deltatheta
Member
Pretty much unless you have a few hundred dollars lying around.
I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and just realized how it's affected my life
- Thread starter Hylian7
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Pretty much unless you have a few hundred dollars lying around.
Saucycarpdog
Member
My psychological examination lasted 3 hours and consisted of various tests of attention, memory, cognitive skills, and reading.
Find another psychiatrist. Some of them suck. If you talk to a mental health specialist and they don't seem to care about your issue, or they don't fully explain the medications and why they are giving them to you, it's totally okay to bail and find someone else. It's also okay to challenge them and demand they explain their reasoning. If they have a problem with any of that, they're a shitty psychiatrist. Like every job in the world, there are folks who care about what they're doing, and folks who are just going through the motions. It sucks when you go in for help in a crisis and the person you rely on is a shit, but it happens. My first therapist was a nutjob with a sociological axe to grind, so I found another one. Keep shopping until you find someone you can trust.
Andrew Korenchkin
Member
I'm going to hope this was a joke, as mean spirited as it is.
Otherwise, that's an absurd exaggeration.
It wasn't intended to be mean-spirited at all, I'm not sure why it would be perceived that way. Maybe a slight exaggeration. 2 of my best friends and my cousin are/were diagnosed ADD or ADHD. I was falsely diagnosed with ADD. I've been on Ritalin, D-amphetamine, and Strattera. I'm not ignorant to the disorder.
Absolutely. You need two way communication with this stuff.
Cmon man, no don't do this.
Andrew Korenchkin
Member
It might be a good idea then to not state that people who have it aren't capable of writing with thought and intelligence, and in such a short time. They may take more time, but they aren't as slow as you make them out to be.
EDIT:
I understand where you may be coming from. Your two best friends may have a far more severe form of it, and therefore need more help than somebody who has a more mild form of it. But let's not make the assumption that everyone with it struggles in certain areas the same way, or sometimes at all. It's been known that the disorder is situational and affects different people in different ways.
If you have ADHD, that's actually the one you want to try. If helps with the Dopamine issues mentioned earlier.
...
It's not. It's very real. And the drugs used to treat it are probably the most effective psychiatric drugs.
this is absolute trash.
VARIA
Member
This is really great advice, especially the listening to music while doing work. In my case using headphones helped me zone into my work, aside from distracting my brain it also blocks out distracting sounds around me.
Similar to your whiteboard/task manager, it helps me to make lists of things I need to get done on a simple post-it note that I keep in my wallet (I find it faster to write things down on paper than on my cellphone). If I get a new task, I need to make sure I write it down before I get distracted on something else and forget.
I wanted to address ElyrionX's post specifically because I think it's quite an interesting topic and Dota is actually a great example for this.
Dalek's post I quoted here does tell part of it, but it also doesn't look at the bigger picture. As you know (and anyone else that has played Dota in here knows) there are many facets to Dota.
For example, I'm usually extremely focused on my laning. I usually have decent to excellent farm by the 10-15 minute mark. However someone might say that someone is coming to gank me mid, and I might still die to it despite knowing it, and instantly forgetting 30 seconds later.
Another example is say there is a Techies on the other team, and someone pings and says "There's bombs there" and I look at the spot they pinged. Then one minute later, I walk there and get blown up and die.
You have probably noticed how my map awareness has always been pretty shoddy, and honestly I think this is definitely a factor that plays into it. The hyperfocus causes tunnel vision, which causes me to make mistakes.
Honestly I kind of wish there was a neurologist that played Dota and posted on the internet. It would be really interesting stuff to read.
Freeza Under The Shower
Member
read Nicolas Carr's The Shallows and set your internet activities to limited time intervals.
There's an app called 'freedom' if you can't adhere to this manually.
You are going to love competitive gaming when adequately medicated.I wanted to address ElyrionX's post specifically because I think it's quite an interesting topic and Dota is actually a great example for this.
Dalek's post I quoted here does tell part of it, but it also doesn't look at the bigger picture. As you know (and anyone else that has played Dota in here knows) there are many facets to Dota.
For example, I'm usually extremely focused on my laning. I usually have decent to excellent farm by the 10-15 minute mark. However someone might say that someone is coming to gank me mid, and I might still die to it despite knowing it, and instantly forgetting 30 seconds later.
Another example is say there is a Techies on the other team, and someone pings and says "There's bombs there" and I look at the spot they pinged. Then one minute later, I walk there and get blown up and die.
You have probably noticed how my map awareness has always been pretty shoddy, and honestly I think this is definitely a factor that plays into it. The hyperfocus causes tunnel vision, which causes me to make mistakes.
Honestly I kind of wish there was a neurologist that played Dota and posted on the internet. It would be really interesting stuff to read.
No, I'm really just not into smoking anything, much less marijuana. It's just a matter of personal preference. If you want to smoke marijuana for these things that's fine and dandy, I just prefer not to and I see no issue with that.
I've had 4 jobs within the last 5 years. If you explain the situation, circumstances, what you've learned, what you've improved, and show what you've become compared to what you were, you will have no problems in the finding a job department. Shit happens, and employers realize that.
edit: Also, don't be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone for interviews. They're valuable experience.
Believe it or not, you're being judged regardless of what's on your resume. There will always be a bias going into an interview. Accept that going in; but know you're prepared to overcome it and show them the new you and how you'll make their company better.
Very informative thread, Thanks for starting it OP. I think I might have it as well. In the last week I read a lot about it, and I find many clues that point me towards it. Some of them from the top of my head:
- Fidgeting (especially restless leg syndrome, but I tend to suppress this when around people or vary movements because ever since I was a kid people just assumed that I was nervous and that assumption irritated me a lot)
- Often I become easily distracted, from one topic I wander to something tenth along the line (Procrastination).
- The way I delay stuff and do my best work at night.
- Become bored with va. tasks very quickly, on the other hand I focus extraordinarily on things I like and do not know when to stop.
- Often I do good work and then I have troubles wrapping up.
- Often searching for things.
- Doing a million things at once. This is at the moment both an advantage and disadvantage at my work, as I need to do lot of things at the same time, but I often miss stupid little details or make stupid mistakes. In school days for example I missed a sign here or there, forgot some trivial sh*t. So I am constantly triple checking myself.
- Indecision, doubt and anxiety, sense of under achievement combined with the stupid mistakes leading to low self esteem and mood swings.
- Blurting out answers even before a question is finished. Though in the last years I managed to suppress this a great deal. Now I mostly do not say it out loud.
There are other symptoms as well. It is interesting that I often implement some of the self help suggestions in this thread. Like the white board suggestion. I kinda learned patience as well, at least on surface. All my coworkers say that I am extremely patient (even though in my head it is a completely different situation) and helpful. At my previous job I maintained a very effective task list to myself, unfortunately I can't do it at my current place.
I am wondering, did those of you diagnosed with ADHD had to do a dopamine test? http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135568
Reading more into this stuff I discovered something else as well. Around three years ago I took Zyban (Wellbutrin) when giving up smoking (started smoking again 1.5 years ago). I was very efficient at that time, I thought there is nothing I can't learn or do and achieved great results at my university. I ascribed these results to some other organisational techniques I implemented then, but now I see that Wellbutrin helped a lot to keep focus.
On this Thursday I tried to make an appointment at a local practice, but the first available date is in August. As I do not yet know when exactly will my company be closed for holidays I did not make an appointment.
- Fidgeting (especially restless leg syndrome, but I tend to suppress this when around people or vary movements because ever since I was a kid people just assumed that I was nervous and that assumption irritated me a lot)
- Often I become easily distracted, from one topic I wander to something tenth along the line (Procrastination).
- The way I delay stuff and do my best work at night.
- Become bored with va. tasks very quickly, on the other hand I focus extraordinarily on things I like and do not know when to stop.
- Often I do good work and then I have troubles wrapping up.
- Often searching for things.
- Doing a million things at once. This is at the moment both an advantage and disadvantage at my work, as I need to do lot of things at the same time, but I often miss stupid little details or make stupid mistakes. In school days for example I missed a sign here or there, forgot some trivial sh*t. So I am constantly triple checking myself.
- Indecision, doubt and anxiety, sense of under achievement combined with the stupid mistakes leading to low self esteem and mood swings.
- Blurting out answers even before a question is finished. Though in the last years I managed to suppress this a great deal. Now I mostly do not say it out loud.
There are other symptoms as well. It is interesting that I often implement some of the self help suggestions in this thread. Like the white board suggestion. I kinda learned patience as well, at least on surface. All my coworkers say that I am extremely patient (even though in my head it is a completely different situation) and helpful. At my previous job I maintained a very effective task list to myself, unfortunately I can't do it at my current place.
Reading more into this stuff I discovered something else as well. Around three years ago I took Zyban (Wellbutrin) when giving up smoking (started smoking again 1.5 years ago). I was very efficient at that time, I thought there is nothing I can't learn or do and achieved great results at my university. I ascribed these results to some other organisational techniques I implemented then, but now I see that Wellbutrin helped a lot to keep focus.
On this Thursday I tried to make an appointment at a local practice, but the first available date is in August. As I do not yet know when exactly will my company be closed for holidays I did not make an appointment.
p.s.: Even when writing this post I was writing multiple paragraphs at the same time. Jumping here and there...
No it wont. It might, but it wont. Stop stating it like it's a fact.
EDIT:
What i mean is, yes the stimulating effect can be addictive, especially if you have that kind of problems (e.g abusing other substances).
The thing about methylfenidate is that it works like a depot, essentially giving you a stimulating effect over the course of 12 hours.
Sure, there's room for abusing these pills, just like everything. You can if you want to but you're only hurting yourself.
Damn Hylian that sucks
But at least you now know about it and can deal with it.
I was diagnosed at 8 and was on medication till I was 16. But the pills they give you can seriously mess you up and make you feel like a different person, so I stopped taking them. The best thing to do it have the people around you support you. You can only improve from here
But at least you now know about it and can deal with it.
I was diagnosed at 8 and was on medication till I was 16. But the pills they give you can seriously mess you up and make you feel like a different person, so I stopped taking them. The best thing to do it have the people around you support you. You can only improve from here
Huw_Dawson
Member
I really struggle to focus at work and work a lot slower than other people. I've always found it hard to concentrate. Loads of unfinished projects and I keep jumping off of my task onto other things.
Really hurt my education, really.
It's probably not ADHD but it'd be nice if I could become better at concentrating. It is really hard to get anything done.
Hope treatment goes well for you OP.
Really hurt my education, really.
It's probably not ADHD but it'd be nice if I could become better at concentrating. It is really hard to get anything done.
Hope treatment goes well for you OP.
Good luck brother.
Burgess_101
Member
On every human being? Read the papers that come with medication like this and see the side effects page pretty much includes everything under the sun because they don't have a clue.
Wanting a sample size of everyone is ridiculous. You don't understand statistics.
Does medication have side effects? Of course, they all do. So why the stigma with mental health meds? You gonna tell someone who is on diabetes medicine the same thing? To claim we don't have a clue is insane. Go to the fda website, you can get extensive information on whatever drug you want. They are constantly doing new research, They are constantly updating. The amount of information is staggering.
It's important to talk to your doctor and discuss any side effects. Balancing the drugs merits vs the side effects is something you should do with your health care professional.
Here's what the page says for my OCD drugs. (Note it's not everything under the sun)
"Common possible side effects in people who take PAXIL include:
nausea
sleepiness
weakness
dizziness
feeling anxious or trouble sleeping
sexual problems
sweating
shaking
not feeling hungry
dry mouth
constipation
infection
yawning"
Do I have some of those? Hell yes, a few. Have I noticed a thing or two not on that common list as well? Yeah. Is it worth it for me, to allow me to get through the day? Absolutely.
Some may react worse to this pill. Perhaps for them the side effects they feel outweigh the benefits they are receiving. I personally know someone who fucking hated Paxil. They'd discuss with their doctor and they would try something else.
None of this means we should be discounting medication as an option.
Yo Hylian, should you be diagnosed with ADHD, whether you decide to start meds or not (sounds like you will), strongly consider Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). It's been shown to help quite a bit whether as monotherapy or as an adjunct to medications. Sounds like the symptoms you most need help with (executive function) are also the ones that therapy would help most with.
There are other therapies that help with many of the aspects of ADHD that medications can't, so make sure to ask your doctor about that.
There are other therapies that help with many of the aspects of ADHD that medications can't, so make sure to ask your doctor about that.
CBT is awesome, yes!
Burgess_101
Member
I said last resort, of course it's an option.
Why does it need to be a last resort?
Captain Tuttle
Member
sure but most people don't get fired from two jobs because of regular on and off days, clearly there's a pattern
Coriolanus
Banned
Just world fallacy.
It's basically that but amplified to the point that it can be a seriously obstacle.
Everyone recognises the symptoms as something they have experienced. But not as intensely as people with adhd.
I had the same experience OP. I was diagnosed at the age of 26. And it put everything in a completely different perspective.
It pretty much ruined my path through education until recently.
Diablohead
Member
hm, I forget stuff quite a bit and can never focus on one job for too long, sucks that you lost two jobs over that kind of issue 
A Fish Aficionado
I am going to make it through this year if it kills me
Get a better doctor. Try and schedule for a screening at a psychiatrist.
NegroNinja
Member
How does one go about getting seen about this? I haven't been to the doctor in about 2-3 years lol.
As someone who was diagnosed with ADD, as well as taught (as a teacher) for an alternative education program primarily aimed at students with ADHD, I'll echo the same advice I always give in these threads:
Most of the symptoms you listen have comorbidity with a bad diet, lack of exercise and lack of proper sleep. If you can honestly say you have all three of those well taken care of, then the next step is direct treatment.
In terms of treatment, you have two options:
Treatment 1 is drugs, of which there are plenty of options. Everyone responds to these differently, and there is no right answer until you figure out how your body responds to them. I know a lot of people who swear by their drug of choice, though I personally sweat like crazy and become a restless, anxious mess when I take them.
Generally ADHD medicines are stimulants that are chemically similar to either meth or cocaine (seriously), though there exist non stimulants as well as off label prescriptions (generally antidepressents) that can help treat symptoms too. The best experience I had was with Strattera, which made my brain feel calm and attentive, an incredible person, but also messed with my body in ways that I was not comfortable with.
I personally use coffee every morning, even when I dont think I need it, which is much healtheir for you than a perpetually escalating dosage of something doctors are still figuring out the long term reprecussions of.
Treatment 2 is harder, and involves learning proper time management and focusing techniques. The behavioral part of any treatment is generally more effective but harder to commit to. That said, I have personally seen more success in students who learn how to schedule themselves properly and avpid distraction.
Understand that your brain is different, and you are working at a disadvantage. Turn your phone off, avoid the internet, and work on one task at a time - to completion! Its not fun, and it will take a lifetime of practice to get it right, but it the most important step if you want to take your life and career path seriously. I cannot stress this enough.
Tldr: exercise, eat right and get a good night sleep. Learn how to manage your time properly and avoid distractions. Set yourself up for success. Drugs help, but they are best prescribed along with the above.
Most of the symptoms you listen have comorbidity with a bad diet, lack of exercise and lack of proper sleep. If you can honestly say you have all three of those well taken care of, then the next step is direct treatment.
In terms of treatment, you have two options:
Treatment 1 is drugs, of which there are plenty of options. Everyone responds to these differently, and there is no right answer until you figure out how your body responds to them. I know a lot of people who swear by their drug of choice, though I personally sweat like crazy and become a restless, anxious mess when I take them.
Generally ADHD medicines are stimulants that are chemically similar to either meth or cocaine (seriously), though there exist non stimulants as well as off label prescriptions (generally antidepressents) that can help treat symptoms too. The best experience I had was with Strattera, which made my brain feel calm and attentive, an incredible person, but also messed with my body in ways that I was not comfortable with.
I personally use coffee every morning, even when I dont think I need it, which is much healtheir for you than a perpetually escalating dosage of something doctors are still figuring out the long term reprecussions of.
Treatment 2 is harder, and involves learning proper time management and focusing techniques. The behavioral part of any treatment is generally more effective but harder to commit to. That said, I have personally seen more success in students who learn how to schedule themselves properly and avpid distraction.
Understand that your brain is different, and you are working at a disadvantage. Turn your phone off, avoid the internet, and work on one task at a time - to completion! Its not fun, and it will take a lifetime of practice to get it right, but it the most important step if you want to take your life and career path seriously. I cannot stress this enough.
Tldr: exercise, eat right and get a good night sleep. Learn how to manage your time properly and avoid distractions. Set yourself up for success. Drugs help, but they are best prescribed along with the above.
I don't give a fuck what ignorant people say. Adderall has saved my life. I can't read a damn sentence and process / retain that information without my medication. It has completely put my life back on track.
It was hard at first to accept my condition, and I didn't want to. Knowing that you're dependent on a pill to just be "normal" is a shitty feeling, but I've come to accept it. I much prefer being able to do the things I can do now.
It was hard at first to accept my condition, and I didn't want to. Knowing that you're dependent on a pill to just be "normal" is a shitty feeling, but I've come to accept it. I much prefer being able to do the things I can do now.
Good luck mate
HammerOfThor
Member
I'm almost positive I have ADHD too. I've wanted to go to the doctor for it, but I don't even know where to start.
There are some good posts/advices in this thread. If dosage adjustment isn't enough to improve your condition, I think it's a good idea to consider what GiJoccin and pantsmith suggested:
Also - as others have said - don't hesitate to change doctors, if necessary.
Best wishes, Hylian.
I'm 25 too and have ADHD. I haven't taken any type of medication in over 10 years, the only problems that I have is I lose my train often thought and have prprocrastination. I feel like the medicine that I took had some side effects that outweighed the problems that it fixed. I would stay away from ritalin.
DeathoftheEndless
Crashing this plane... with no survivors!
I'm in the same boat. I actually just started taking Concerta yesterday. I haven't noticed much of a difference yet. We'll see.
Blackquill
Member
You asked your doctor for that kind of thing ? I'm interested.
Also, don't get me wrong but I smiled with the symptoms "walk a lot for no reason" and "squirming while seating" because that happen everyday with me. I have almost every others "symptoms" too, that's a little bit suspicious...
Didn't ask, they just said I should take it based on their observations of me.
Blackquill
Member
Ok thanks !
Burgess_101
Member
I don't know about ADD or anything but my initial response was to depression. I think anti depressants should be a last resort option. If you read my first post you'll see why I think that way. My wife went through the exact same thing I did and she was the one that convinced me to stop. Now stopping the tablets didn't make me better but losing the weight certainly helped. Other big decisions I made also helped.
BIGWORM
Member
I noticed something very subtle while working last night/this morning: I would usually save a particular, mundane task towards the very very end of the shift, because I abhorr doing it.
But...
I saw it straight out, and got it done immediately. Did not fuck around. The procrastination because a routine thing for the past year, now I just did it immediately without debating to myself if I should've done it now or later in the shift. Per recommendation of something in this thread, I've went and tried a natural remedy of Gingko Biloba. I've only been taking it a few days, but I've also noticed an improvement in my speech, as well (not so much stammering over words).
Side note: Way back a couple of years ago, I was taking Oxy Elite Pro as a supplement. I was taking the reformulation and I was noticing that I had next to no problem talking at all. What, in Oxy Elite Pro, could've caused that?
But...
I saw it straight out, and got it done immediately. Did not fuck around. The procrastination because a routine thing for the past year, now I just did it immediately without debating to myself if I should've done it now or later in the shift. Per recommendation of something in this thread, I've went and tried a natural remedy of Gingko Biloba. I've only been taking it a few days, but I've also noticed an improvement in my speech, as well (not so much stammering over words).
Side note: Way back a couple of years ago, I was taking Oxy Elite Pro as a supplement. I was taking the reformulation and I was noticing that I had next to no problem talking at all. What, in Oxy Elite Pro, could've caused that?
PeakPointMatrix
Member
Dp
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