ADHD Tips

I have ADHD and I have some problems with the medication. For one it severely changes the way I act, and maybe most people think it’s for the better, and I sort of feel better on it, it is still like taking amfetamines every day. Also, I can’t feel hunger when I take it. What do you think?

concerta is it?
I’m on the same stuff and the hunger thing bothers me, more because if I miss a dose I am RAVENOUS and I get very sick from not eating enough.
I don’t know really, if you are unhappy then stop taking it

Many of you have been judgemental because of my desire to do well in dental school through trying to increase my focus. I tried Adderall once which is why I mentioned that one specifically in looking for an MD to write me a script. Have I been diagnosed? No. Did it help when I took it? Absolutely. I studied for 8 hour straight and aced my exam. Who is to say I don’t have an attention deficit issue? and regardless, what is the harm in trying out medicine that helps one focus? Wouldn’t you want your dentist to have used all the resources available to help him/her achieve the highest level of knowledge he/she is able to attain? Now I can’t tell the MD that I tried Adderall and it worked. Once I took antibiotics without a prescription and they didn’t work. When my throat started bleeding, I had to go to the emergency clinic at my school. They were not pleased when they asked if I had taken anything.

If they do, would they actually have asperger’s or not?

i’ve never heard of or seen that as part of any attention issues….

it might be a sign of stress, particularly in a young child…. but for the most part, I’d look for more details and a good pediatrician or doctor who specializes in a range of developmental or psychological disorders, depending on the age of the person in question

I am a Secondary – Ed major in college and in Speech Class we are participating in a debate. My groups have chosen "Medicating ADD/ADHD children." I was assigned to look up personal stories about how medication has changed your life, different experiences while adjusting, and what the best treatment so far has been from a personal aspect.
Any help would be greatly appreicated.

I’m 20 years old. I was diagnosed with ADD when I was 16. The reason it was diagnosed so late was because it wasn’t such a big thing when I was younger.
One problem was forgetfullness: I constantly forgot things at school or left something at home. My grandparents said I had "jolly robins" in my head. I was aggressive: my report card always had a comment at the bottom like "must learn to compromise".
I became a talented liar (teachers don’t buy the "I forgot" excuse). I forged signatures on papers I had forgotten to get signed. Things started to catch up in grade 7. As the work load increased, the more anxious I became. I am a talented artist, but I only finished 3 pictures during my entire high school career. People thought I was lazy, but the truth is it got to a point where I couldn’t even look at my drawing board anymore.
I went onto Ritalin (slow-release). Things suddenly got better. I could study. I could write long exams without getting distracted. The only problem was my mindset: I didn’t have any confidence in myself. I still couldn’t draw. I still can’t. Also, I found I became aggressive/agitated when the Ritalin started to wear-off. I take it only for tests and other high stress situations. If it wasn’t for the mentioned side-effect, I would take it all the time.
I’ve had to learn to deal with ADD by myself. I consciously calm myself down with mantras ("I am calm, I am relaxed"). I put fool-proof procedures in place, eg: I have a spare car key in my hand bag and at home, just in case I lock my keys and/or handbag in the car.
So far, mantras have been the best treatment I’ve found. I can’t meditate (too many distractions), so I chose the next best thing.

I notice that people with ADD or ADHD always have to sit in the same spot in a classroom everytime. What the hell is that?
This is college students I’ve noticed doing this. One girl even said "I just really like this seat for some reason" and this other boy freaked out silently because someone took his seat.

Not every person with ADD/ADHD is like that.

Some of those with ADD/ADHD have subtle hearing challenges (auditory distractibility) where they may consciously choose to sit in a seat where they perceive sound a little clearer (sometimes near the front of the classroom). That’s my understanding.

Less than an hour if it is a stimulant (e.g., ritalin, adderall).

~Dr. B.~

ADHD attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

It depends on the severity of the persons condition. Either way, they should only be PART of the treatment plan.

What are the DEFINATE symptoms of ADHD? i mean symptoms that if you have u definatly have it?

You can concentrate on anything
Cant sit still
Your mind is constantly changing like channels on a TV

I was diagnosed with ADD in Elementary school and I have a question.
I have never taken medication or really been treated for it and I’m doing fine and have a 2.8 GPA overall for High School and about a 3.44 as of my last report card.

It says that "acceptable academic performance for the year without medication. If treatment for ADD/ADHD occurred throughout the school "

Are my grades considered acceptable? I am doing crappy in math and AP Psych but I have a 3 point something GPA, is that considered "acceptable academic performance"? Or am I not subject to the acceptable academic performance thing because I never took meds for ADD.

Because you have not been treated for it you should not have to show acceptable academic performance other than passing your classes and getting your high school diploma.

My son was diagnosed with ADHD today, finally. What is the best medication for this? I was looking at Vyvanse which has mild side effects and has been highly rated for it’s effectiveness. Has anyone tried Vyvanse for their child?

Also, if you know of any alternative treatments or methods that work well along with medication, I am interested in these too.

My son has ADHD, and we have tried Adderall, and Focalin. The Adderall gave him heart palpitations and the focalin made him irritable. Most of them have some kind of side effect. Some are just worst than others. I am still trying to find the best medication. It is best to have him seen by a Neurologist or a Psychiatrist to help determine the best medication. All children respond differently . My Friend’s son uses Concentra?( I think that is how to spell it) but anyway, she says he does fine on that. I know a guy who uses caffeine and Mountain Dew, since doctors say that some of the stimulants have caffeine in them. Caffeine speeds up regular people, but it slows down the brain of those who have ADHD. He says that he haven’t had a problem since.

All I can say is get him to a specialist who deals with ADHD.

Hope this helps!