE THIS AFTERNOON. By Qu Appelle. Today, I went to a meeting in Seattle. On the bus ride from my meeting to downtown, I had this in my head as a mantra - 'Go to the Credit Union to get cash.' 'Go to the Credit Union to get cash.' 'Go to the Credit Union to get cash.' 'Go to the Credit Union to get cash.' So naturally, when I got downtown? Went into Borders to flip through magazines instead for a few minutes. Then went shopping for food, getting cash at the grocery store instead. Completely forgetting my plan to go to the Credit Union. Turns out that it was a good thing that I did so - my Credit Union branch downtown is at 2nd, between Pike and Pine. This is what happened there as well: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013265371_shooting27m.html. I probably would have been at that intersection, at that time of the fatal shooting. I definitely would have been a half block away. No. Not good. Not good at all.  Thanks, ADHD!   
Qu Appelle fucked around with this message at 07:21 on Oct 27, 2010 |
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Oct 27, 2010 07:14
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Either way, we've been suggesting the Dto/fromD books so much that anyone who's read anything on the thread knows about it, and knows what book I'm talking about.
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Oct 27, 2010 19:28
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Okay, thanks for the advice so far, I'll order that book. I go in next Monday to get medicated. For those of you on medication, how long was it before you started to notice an effect?
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Oct 27, 2010 19:39
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baronvonwalz posted:Okay, thanks for the advice so far, I'll order that book. I go in next Monday to get medicated. With stimulants, it was pretty immediate. I noticed it taking effect a couple of hours after I took my first dose. With Wellbutrin (a nonstimulant), it took about three weeks before it kicked in.
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Oct 27, 2010 19:54
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baronvonwalz posted:Okay, thanks for the advice so far, I'll order that book. I go in next Monday to get medicated. If you take a stimulant, such as Adderall or Ritalin, you should notice an effect immediately. The way you feel on the meds the first few days will be euphoric, and probably be riddled with some side effects, but that's the part of taking the meds you have to get used to. In terms of the things you absolutely loathe about ADHD, you will instantly realize how differently your brain works, and what it's like to be a "normal" person. That being said, the meds alone will not solve the issues you have with ADHD and modern society. You will need to come up with strategies that work for you, that maximize the effect of the medication. For me, being organized at work is crucial, otherwise I never get work done completely, and let things slip by. I'm infinitely better at the standard 9-6 routine than I ever could be before the medication, but I know I can do better. The only difference now, is that I'm not leaping out of my skin from unbearable boredom, and I know that whatever effort I do put into any endeavor will not just be wasted and full of frustration. To put it another way, I never had dreams or goals of success before I started taking Adderall. I just wanted to be a "normal" person and not fail at everything I do. Now I have an idea of what I want to do, and what I want to accomplish in the next few years, and it doesn't feel overwhelming or impossible.
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Oct 27, 2010 20:07
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TheGopher posted:If you take a stimulant, such as Adderall or Ritalin, you should notice an effect immediately. The way you feel on the meds the first few days will be euphoric, and probably be riddled with some side effects, but that's the part of taking the meds you have to get used to. In terms of the things you absolutely loathe about ADHD, you will instantly realize how differently your brain works, and what it's like to be a "normal" person. Do you think that the euphoria was a side effect of starting to take the medication, or more a mental reaction to the effect of "holy crap, this is what it feels like to think normally!"
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Oct 29, 2010 19:38
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baronvonwalz posted:Do you think that the euphoria was a side effect of starting to take the medication, or more a mental reaction to the effect of "holy crap, this is what it feels like to think normally!" No it's the speed. It's not indicitive of the rest of your experience with the drug. It's the whole reason people take it recreationally and the reason it's a controlled substance.
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Oct 29, 2010 20:27
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flavaaDAAAAAVE posted:No it's the speed. It's not indicitive of the rest of your experience with the drug. It's the whole reason people take it recreationally and the reason it's a controlled substance. This is exactly right. There was a lot of "holy poo poo I feel loving normal," but mostly just that amphetamine feeling. When I take it now, I definitely get an "amphetamine" feeling but it's more of a mental thing and it's a lot more subtle.
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Oct 30, 2010 01:10
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TheGopher posted:This is exactly right. There was a lot of "holy poo poo I feel loving normal," but mostly just that amphetamine feeling. When I take it now, I definitely get an "amphetamine" feeling but it's more of a mental thing and it's a lot more subtle. I felt this as well. I think it's more subtle because, at least when starting out, patients are usually on a lower dose to see how they react. Also, the amphetamines that you get from the pharmacy are manufactured in a controlled environment, and are a lot safer than the amphetamines you buy from JimBob's Meth Hut.
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Oct 30, 2010 20:47
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Do you feel any impact on your creative process one way or another?
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Oct 30, 2010 23:25
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I think I might have the inattentive kind of ADHD, or something. I was a very quiet and generally well behaved child, so I've never been diagnosed with anything. But I think my quietness has less to do with timidity and more to do with not being able to follow conversations, or even to know what to say in social situations. I live too much in my head. Many of the things people have been describing in this thread fit me perfectly, especially the thing about dividing a simple task up into a million little confusing bits and then never actually doing it, resulting in anxiety. Also, I often have so much mental "white noise" that I'm just paralyzed and I can't do anything. I can't stay organized no matter how hard I try. I can't manage my time at all. I've always done okay in school, especially subjects in which general thinkyness is more important than actual work ethic. But now I'm starting a masters program and I'd really like to actually do well, which involves focusing. I'm sick of having a million projects started but never finishing any of them, with moving on to a new hobby every few months and never mastering anything, and with generally not knowing what the gently caress to do with my life because I want to do everything but end up doing nothing. Often I think about talking to a doctor about it, but because of my utter lack of ability to do mundane tasks it never happens. Then I tell myself I can just deal with it, but who is left to do the dealing when my brain is the problem in the first place? I don't even know if I actually have a problem, or if I'm just over-analyzing myself. But that is the problem. So I should probably see a doctor. But I have all these other more urgent things that I have to do first... and so it never happens. Anyways, I actually had a point to this rambling. My mother often says she thinks she has inattentive ADD, though she's never been diagnosed. My brother has some of the same traits I do (like just sitting around for hours without doing anything at all, on a daily basis). Is there thought to be a genetic cause to this kind of disorder? Is that a factor in diagnosis? Second question: I was looking at that "Delivered from Distraction" book on Amazon, and one of the reviews said it dealt mostly with the hyperactive kind of ADHD, which I am fairly sure doesn't apply to me. Does anyone who has read it know if this is the case? Is there a more suitable book that you guys would recommend to inattentive or hypoactive ADDers?
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Oct 31, 2010 05:55
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Metafetus posted:Second question: I was looking at that "Delivered from Distraction" book on Amazon, and one of the reviews said it dealt mostly with the hyperactive kind of ADHD, which I am fairly sure doesn't apply to me. Does anyone who has read it know if this is the case? Is there a more suitable book that you guys would recommend to inattentive or hypoactive ADDers? I think it applies to anyone who has ADHD, no matter what version they have. It's also one of the best books out there. No matter how your inattention manifests itself (staring into space dreaming of bees in math class vs. running around and pulling your classmate's hair), that inattention is the root if the disorder, and when it gets severe enough to disrupt your life, it's an issue that can be dealt with. That's what that book talks about. I'd recommend reading it. It's not just for one type of ADHD. Oh, and as to genetics, I think that nearly every member of my dad's side of the family has/had it. Only my cousin and I have been officially diagnosed, but it's soooooooooooo obvious that my father has it it's not even funny. (He even developed some pretty serious drug addictions because of it, he'd take coke because it 'made him think', and then he'd take codeine and put when he wanted to come down from that wonderful, horrible high. Part of his resistance to getting formally diagnosed now is that he's been 20 years clean, and he's afraid that the prescribed stimulants would cause a relapse.) In fact, when I talked about being diagnosed with ADHD, he said "Oh, that's just the family trait! It's nothing!" 
Qu Appelle fucked around with this message at 08:09 on Oct 31, 2010 |
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Oct 31, 2010 08:05
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Well I finally found a doctor and made an appointment for the 18th of this month. I asked on the phone if he had any ADHD knowledge and the lady just said he would talk to me then. So we will see how that goes... I am pretty nervous, also my company has open enrollment for benefits so if I am going to go the medication route I guess I should switch so it is covered!
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Nov 1, 2010 20:39
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I got put on ritalin today, 10mg. Was able to pay attention in class, felt more sociable, and my self-confidence is up. On the unfortunate side, some other things that formerly held my attention don't seem as interesting, like video games and randomly surfing the internet.
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Nov 2, 2010 03:54
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baronvonwalz posted:I got put on ritalin today, 10mg. Was able to pay attention in class, felt more sociable, and my self-confidence is up. On the unfortunate side, some other things that formerly held my attention don't seem as interesting, like video games and randomly surfing the internet. I finally got switched over to 10mg ritalin today from 20-30mg Adderall Xr. The Adderall was over 120$ a month, while the ritalin so far seems to be 18$. I'm pretty loving pissed at that, and the doctor was a little horrified that I've already cycled through 2 medications that were extended release without trying an instant release yet. drat psych thinks I'm a drug seeker or some poo poo I guess. Today is the first day I take ritalin 10mg so hopefully I get the same effects, but better. I already feel like clenching my jaw up but I think that's just out of habit due to stress *shrug*
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Nov 2, 2010 12:22
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So today I was going through a few articles about 7 subjects to discuss with your doctor about ADHD medication, and reading the side effects, and I felt an anxiety attack coming on.... I don't know if it was from asking the doctor about ADHD, and thinking he was going to say I didn't have it. Or I don't know what about it freaked me out. The thought of taking drugs? Switching insurance plans to make sure the medication is covered? How much does a 90day prescription cost if insurance doesn't cover it? Man 2 weeks till the doctors appointment..
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Nov 5, 2010 16:00
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