Not really sure how this whole forum thing works and where I am supposed to post what questions. So please refer me to a different location if I am in the wrong spot.

My question is:

My co-workers have given me a hard time for years always saying that I have ADD ( not sure really what the diff between ADD and ADHD is). My boss recently told me that she thinks with the added responsibilites I have been given ( I manage 10 Supervisors and they each have about 20 people reporting to them) and the added stress that it's more noticeable and that I should probably go to a DR. I have no idea what kind of Dr. to go to or if I even should because I am 33 and have always been this way(don't think they knew what it really was when I was young). I have heard that some people think Adult ADD is bogus and people are just tryiing to get drugs. So why would people want these drugs? I am a little scared and freaked out about the whole thing.

There are more than a few who question ADHD as a 'real' diagnosis, but let me assure you it's real! Unfortuntely, you'll probably have to deal with ignorance as it comes with the package so to speak. Hopefully you won't, but hey.. be prepared.

One of the ways to manage ADHD is through medication. Yes, it is possible that these medications in the wrong hands can be abused. But so can a lot of narcotics. Anyway, the medications help to manage the symptoms. Take me for example. Prior to being on medication, I couldn't focus long enough to read a chapter without being completely exhausted. Now, I can go for a good solid couple of hours without needing a break.

The medications puts you on track so that you can manage your life better. But they don't take away ADHD altogether. You may find that you've got more energy and motivation to tackle stuff like bills, household chores, and work related stuff. But it still means that you need to write out a to do list, and follow a strict schedule of when to do things... that's just part of the ADHD.

All of this will kind of sound muddled to you right now. First thing first, you need to find a doctor who specializes in ADHD to get a proper diagnosis. This is absolutely crucial. ADHD is not the easiest thing in the world to assess, and you need to have someone who can pick it apart from a lot of other things.

Best of luck to you!!

Thanks for your reply. I have learned throughout the years (I am 33) to keep it "together" so to speak by keeping to do lists and trying to have a set system and schedule to keep myself to. I have always been a very fidgety person and will usually shake my foot to keep myself focused in meetings. I am postive the increased "scatter brainedness" as I like to call it is just from the major stress I have been under at work making it harder for me to control. The thought of medication scares me. Is this a cure or just a "fix" and does that mean I will have to take medication forever?

Is this something that gets worse or better with age and are there herbal supplements that can help?

How do you know the difference between ADD and ADHD and what kind of Dr do you go to and what tests can they perform to know for sure I really need medication. In otherwords, I don't want to just walk in the office and tell the Dr. i have it and them just write me a script for something.

Welcome to the forums!

First of all, it is not called "ADD" anymore. It is oficially called "ADHD". There are three types of ADHD; hyperactive, combined, and inattentive.

Here is a link to the diagnostic criteria for ADHD:
http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23276

Secondly ADHD is very real and a lot of people have it.
It can be treated, and stimulants are often the preferred medication for treating adhd, but there are a growing number of new nonstimulant medication for it.

Also, adult ADHD is very real. It's not just a childhood condition as was once thought.

If you think you have adhd you can start addressing it by talking to your MD. From there you might wish to go to a neuropsychologist for formal testing and evaluation. After that you might wish to seek out a psychiatrist who specializes in treating adult ADHD for treatment. If your funds are limited your regular physician is allowed to diagnose and treat ADHD, but if you have good insurance you will probably want to get a formal diagnosis then seek treatment from a specialist.

good luck!
Me :D


Not really sure how this whole forum thing works and where I am supposed to post what questions. So please refer me to a different location if I am in the wrong spot.

My question is:

My co-workers have given me a hard time for years always saying that I have ADD ( not sure really what the diff between ADD and ADHD is). My boss recently told me that she thinks with the added responsibilites I have been given ( I manage 10 Supervisors and they each have about 20 people reporting to them) and the added stress that it's more noticeable and that I should probably go to a DR. I have no idea what kind of Dr. to go to or if I even should because I am 33 and have always been this way(don't think they knew what it really was when I was young). I have heard that some people think Adult ADD is bogus and people are just tryiing to get drugs. So why would people want these drugs? I am a little scared and freaked out about the whole thing.

I even should because I am 33 and have always been this way(don't think they knew what it really was when I was young).

They have learned a lot over the last two decades. At the bottom of the page Speedo hyperlinked is a list of the type of professionals that can diagnosis ADD and the types of treatments they are qualified to offer. directories for health care providers from various sources (http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33989) Several of the directories are put out by ADD associations.

Hey, npblake. Yes, definitely get an evaluation-- they're relatively quick and entirely painless. ;)

Another thing you can do if you're wondering is to check out the selection on ADD/ADHD at your local bookstore. Many of those books contain anecdotes from the lives of other ADHD folks, which in my experience can be pretty illuminating.

Btw, ADHD tends to be more of a problem in some areas of one's life than others... so it may be only really 'noticeable' to others in certain situations. Doesn't mean you can't have ADHD.

To answer your question: Most often, people who don't need them try to get their hands on ADHD drugs like Ritalin and Adderall to get high or to cheat at schoolwork. So I really doubt you could just walk into your doctor's office, announce that you have ADD and be given a script-- at least, I hope not. Those who abuse these drugs are not only f-ing up their own body chemistry, they've also made things harder for the folks those meds were actually created to help.

I understand where you're coming from; for a long time I was put off by the idea of taking medication, esp. for the indefinite future. It may turn out you don't need it, or you only need it for certain tasks, I don't know-- that's why you should see the doctor a.s.a.p.

But if it is recommended that you try an rx, don't think of it as something you HAVE to take FOREVER once you get started. It's always your choice (but no, it's not a "cure" like antibiotics or something, as others have said). Either you could benefit from medication or you don't need it, but if it's the former, all it really means is that you've been running the race with a barbell chained to one ankle, and that would be the case whether you ever filled the rx or not.

It's understandable that you may be apprehensive about the prospect of taking medication. But ask yourself what is it that you're afarid of? You are always in control of your choices. Taking medication on a daily basis by no way implies that you are out of control. You're helping your body chemistry do something it's not very good at. That's a huge difference from someone who takes drugs to hide or to mask something that's not there.

Again, you'll have to do the research but it may be possible for you to manage the ADHD without medication. And that is entirely your choice.

There is no 'cure' for ADHD. In other words, I don't know of any treatment that would eliminate the symptoms forever. I do expect that I will be taking medication in one format or another for a very long time. But honestly, how much medication I take will depend on my circumstances.