Is ADHD part of your life?
920986
1. 13\n2. Female\n3. I can't really remember I was 8 when I was Diagnosed, but I was looking back on some papers the other day and I was being eveluwated and I was given a Connors behavrile cheack lest and a I.Q. test and some other things that I can not remember.\n4. No because my dad doed not belive in the meds. although me mom is taking Ritlen.  Given the chance I dont thing I would take the meds. but I would try all of the other treatments that are aviable.  My faimly ignors the fact that a have a proublem, even though my grades a horrible.\n5. No...well Im in jr. high\n6. Yes sometimes I feel like a out cast and I feel unloved, but I have maney great friends that help me.\n7. I think I learn fast but I have trouble organizing it into my brain and writhing stuff out on paper.  I also get confussed eaisly and the my brain is just like a t.v. that is always flipping through the channles...all the time.\n8. Not really...sometimes I do play rough and stuff but I have never caused and serios acedents or any thing.\n\nIm sorry for any spelling/grammer mastacks that I tryped...
209934
I believe that ADHD is both misdiagnosed frequently and that ADHD is missed, and not diagnosed when it should be.  To diagnose ADHD properly several criteria need to be met and a comprehensive evaluation needs to occur.  Comprehensive does not mean visiting the pediatrician for a half hour, saying the kid has a bunch of these behaviors and walking out with a prescription.\n\nI believe that second opinions should be mandatory on an ADHD diagnosis.\n\nBelow I have pasted some information from a report by the University of Maryland Medical Center:\nhttp://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/how_attention-deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_diagnosed_000030_4.htm\n\nArguments that ADHD is Overdiagnosed in Some Children:\n\nThe popularity methylphenidate (Ritalin) has encouraged some parents and teachers to pressure physicians into prescribing this standard ADHD drug for children, usually Caucasian boys, who are simply aggressive or who have poor grades. In one study of fifth graders in two different cities, 18% and 20% of Caucasian boys were being treated with medications. In one center, after careful testing, ADHD was the actual diagnosis in only 11% of children referred for ADHD and 18% had no disability. Others were simply poorer learners or had no problems at all. \n\nIn one study, children more likely to receive medication were young for their grade, indicating they may have been socially and intellectually immature, rather than behaviorally impaired. \n\nBeing poor and growing up in a single parent household contribute to emotional and behavioral problems. The significant increase in these problems has also paralleled an increase in the diagnosis of ADHD children, who may simply be responding to social and economic problems. \n\nArguments that ADHD is Underdiagnosed in Some Children:\nSome evidence suggests that many girls with ADHD may go underdiagnosed. Research indicates that girls with ADHD are often inattentive but not hyperactive or impulsive. In fact, older girls with ADHD tend to have social problems due to withdrawal and internalized emotions, showing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The inattentive subtype, in any case, may first show up in older children and adolescents. However, according to the criteria, ADHD is not diagnosed in people whose symptoms appear after age seven. \n\nPhysicians may fail to diagnose children with ADHD because they often behave normally in the quiet physician's office where there are no distractions to trigger symptoms. \n\nIn spite of the fact that there seems to be no difference in the disorder among population groups, African-American, Hispanic, and Asian children with ADHD are half as likely to be diagnosed and treated as Caucasian children. By high school, the racial disparity increases to the level that the medication rate for blacks is one-fifth of that for whites. \n\nADHD may also be underdiagnosed in adults. Some experts, in fact, believe that ADHD may be the most common chronic undiagnosed psychiatric disorder in adults.
635549
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ...You may be suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. You may have even been diagnosed already, but people wanted you to take prescription drugs. \n\nThere is nothing “wrong with you” and this is not your fault! Many people are affected by this disorder. You do need to find out as much as you can so you can make an informed choice about your treatment. \n\nHere is some ADHD information you need to know that most other web sites won't tell you. \n\n"ADHD Facts You Need To Know"\n\nYou need to know what you’re dealing with so you can effectively fight this enemy. The best weapon is knowledge! Warning: some of this information may make you angry at the pharmaceutical companies, so be prepared! \n\n\n"Your ADHD Symptoms"\n\nYou need to be able to tell if what you have is really ADHD. Some people have the disorder without the hyperactivity component, known commonly as ADD. \n\nIf you think you may have ADD, visit our sister web site to find out more. Here are some symptoms of both disorders. Go through the list and see which describes you better. \n\nThese are common symptoms of ADD* without hyperactivity: \n\n You have a hard time solving problems \n You experience difficulty managing your time \n You are easily distracted \n You procrastinate \n You are forgetful \n You find it difficult to organize or finish projects \n You tend to lose things \n You have trouble remembering certain events like anniversaries and birthdays \n You may have or have had a learning disability \n You have disruptions in your sleep patterns \n You have trouble motivating yourself, setting and reaching goals \n You experience failure in your work and or your personal relationships \n You may be sloppy \n You feel sluggish \n You tend to not be assertive \n You tend to go out of your way to please others \n You may be modest and shy \n You remove yourself from social situations \n\nThese are common symptoms of ADHD: \n\n You are hyperactive and fidgety \n You tend to be rebellious \n You tend to be bossy \n You are easily irritated \n You tend to be cocky \n You show off and brag \n Your behavior is impulsive and may sometimes be daring or unpredictable \n You are stubborn \n You are aggressive \n You have a tendency to talk too much \n You are easily frustrated \n You stress out easily \n You have difficulty handling even the smallest of problems \n You are impatient \n Your behavior may be destructive to your self, your friends and family \n You do not adapt well to change or new situations
279983
The syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition. There are no blood tests, brain scans, or psychological tests that definitively diagnose it.\n\nNot all Attention Deficit Disorders display the same exact symptoms.  There are many combinations of cognitive and behavioral problems that may exist.\n\nADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.  It is a chronic developmental disorder which is genetically based.  It is not a learning disability, but can co?exist with learning disabilities in approximately 25 to 33 percent of those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.\n\nIn general when the public deals with issues concerning children, they don’t want to believe that ADD/ADHD is a real problem that requires medication because it is often treated with Ritalin which is a controlled substance.  \n\nStudies have found that stimulants are the single most effective way to treat this disorder.  \n\n\n\n\nIs that enough or would you like more?
413432
if the child is truely just adhd they can outgrow it.  but if your child is like mine...adhd/bipolar or is he has the obsessive defiance disorder or any of the other disorders out there, chances are they'll be taking meds for the rest of their lives.
215533
ADD/ADHD is VERY real. It is an imbalance in function between different parts of the brain. Stimulants (caffiene, medications, etc.) bring the "slower" areas into closer functioning with the "faster" areas, allowing the brain sections to communicate better and reducing distractibility, fidgeting, confusion, etc. \n\nThere are many good educational programs for children to learn to deal with their symptoms. "How Does Your Engine Run" is a good one (check with Occupational Therapists). \n\nMedication is a decision to make with your physician. Because it is not always clear how each medicine affects different areas of the brain, and because each and every person with ADHD has different combinations of active/inactive areas of the brain, often several medications must be tried, at different doses, before symptoms are relieved. Some people do not benefit from currently available medications. Do NOT stay with a medicine if it is not relieving symptoms, or if the side effects are not acceptable. Medication is a tool, not a requirement. \n\nShop for a good school in your area, with good teachers who understand and know how to work with people living with ADHD. Insist that the school OT evaluate your child for Sensory Integration Dysfunction, and that your child be placed on either a 504 plan or recieve an IEP (your child qualifies for this help under "other health impaired" through the Individuals with Disabilities Act/IDEA) to ensure teachers are giving the classroom and instructional modifications that will best help your child learn.\n\nGood luck.
288831
The syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition. There are no blood tests, brain scans, or psychological tests that definitively diagnose it.  However, in the United States, ADD/ADHD is the most diagnosed childhood psychological disorder. Not all Attention Deficit Disorders display the same exact symptoms.  There are many combinations of cognitive and behavioral problems that may exist.  Symptoms of this syndrome may include: Poor impulse control and internal self-monitoring, attention inconsistencies, chronic procrastination, the need for instant gratification, poor organizational skills, hyperactivity and hypoactivity, poor peer relationships, poor concept of time, and the need for highly stimulating activities.\n\nADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.  It is a chronic developmental disorder which is genetically based.  It is not a learning disability, but can coexist with learning disabilities in approximately 25 to 33 percent of those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.  ADD/ADHD places people at risk of everything from school failure to drug abuse. \n\nEven though the syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition, people should not be left to flounder with their difficulties when there are treatments available that will help.  Failure to treat ADHD carries significant risks whose lifelong consequences are well known.
933054
If and only if what ever I am concentrating on is interesting to me, and if I take some breaks if it gets boring! I to have those letters they say you wont be able to concentrate on nothing (ADHD), this is not so! Just have to find ways around your limitations, like taking breaks....
553131
Do you possibly have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder?)\nI do have ADD and social and work environments are tough and yes I have lost jobs but I learn from \n\nhttp://www.addmtc.com/shortcut.html\n\n\n\nIn my experience, each of the following is a valuable clinical clue to the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.\n\n\nVirtually ABSOLUTE indicators of ADD/ADHD brain chemistry\n\n   1. Hyperactivity/Fidgetiness\n   2. Impulsivity (hyperactivity of the mind)\n   3. Unexplained inattention for "boring" mental activities\n   4. Primary nocturnal enuresis or bedwetting while sleeping at night\n   5. Episodic Explosiveness, also called Tantrums or Emotional Outbursts\n\nStrongly SUGGESTIVE indicators of ADD/ADHD brain chemistry\n\n   6. Waking slowly, not snapping awake, and/or being excessively grouchy without reason in the morning (91%)\n   7. Difficulty falling asleep at night (73%)\n   8. Unexplained irritability and easy frustration (very common)\n   9. Unexplained negativity with or without depression (common)\n  10. Verbal and/or spatial dyslexia (55%)\n\n\n\nWhatever you believe will happen!\nso  find that job you will love!\n\n\nTips for a job hunt. There is more hiring happening!\n\n� "Forget what's available out there" and go for the job you want the most.\n\n� Change the message on your answering machine: Put the kind of work you're looking for in your greeting. "Hi this is Heather. I'm busy right now looking for a job in the finance department at a startup company. I recently saw a candidate wearing a t-shirt with a brief summary of their skills. Now that is marketing yourself!\n\n� Write the phrase "Pay no attention to whether there is an opening (vacancy)" on a piece of paper, paste it on your bathroom mirror and memorize it and repeat it to yourself every morning. It will speed up your job search and you'll keep a positive outlook. Use the web and library (ask the reference librarian) to get ideas on companies you should target.\n\n� Concentrate the majority of your search on companies with fewer than 100 employees. Just because the larger firms are having layoffs doesn't mean the smaller companies aren't hiring. The recovery is already underway at smaller companies.\n\n� Get out of the house. Knock on doors. Do research online or at the library about the places you'd like to work. Then stop in and ask if they are hiring anyone with your skills. Your physical presence will make an impression on the hiring authority. Or tell them "I already e-mailed my resume and\nI would like to put a face with the resume I sent (have a hard copy in your hand). Tell the receptionist that you need her help. At one company where I worked an applicant showed up in a bunny suit, skip that bunny suit idea.\n\n� Be willing to look at different kinds of jobs: full-time, part-time, short term contracts, temporary jobs etc. Consider these jobs as a bridge.\n\n� Join a job seeking support group to get you going and to sustain your momentum. This is so crucial. You are not alone out there. Don't miss an opportunity to network. My hairstylist and Doctor have referred many great candidates to me. I heard about someone who told their Doctor they needed work, they had a job the next day. Join your alumni! Network at your church. Keep seeking new ways to market yourself.\n\n� Make a simple business card with the job you are looking for along with your contact info and e-mail address. The office supply stores sell the business cards stock so you can print them at home and save a bundle. I added a postage stamp sized photo to my business card. I saw a minature resume on one side of biz card.\n\n� Don't be wearied by rejection. The more noes you get out of the way, the closer you are to a yes.\n\n� Dont' just e-mail your resume. Try Faxing and snail ( U.S.) mailing your resume & cover letter. Companies are overwhelmed by e-mailed resumes. I know someone who got an inter
342436
ADD (actually it's ADHD) is onew of the most studied conditions in medicine- it's definitely not a farce.  You don't have to be hyperactive to have it- it's more about your brain's ability to organize and focus.  A good book to read is "Driven to Distraction" by Hallowell and Ratey.  The most thorough and up-to date book I have read on the subject is "Attention Deficit Disorder" by Brown.  You should seek a clinical consultation, preferably with someone who is experienced in recognizing ADHD.  Correct treatment can make a  huge difference in your life, so so whatever it takes! P.S. contact me if you want more info...
160508
There's also a chance of his having been misdiagnosed ADHD when his actual issue is oppositional/defiant disorder, which has many traits in common with ADHD.  A problem with ADHD is that it is far too often diagnosed by people other than psychiatrists (general practitioners, especially at the request of school administrators with no medical training).
647262
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological brain disorder that manifests as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development. ADHD begins in childhood, and as has only recently been understood, can persist into adulthood as well. While some children outgrow ADHD, about 60% continue to have symptoms into adulthood. The disorder manifests differently in adults as hyperactivity tends to diminish.\n\nAttention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the term used in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) diagnostic criteria. ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) with or without hyperactivity is the older term from the DSM-IIIR.\n\nAdult ADHD symptoms are similar, but not identical, to those seen in children and adolescents. The adult form of the disorder is sometimes referred to as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), because symptoms of hyperactivity tend to diminish with age, often taking the form of restlessness or fidgetiness (e.g., persistent pencil tapping and/or foot tapping) and difficulty engaging in quiet activities. However, the medical community uses ADHD for both children and adults.\n\n1. An inattentive type, with signs that include:\n\ninability to pay attention to details or a tendency to make careless errors in schoolwork or other activities; difficulty with sustained attention in tasks or play activities; apparent listening problems; difficulty following instructions; problems with organization; avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort; tendency to lose things like toys, notebooks, or homework; distractibility forgetfulness in daily activities\n\n2. A hyperactive/impulsive type, with signs that include:\n\nfidgeting or squirming; difficulty remaining seated; excessive running or climbing; difficulty playing quietly, always seeming to be "on the go"; excessive talking, \nblurting out answers before hearing the full question;\ndifficulty waiting for a turn or in line; problems with interrupting or intruding\n\n3. A combined type, which involves a combination of the first two types. This type is most common.
420095
I was diagnosed w/ ADHD 4 years thru college lol. I found the best tool was a pocket organizer/datebook, just write everything down in it, which I had never done before. That helped a lot.
297869
I totally resent this question! ADD and ADHD destroys peoples lives! I am a sufferer and without my  medication I would be out of control! My brother has ADHD and because of this he has not a single friend! His life is ruined! without his medicane he would be destoroyed! And he's only 9! I'm only 13 too for petes sake!  And don't call it speed! These medicanes are legal cause people like you ruin it by taking it for your own amusement! Beside you know perfectly well why Marijuana isn't legal! My Dad smokes and its worst enough! Would you like to lose someone to something 50 billions times worser than that? This question upsets me very much! Your making a resourcfull helpfull medicane into an amusing drug that could be taken away to people who really need it!
486579
Check the CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).  The site has info for adults and employment problems, advocacy, health insurance, professional directory, and a resource center.
561136
I have/had the same problem. For my entire life i felt different from other people, had difficulty in following what was being said because my concentration was flipfloping from one thing to another.\n If I was bored with something I would stop whatever project I was envolved with and start another. I tried to get an associates degree,instead i got bored could not concentrate and dropped everything I had going for me and moved to Alaska(radical hey). A real downside for me was that I was being taken advantage of by those who knew I had a problem of sorts and I was worked until I could not stand anymore.\n Anyway.. before you slide down the path. there are millions of people who have this problem,it is not a bad thing it is in the way we learn and diseminate communication. I can not and will not say you have this but for me thay call it Attention Deficite Disorder(ADD). I had been told by many of doctors that I should be screened for this due to my erradic past,so I did and have been greatfull ever since. It is weird to think clearly and not scattered. I now start and finish tasks in little to record times. Hey check it out.
344737
ADD/ADHD is just something one has when they are born.  However, it is not diagnosed until they are older and exhibit symptoms of it.  Sometimes it may not be diagnosed until preteen, teen, or even adult years. \n\nFor years, ADD/ADHD was assumed to be a disorder of childhood that faded with the onset of adolescence; however, the disorder is not limited to children.  There are approximately eight million American adults who have ADD.\n\nThe syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition. There are no blood tests, brain scans, or psychological tests that definitively diagnose it.   Not all Attention Deficit Disorders display the same exact symptoms.  There are many combinations of cognitive and behavioral problems that may exist. \n\n\nIn response to the other answers so far:\n\nADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.  It is a chronic developmental disorder which is genetically based.  It is not a learning disability, but can coexist with learning disabilities in approximately 25 to 33 percent of those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.\n\nThere are studies that have found that stimulants are the single most effective way to treat this disorder.\n\nPeople are understandably squeamish about ADD/ADHD and medicating children who are otherwise healthy.  When the public deals with issues concerning children, they don’t want to believe that ADD/ADHD is a real problem that requires medication because it is often treated with Ritalin which is a controlled substance.  Unfortunately, there is no type of medication that will cure ADD/ADHD.  The use of medication to treat it, however,  is very controversial.