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[kablooey]

Err, yeah. Fascinating, huh? Ooh, look, butterflies! *chases



This was pretty unexpected, to be honest. I've been having problems concentrating on schoolwork, instead opting to fool around here on the net, and elsewhere, or listen to music. I know everyone has this from time to time, but I actually want to concentrate...yet, I can't.

Anyway, I read somewhere about some people who had ADD, and their symptoms seemed to match mine. I looked more into it, and almost every listed symptom of ADHD is applicable to me, and has been since I was a kid. I have no idea why I was never diagnosed as a kid, actually. Also, having a 'hyperactive disorder' isn't as fun as it sounds ...I'm constantly on edge, like a crack addict almost, and it's not healthy.

So, the hard part is now informing my parents about this, and figuring out where to go from here. I wish I didn't have to tell my parents though, as any kind of mental "deficiency" is a major taboo in our family...however, the counselor at the school psychological services says that I can only be offically diagnosed by a shrink, which would cost money, and I'm not sure if my insurance covers psychological visits. So, I'm forced to ask my parents to find out.

Getting to the point: does anyone here know some people who've gone through something similar? Did medication and such work out for them? General support would also be appreciated, because my life is going to be pretty damn chaotic until all this gets sorted out.

 

[Ferrio]

I think the whole ADHD crap is bullshit. I'm pretty sure if I was to be examined I'd be labled with the shit, but screw that. It's my nature, screw crutching myself on drugs.

 

[kablooey]

That's what I used to think too Ferrio. Which is why I never considered myself as someone who had it. But it's pretty obvious I do, and it's been getting pretty damn intrusive into my life. i can't keep organized to save my life. I didn't really have a choice but to get it checked out.

 

[Ferrio]

Still think it's bullcrap. Specially when parents unload that shit onto kids, pisses me off real bad.

 

[chimpychi]

Still think it's bullcrap. Specially when parents unload that shit onto kids, pisses me off real bad.

I'm with you there..bad parents just blame their kid's bad behavior on ADHD so they drug them up real good...

 

[Boomer]

I agree with Ferrio and chimpychi

 

[kablooey]

I see what you guys are saying...but there's a problem with the opposite way of thinking too. What about people who really do have a problem, but have it ignored because the parents don't want to give their kids drugs? (Basically what happened in my situation, I'm guessing...)

Part of the problem I'm gonna have is convincing them that I'm not just making shit up...which is incredibly frustrating.

 

[Matlock]

We're born into an ADHD society, sadly.

 

[Chrono]

I see what you guys are saying...but there's a problem with the opposite way of thinking too. What about people who really do have a problem, but have it ignored because the parents don't want to give their kids drugs? (Basically what happened in my situation, I'm guessing...)

I don't know man. Your problem seems to be that you can't focus on studying and choose to fool on the net and listen to music. EVERYBODY does that.

Before going to a doctor, test yourself. Right now, cut off your internet connection. Break your modem, whatever. Hide anything that might disturb you and STUDY. Put the alarm on for an hour. When it rings that's one session. Take a 5 minute break and do it again. Study for 2-3 hours. If you can do that, nothing is wrong with you.

 

[MrAngryFace]

who doesnt have some level of ADHD. Who cares. EVERYONE procrastinates, everyone is lazy. Its not a condition, its just a lifestyle.

Now if say ADHD affected your ability to pee IN the bathroom, then I would be concerned.


Im more worried about bipolar types.

 

[Seth C]

I'm with you there..bad parents just blame their kid's bad behavior on ADHD so they drug them up real good...

Same here. Pisses me off. Most kids have ADHD these days have ADHD. Hmmm....

 

[Deleted member 1235]

I think I would have straight ADD if looked at by a doctor, I can't concentrate on anything for very long. But fuck, I'll live.

 

[Forgotten Ancient]

Well...I don't think it's bullshit. I, too, feel I have ADHD but I don't want to see a doctor about it because I think it might look bad to the company I work for if I was diagnosed with it.

I haven't finished an RPG or long adventure game in probably 7-8 years. I've been able to get to the 2nd disc of Chrono Trigger, the final discs of FFs 7-9, more than halfway through FFX, to name but a few games that I wanted to finish but I just couldn't.

I've started reading about 10 different books, got about halfway through, then just couldn't continue no matter how much I enjoyed reading it.

I have a hard time going through long files at work so I always set them aside and move to easier things first, I have post-it notes everywhere, I try so hard to study yet it becomes nearly impossible no matter how long I sit down and try (I still do very well in school though), I have a really tough time focusing on what a person is saying to me, etc etc. Oh...also...one of the things that I've read is a "symptom" of ADD/ADHD is that many diagnosed with it wet the bed as a child - I did that until I was about 11 (Man...nobody knows that).

So...I really don't think it's bullshit. I wish I could get help...but I dunno if I really should.

 

[way more]

I'd try talking to your parents even if they think psychology is wack. Good for you trying to solve you problems instead of wating until they get worse.

 

[MrAngryFace]

I play games 15 minutes at a time. I install things on my computer just to install things on my computer. I never play them. I rarely actually WATCH whats on my tv, and my forum posts have reduced themselves to sentences in most cases.

Most people who are like me, and possibly like you, lack focus gained by discipline or having something you actually fucking care about.

Guess what, if ADHD was such a big deal it would have been a problem before the 90s. Sure, its unique to this era, but its because we have allowed modern society to dictate our habits.

 

[kablooey]

Well...I don't think it's bullshit. I, too, feel I have ADHD but I don't want to see a doctor about it because I think it might look bad to the company I work for if I was diagnosed with it.

I haven't finished an RPG or long adventure game in probably 7-8 years. I've been able to get to the 2nd disc of Chrono Trigger, the final discs of FFs 7-9, more than halfway through FFX, to name but a few games that I wanted to finish but I just couldn't.

I've started reading about 10 different books, got about halfway through, then just couldn't continue no matter how much I enjoyed reading it.

I have a hard time going through long files at work so I always set them aside and move to easier things first, I have post-it notes everywhere, I try so hard to study yet it becomes nearly impossible no matter how long I sit down and try (I still do very well in school though), I have a really tough time focusing on what a person is saying to me, etc etc. Oh...also...one of the things that I've read is a "symptom" of ADD/ADHD is that many diagnosed with it wet the bed as a child - I did that until I was about 11 (Man...nobody knows that).

So...I really don't think it's bullshit. I wish I could get help...but I dunno if I really should.

Thanks for that FA. I'm exactly like you. I could never finish RPG's, or even games I liked, like Ocarina of Time, etc, even though I wanted to. I can't follow along in conversations very well. My room is a mess, and I'm constantly late with things, even when I know I have to do them on time...I like to think I'm not dumb enough to do these kinds of things willingly.

So, I'd say what separates the real ADD cases from the "fake" dime-a-dozen ADD cases are that the real ones actually try to concentrate on things, yet still can't.

Oh, and FA, if you do get it checked out, it shouldn't hurt your employment chances, as ADD is protected by the American Disabilities Act...

 

[MrAngryFace]

OH GOD YOU CANT FINISH RPGS! WILL MODERN MEDICINE BE ABLE TO HELP YOU IN YOUR QUEST BRAVE KNIGHT?!

 

[Makura]

Unfortunately ADD and ADHD are very real indeed. But drugs aren't always the answer and every case requires unique treatment. It's something that can be treated quite effectively.

 

[MrAngryFace]

treatment called getting a grip

 

[kablooey]

OH GOD YOU CANT FINISH RPGS! WILL MODERN MEDICINE BE ABLE TO HELP YOU IN YOUR QUEST BRAVE KNIGHT?!

I get your point, dood. Because of course, the RPG thing was the only example I used.

I'd be fine if it was just the ADD I think. But the hyperactive part is what's a more serious problem...I've been crazily skinny my whole life, even though I actually eat quite a bit. That's not so much a problem, but my stress response to situations is completely exaggerated...I'll start shaking, and my heart will start racing at even the most innocuous things. It's annoying as fuck.

 

[Makura]

treatment called getting a grip

I'm sure many who suffer from ADHD and ADD wish it were that easy.

 

[MrAngryFace]

The fact that youre still posting in this thread shows its not that big an issue.

 

[LakeEarth]

"So some of you may have been mean to a kid with ADD. That's not cool. Coffee? Anyone for - coffee anyone? All right, sorry. I like cotton candy. Check out my muscle. Potato chips. It's a Ferris wheel. So I guess what I'm trying to say is - plastic bag. Plastic bag. Plastic bag. Plastic bag. Plastic bag. Plastic bag. "

Tom Green, Clone High's ADD episode

 

[bionic77]

I have to agree with the cynics. It seems like all you need is some discipline. I am sorry, but it is hard to believe your self diagnosis, if you had some doctor telling you you needed this that would be another story.

 

[teh_pwn]

I think that for someone that doesn't have a certain disorder to claim that a disorder doesn't exist is bullshit, within reason (fatness being a disease is kind of dumb).

ADD is very real. I've had it my entire life. They don't really know what the real problem is other than the central immune system needs a little stimulation to be normal. Otherwise it's very difficult to focus on tasks.

In 3rd grade I was a C student. I was diagnosed with ADD, and they gave me medication. The results were immediate. Night and day. I went from somone that couldn't even focus on leisure time to someone that could ace anything I was thrown at.

While the medication works, I don't like it. Scientists don't really understand what's going on other than it's a mild stimulant. There will probably be some long term side effects, but I think it's worth it in the long run.

Why is it happening? I think the increasing amount of pollution, especially in food (yay for pesticides), and the increased use of drugs like cigarette smoking are to blame. It's f*cking up the gene pool.


"I have to agree with the cynics. It seems like all you need is some discipline. "

Sorry, but discipline has nothing to do with it. I work on school work about 10 hours a day right now (Computer Engineering is teh suck). The difference between what I can do with and without medicine is very different.

The medicine doesn't give me willpower. But it does give me the ability to concentrate.

 

[MrAngryFace]

I wouldnt believe the doctor either, return visits are a must sez doktor feelsgood

ADHD shouldnt be an excuse for doing poorly at something. You know why I only got Cs and Bs in school? Cause I was lazy. I dont pretend my central nervous system needs some super boost or some such.

The blame game is fun I spose, but seriously. Kids are loud noisy and easily excitable. Adults have become increasingly irresponsible and despondent these days, its no wonder things seem out of whack

and a LOT of people have difficulties paying attention, thats not a disease, its carelessness. I have those issues too! its the way the world works these days. Everything needs to be faster NOW NOW NOW and in bright colors.

 

[teh_pwn]

"ADHD shouldnt be an excuse for doing poorly at something. You know why I only got Cs and Bs in school? Cause I was lazy. I dont pretend my central nervous system needs some super boost or some such."

Again, I don't agree with this at all.

When I run out of medication at the end of the month, I'll keep working for hours and I make little progress. Laziness has nothing to do with it.

 

[kablooey]

I have to agree with the cynics. It seems like all you need is some discipline. I am sorry, but it is hard to believe your self diagnosis, if you had some doctor telling you you needed this that would be another story.

Ha...discipline. I've been endlessly "disciplined" in my life, and none of it has ever worked. I was always the kid in grade school who'd blurt out stuff at inappropriate moments, sit in the front of class, etc. My parents/teachers would always find ways to try to discipline me, but I'd always find a way out of it.

The fact that youre still posting in this thread shows its not that big an issue.

Dood, being able to talk/type excessively is a symptom. But seriously, I have no idea what this means...

While the medication works, I don't like it. Scientists don't really understand what's going on other than it's a mild stimulant. There will probably be some long term side effects, but I think it's worth it in the long run.

What kinds of long-term side effects would these be?

 

[teh_pwn]

I don't know. Has anyone been on Riddlin for more than 20 years?

Short term side effects make my hands shake slightly, and I have a slight loss of apetite.

 

[MrAngryFace]

If you had a real mental problem like being bipolar or something id totally back you up, but ADHD is such a crutch of the modern world I cant even begin to say 'sorry'.

 

[kablooey]

Your hands shake? Damn, that's not good. My hands already shake too much as it is.

You know, I really can't blame the cynics here for thinking the way they do. I was pretty much the same way for most of my life. Everyone has these symptoms from time to time...but I think I used to think that what I had was "normal". After actually comparing to others, it's become obvious to me that my case isn't "normal"...

 

[demon]

ADHD is bullshit. As is clinical depression, bi-polarity, alcoholism, and leukemia.


People who call conditions like ADHD and ADD "bullshit", funnily enough, tend to know absolutely nothing about it nor have they known and delt with anyone who truly has it. Yes they are overdiagnosed, but that doesn't mean they're real conditions.

The fact that youre still posting in this thread shows its not that big an issue.

This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, and only furthers my point.

 

[MrAngryFace]

if you guys wanna play modern victim of society fine by me, I just dont know whyyyyy

 

[Escape Goat]

MAF, I bet you think depression is an invention of socially inept individuals right?

 

[kablooey]

But I never said anything about being a victim of modern society! This is completely independent of society...if I were living in 1904 I'd be the same way, I'm sure. I don't know what you're trying to prove here, MAF. I'll have to agree with demon.

 

[teh_pwn]

"Your hands shake?"

Not much at all, but it's only during the medication's effect. Once it runs out for the day, my hands are fine.

They really only shake if I try to hold them out in mid air still.

Yeah, I can understand where cynics are coming from, but my life experience far outweighs anyone's opinion without the disorder.

 

[demon]

Yeah, I can understand where cynics are coming from, but my life experience far outweighs anyone's opinion without the disorder.

Especially entirely uneducated and baseless opinions.

 

[MrAngryFace]

I dont believe that bad grades, finishing videogames, or having trouble paying attention is something that requires drugs that apparently make you shake.

Hey whatever, thats cool, add is fun n stuff. Im sure that will get you some polite nods.

I just feel sorry for the people who really have LIFE crushing conditions.

How would an education help? The education was written by opportunistic doctors and psychologists attempting to make their mark before they die.

 

[bionic77]

"Your hands shake?"

Not much at all, but it's only during the medication's effect. Once it runs out for the day, my hands are fine.

They really only shake if I try to hold them out in mid air still.

Yeah, I can understand where cynics are coming from, but my life experience far outweighs anyone's opinion without the disorder.

Hey I am not saying ADD is a made up disease, my cynicism is coming from this guy self-diagnosing himself. If he had a doctor diagnose it that would be another story. Of course he might actually have it, but I don't have a lot of confidence in people diagnosing their own mental condition.

 

[Makura]

I'm suprised at how much ignorance there is here regarding this issue. I didn't think these myths still persisted.

 

[demon]

I dont believe that bad grades, finishing videogames, or having trouble paying attention is something that requires drugs that apparently make you shake.

Hey whatever, thats cool, add is fun n stuff. Im sure that will get you some polite nods.

I just feel sorry for the people who really have LIFE crushing conditions.

How would an education help? The education was written by opportunistic doctors and psychologists attempting to make their mark before they die.

Thanks for the opinion, doctor!

 

[MrAngryFace]

At least youre all in one place so I know who to stop taking seriously.

 

[Megafoo Chavez]

smoke some weed, you'll be fine

 

[kablooey]

I just feel sorry for the people who really have LIFE crushing conditions.

Haha! And how would you know what's LIFE crushing and what's not? I've been in and out of depression for a while now, mostly because of issues relating to school/social situations that're generally related to not being able to concentrate...

Anyway, yeah, I do need to see a doc about it, and I'm not sure I always trust them either. They're in it for the money (which means they need to make lots of prescriptions), but I'll see what he/she says about it...

 

[Gruco]

Man, normally it's a lot easier to tell whether or not MAF is trolling....

 

[Incognito]

maf, shut the fuck up.

your holier than attitude is getting on my nerves.

guess what asshole, everyone is different, and so are their problems.

 

[MrAngryFace]

AM I?!?!

No, I dont believe in ADHD, but I find this conversation so ripe for the trollage cause they believe.

Cancer I believe in, plenty of people in my family died of it. AIDS, sure, being clinically insane, I think I can accept that.

 

[bionic77]

Haha! And how would you know what's LIFE crushing and what's not? I've been in and out of depression for a while now, mostly because of issues relating to school/social situations that're generally related to not being able to concentrate...

Anyway, yeah, I do need to see a doc about it, and I'm not sure I always trust them either. They're in it for the money (which means they need to make lots of prescriptions), but I'll see what he/she says about it...

A good doctor won't make up some bullshit diagnosis and the pharmacies usually make money from the prescriptions (now whether or not they are in bed together is another question). Anyways, good luck when you go to see the doctor, hope you don't have it.

 

[MrAngryFace]

Yes, I am an asshole, I have trouble concentrating on being nice.

 

[Deleted member 1235]

How to know if you really have ADD.

When the doctor gives you the ritalin, you sell it to your friends for 10 bucks a pill and they crush it up and snort it.

Nobody parties like ADD kids.