Find ADHD Therapy Confusing?

4 Responses

1. brokenboy07

   2009 Jun 26 1

   You need to be specific in what happens in your everyday life, problems, relations…..oh look a puppy!!
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2. Kelly

   2009 Jun 26 2

   Yes tell her you think you might have it and why. If she thinks you are probably right, it's likely she will refer you to a psychiatrist, because only they can prescribe ADHD meds. If you don't want meds, ask her to refer you to someone who can help you cope with it that way.
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3. puella_laeta

   2009 Jun 26 3

   Is it actually interfering with your life? I'm in my early 20s and I've been diagnosed with ADHD as well, but I chose to discontinue my medication a few years ago. I enjoy the fact that my "disorder" lets my brain run in four directions at once, it's great for critical thinking and problem solving, and after two decades plus some of having your brain work a certain way, it can be tough to adapt to being "normal." If you DO have ADHD and you haven't been diagnosed yet, you've probably developed some pretty effective coping mechanisms by this point.

   I wouldn't go into your doctor and tell her that you "suspect ADHD." For some reason, doctors don't like spending twelve years learning medicine only to have people come in with a diagnosis all picked out already, and depending on your doctor that can really affect your experience. It would probably be better for you to just go see the doctor and " They might refer you to a psychiatrist, they might prescribe you something themselves, or they might blow you off entirely…adult ADHD is still a relatively new concept in medicine. Don't be afraid to seek out a second opinion if you feel the need to.

   There are non-medical things that you can do to manage your symptoms if you are diagnosed. For instance, when I study I generally have the material for several subjects within arms reach and if I notice that my attention is waning I switch to another subject for awhile. I also find that putting unobtrusive music on or even switching on TV guide channel helps; anything that creates background noise but isn't interesting enough to distract you. Also, strange as it sounds, when I really need to focus on something for a short period of time (like for exams), I count to myself while I'm thinking about whatever it is I need to be thinking about. People who don't have ADHD find this unfathomable, but it works for me. The drugs WILL help you focus, but there are side-effects such as dizziness and insomnia, and forget about caffeine while you're taking them…better to try other coping strategies before turning to pharmaceuticals.

   Long story short, go to the doctor and explain your issues honestly if you feel the need to, but don't just go get treated/evaluated for its own sake. If you've been managing this far and it isn't a big burden on your life, don't stress it.
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   Nursing student / ADHD "sufferer"

4. shaneris5

   2009 Jun 26 4

   Print the result of the quiz, in section 22, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris and show your doctor. See sections 22 -25, as appropriate.

   Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements*, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it.

   Alternatively, you could go to the searchbar at http://www.mercola.com and enter: "krill oil". While you are there, enter "nutritional type", and eat more in accordance with yours. Exercise moderately, for 30 - 60 mns, daily.

   Avoid any powerful, addictive central nervous system stimulants which may be offered! See http://www.drugs.com & http://www.rxlist.com on medications.
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