Other than the side effects, why do so many people hate to take meds for their AD/HD?

Medication has worked wonders for me. I realize it's not a cure-all, but it has made me a very different person. I have no problem with having to take pills to get through the day. I don't feel guilty about it, like I'm a bad person for needing that extra help. I just see it as a bit of a condition that I can't help...why shouldn't I take medicine for it?

I'm not preaching here, I'm just trying to explain how I see things because I am genuinely curious to know why some people don't want to take meds. My little brother is this way. He's 15 and he refuses to take his ADHD pills. Completely refuses. He says "I have my reasons," when I ask him about it.

So, what are YOUR reasons?

I'm pro meds, but I'm wondering too. Maybe they've just read too many bad experiences, or had a bad experience themselves, and just let that determine their feelings for all meds. I'm curious to see what responses you get to this.

It's been my experience that the people who hate taking meds are the ones who are either inexperienced with the medications potential benefits, or who might have had a bad experience and perhaps assume that all the other meds work the same, or perhaps they are afraid of the medication showing up on a drug screen or being a hassel getting into the career of their choice. I'm sure there are many other reasons I can't even think of.

I've always enjoyed taking my meds even when they did not work out as I had hoped that they would. I always looked at it as a learning experience, and I have always been very pro-med, perhaps to a fault sometimes. :o

I'm a friend using Vhan's account and I just wanted to reply to this. I take meds, and I hate it. I feel like a freak when I take them, even though they are supposedly good for me. I've actually had many bad experiences myself with meds too-it took my doctors 13 years before they found the right drug for me. Before that I was practically bi-polar with all those drugs runing thriugh my veins. So here I am, three years later, better than ever, hating meds. I totally feel for your little bro, because medicine is a sort of wall that I have to jump over, and I hate that wall.

I think sometimes its from bad experiences. I think for ADD medications I think it has a really bad reputation and sometimes they don't want to be seen as a junkie or what ever. There are also people who like to be "natural" and won't put any kind of medication in there body including things like cold meds. I believe Jehovah witnesses are like that. they wont take blood transfusions so meds would also be off there list.

I can see why my brother would be frustrated--every pill he has been on either didn't do a thing for him or caused him to experience terrible side effects...I just wish he would keep trying other medications so that he can find the right one for him. Judging by how well my prescription has helped me I'm sure he would eventually see such a positive difference!

Maybe part of it, at least for him, is his being a teenager. So much about being a teen is "fitting in" and I guess if you have to take pills you might end up feeling "different" in such a big way that it's unbearable. I didn't find out I was ADHD until I was 25 so I've never known what it was like to be navigating this sort of situation in high school.

I can see why my brother would be frustrated--every pill he has been on either didn't do a thing for him or caused him to experience terrible side effects...I just wish he would keep trying other medications so that he can find the right one for him. Judging by how well my prescription has helped me I'm sure he would eventually see such a positive difference!

Well said.

There really is no teacher like experience.

I have always tried to encourage everyone who feels like your brother feels to keep on plugging away, and keep on trying something else. It took me several years to find the right drug, and it was a very tedious and sometimes very boring journey. However, it's one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I only wish I could have gone through the journey when I was your brothers age, instead of when I was 22 after having flunked out of high school with & then my first year of college.

The good news is that I eventually made it back in college (after finding the right medication) and am now doing very well, and I look forward to continuing my education by going on to either medical school, or possibly going into research.

I <3 my meds.
I've had some bad experiences with certain meds, partucularly certain psych meds, but overall the meds I take now drastically improve my quality of life.
I have no problem with taking medication. Probably because I've needed meds of some kind for so long (psych, allergy, hormonal, etc, etc, etc) so it's definitely nothing new to me. It's no big deal. I mean, meds are a big deal and should be treated with respect, used correctly and payed close attention to (esp for interactions and such) but as far as taking them, it's not big deal to me.

I feel so lousy without all my meds, I can't afford not to take them.
It took me a long time to find what works and I'm thrilled about it. They can pry my Lamictal out of my cold dead crazy hand. Lol. I seriously don't plan to ever be without that one if I can help it.

I've had some bad experiences with some meds but I don't take that as "all meds are bad." I just make sure I do my research and am cautious about what I take and how I take it. I use each bad experience as a learning experience and use that information when assessing other meds but I don't hold say my bad experiences with SSRIs/SSNRIs against stimulant meds (or any other type) or anything like that. They're just too different to do so.

I know the only way to find what works for me is trial and error so I accept that there will be some error before I find the good stuff and don't let it discourage me.

I've lived most of my life without meds and I prefer life with meds.

Because it's like I have two personalities. There's me on my medication and then there's me when I'm not. Me when I'm not is the familiar person...I'm used to that, but me when I am is serious...very serious and obsessive about things....even the smallest little mistake is a capital offense punishable by death....not really but it seems like it.

It just changes who I'm used to being....it makes not fun anymore.Other than the side effects, why do so many people hate to take meds for their AD/HD?

Medication has worked wonders for me. I realize it's not a cure-all, but it has made me a very different person. I have no problem with having to take pills to get through the day. I don't feel guilty about it, like I'm a bad person for needing that extra help. I just see it as a bit of a condition that I can't help...why shouldn't I take medicine for it?

I'm not preaching here, I'm just trying to explain how I see things because I am genuinely curious to know why some people don't want to take meds. My little brother is this way. He's 15 and he refuses to take his ADHD pills. Completely refuses. He says "I have my reasons," when I ask him about it.

So, what are YOUR reasons?

This is actually Vhan speaking this time, and I don't like my meds either, the only reason I'm taking them is because I can actually manage to do some of my schoolwork while I'm takeing them, but I also feel like a brainwashed slave...

but me when I am (on meds) is serious...very serious and obsessive about things....even the smallest little mistake is a capital offense punishable by death....not really but it seems like it.Interesting. This sounds like me before I started using meds.

I can remember a time (about four years ago) when my doctor (and friends) suggested antidepressants to me and I didn't want to take them. I knew I wasn't the happiest person in the world but I accepted myself as I was. For me, deciding to finally take the first medication was like acknowledging I was flawed. I started into the world of meds very slowly. First I agreed to take something to help me sleep - If I slept better I would feel better. Then I finally broke down and accepted the Lexapro and finally I realized it wasn't making me a different person - it was only improving on the person I already was.

The other day though, while sitting in a meeting at work quietly paying attention I realized Adderall isn't quite like that. This horrible thought rang through my head "I've lost my fire". I know that may sound weird but I've always been a very intense person with lots of thoughts and I have grown accustomed to all those odd thoughts and they entertain me. They make me who I am. So this bothered me and made me question using Adderall but when all is said and done I know I'm better off with it. And sometimes that "fire" isn't always good.

Sorry for the rambling but I've definitely gone back and forth with my decision to use medication and at the end of the day I know I am better off for it and I will always be me.

Persephone

After a horrible experience just now I can understand why people hate meds. I took Ritalin to celebrate newyear (without alcohol) and I was actually quite succesful socially. Untill it wore off. I took another one but it wore off again after just an hour. I got extremely quiet, started daydreaming, unmotivated to talk,... only to see how much fun everyone else was having without having to take meds. It hurts so terribly much to see other people full of energy, always knowing what to say, socially succesful and all of them have had a girlfriend in their life. Then realising I'm the complete opposite of that. I'm crying my eyes out right now. 2007 was the most terrible year of my life, and I have a slight feeling in 2008 I will finally put an end to my misery. I've always done my best to remain positive and hopeful, but I just can't hold it any longer.

Well when I was a bit younger I was afraid to take ANY meds because I was scared they'd mess me up in the head and make me "normal" by taking away the things I love that make me different. Mainly my ability to become way to wrapped up in daydreams.

im not fond of them but i dont hate them eather. I just hate the thought of watching everyone else focus with out them and when i try i screw up and get distracted by every small sound. like a tap on the desk i get distracted and it takes forever to get back on task.

Well when I was a bit younger I was afraid to take ANY meds because I was scared they'd mess me up in the head and make me "normal" by taking away the things I love that make me different. Mainly my ability to become way to wrapped up in daydreams.

I've read several responses that basically say this same thing and I wanted to put it out there that my medication doesn't take away from my positive ADD traits. If you feel like your pills are killing your creativity, maybe there is something different out there for you to try?

When I was on Focalin I was more focused and able to stay on task but I felt like all the creativity, energy, and general fun had been drained out of me. This made me very depressed. Now I'm on Concerta and it's like I'm getting the best of both worlds. I don't think every pill turns you into a drone.

I generally dislike taking medications. However, when an illness starts really starts making day-to-day life a struggle, they are well worth it. I went untreated for a very long time. My diagnosis is ADHD with a secondary diagnosis of depression. I was treated as bi-polar for a long time. In order to treat what appears to be symptoms of ADHD, I was put on what seemed like ever-increasing doses of SSRIs, lorazapam, buspar, and mood stabilizers, such as Lamictal. With my new diagnosis, I am entirely off SSRIs (talk about withdrawal - it took 6 months to get off of Lexapro), mood stabilizers and anti-anxiety drugs. I now take Wellbutrin and Focalin, and my symptoms are very well controlled.

My life has been dramatically improved with proper treatment. I have been transitioning to ADHD meds for about 8 months and am still trying to find the right medication and dose. It is definitely a slow process. Thanks to these forums and Lars, in particular, for suggestions and encouragement, I have stuck with it.

I take meds currently but its not the proper treatment for adhd. Currently i can't seem to get anything covered under my medical plan that i can use. I've tried the 2 drugs that are covered and both make me sick. I hate the idea of depending on a pill to make it in this world. It makes me feel out of place cause i can't just wake up and function normally like everyone else. Instead i need to take a pill. I hate myself because of that.

I hate the idea of depending on a pill to make it in this world. It makes me feel out of place cause i can't just wake up and function normally like everyone else. Instead i need to take a pill. I hate myself because of that.

exactly my point.:)

I hate the idea of depending on a pill to make it in this world. It makes me feel out of place cause i can't just wake up and function normally like everyone else. Instead i need to take a pill. I hate myself because of that.

Well, I am by no means proud of the fact that I need a pill to help me function better, but I would never ever say that I hate myself because I need a pill to help me function better.

I am reminded here of my favorite Chinese proverb which says, "One disease long life, no disease short life."

What that means, to me anyway, is that we all have diseases/limitations/imperfections (or whatever a person chooses to call them), and it is those who acknowledge and embrace their diseases/limitations/imperfections that are able to take corrective measures to make their lives much less stressful. In contrast, those who choose to not embrace their diseases/limitations/imperfections end up making their lives much more stressful. As I'm sure you know, stress is quite a killer.

For example, let's say that you break your leg. Some might choose to ignore their condition thinking that they can deal with it on their own (which is certainly possible, just not advisable), and others might choose to seek help and have the bones set properly and then perhaps get a cast. Even further, some might even go so far as to choose to use some crutches or a wheelchair until their leg has had a chance to heal.

Those who would choose to not attend to their leg would create a tremendous amount of extra stress in their life, and therefore they would likely reduce their life due to the added stress. In contrast, those who embraced the dysfunction/limitation/imperfection etc of their leg with an attitude of helping it as much as they can (kind of a partnership if you will) would be able to greatly reduce the stress in their life and therefore they would likely live longer.

I guess it just boils down to personal preference, and some may argue education, or whatever when it comes to how we view these things. To me, it does not come down to anything other than the stress factor. Given the choice, if I can make a choice that will allow me to experience less stress, and help me to perform better, then I would like to be able to make that choice. Additionally I would always hope that I would be grateful for the opportunity that choice would present to me as well, because I know that not everyone on the planet has the same opportunity as me concerning being able to have that choice.

Anyhoot, sorry if I was not able to convey what I wanted to convey here. I've found that even though something might be easily understood, that does not mean that it's something that might be easily explained.

I've read several responses that basically say this same thing and I wanted to put it out there that my medication doesn't take away from my positive ADD traits. If you feel like your pills are killing your creativity, maybe there is something different out there for you to try?

When I was on Focalin I was more focused and able to stay on task but I felt like all the creativity, energy, and general fun had been drained out of me. This made me very depressed. Now I'm on Concerta and it's like I'm getting the best of both worlds. I don't think every pill turns you into a drone.
Yeah, that's good to know. I'm getting more of an understanding of how they all work now definately. I've always been scared of the "zombie" effects people talk about with psychiatric drugs, so I do tons of research. With personal experiences you can't tell what's the placebo effect and what isn't, and with 'clinical studies' you don't know what to trust either. =/

I think my attitude to medicines is a very fair and reasonable one, similar to a lot of people. I'm not opposed to taking medicine, I'm just cautious about taking too many medications. For me, medication is the last resort.

Formally, I've been diagnosed with ADHD, and "possibly" clinical depression and anxiety disorders, but the only medicine I take right now is Adderall. Other than a sleep aid, I don't think I'd be willing to try anything else at the moment. It seems like all the side effects of the most effective medicines used to treat depression are terrible and anxiety medications would interact with my Adderall treatment. I'd rather go through other options (like therapy and lifestyle changes) before I take a pill that would produce negative side effects. Like I said in my first paragraph, going on the medicine would be the last resort.

Because it feels nasty and leaves me with a crash at the end of the day. And I have to force myself to eat so I dont lose weight, and run for an hour everyday so I can sleep at night.

I was only diagnosed with ADHD about two years ago. I started with Adderall, which worked great for about a year and a half; when the side effects/rebound became to much to bear. I was getting very little sleep, and I was not eating either. Furthermore, I was becoming depressed by my miserable plight. I spoke with my doctor, who recommended the Daytrana patch because its effects are a lot smoother; its rebound less pronounced. So I started on the patch,-it's effects are significant; I can concentrate during the day(if I'm feeling well)-and I can fall asleep at night with less difficulty. But I cannot eat! My first class begins at 7:30 AM, and my last class ends at 10:30 PM. When I awake at 7:00, before I put the patch on, I just don't feel hungry, so even if I have food I have much trouble eating it. So I don't eat before the patch. Breakfast in school is served at 10:00, at which time I feel totally full with absolutely no appetite whatsoever. So I don't eat then either. As the day goes on, I feel weaker and less focused. Additionally I suffer from headaches and stomach discomfort caused by my lack of eating any sustainence. Lunch is served at 2:45, and once again I have no appetite. Dinner is at 7:00, but I just can't eat! Class finally ends at 10:30. By this time I am no longer 'under the influence', so now my hunger hits me like a slap in the face; I feel faint, exausted, dizzy, weak and HUNGRY- so I make food in my dorm room-usually not the most healthful protein filled dishes...then I go to sleep with my stomach aching with hunger, my body weak with fatigue. I wake in the morning with my stomach killing and a splitting headache. And thus my day begins anew once again! On top of all this; my school does not at all recognize the concept of ADHD, so they give me no assistance in that regard whatsoever. Moreover; I can't really speak with my friends about it because they mostly share a common misconception that ADD/ADHDers are mentally ill, and I fear that they will distance themselves from me due to that....So in answer to your question; I am strongly considering stopping my medication since I'm starting to feel that 'the juice just 'aint worth the squeeze'. The positive effects of the drug just don't outweigh the negative sideeffects and the problems resulting from them enough to make them worthwhile. I feel so sick during the day, that I can't even concentrate on my studies. So in essence; the medication is causing me more trouble than help. Sorry for ranting; but I just haven't let it out for a while now. If you're still reading-thank you very much. I'm glad to hear that you have found your perfect medical solution to your problems. I pray that I'll someday, somehow figure out how to do the same. I hope that you have understood all of the above. If you have any tips or advice for my problems-anything would be greatly appriciated. Thank you. Ben.

my school does not at all recognize the concept of ADHD, so they give me no assistance in that regard whatsoever.

Your school may not "recognize the concept of ADHD," but fortunately for you the US government does, and as a result in the year 1990 they enacted a law which is referred to as the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The ADA was designed to protect anyone with a disability from being discriminated against due to them having a disability. For example, a building that is designed to be used by the general public must be equipped with a handicap entrance. That would include ramps, or a lack of steps, or a lack of a curb, automatic doors, etc., in order to make it wheelchair accessible. Any public building that was built before July 1990 that does not already have these accommodations in place would be required by law to make the accommodations, or else they would be subject to prosecution, and rightly so I might add.

As far as your school is concerned, if the school you go to is found within the U.S. or one of its territories, then the ADA is there to protect anyone with a disability from being discriminated against due to their disability.

They define a disability as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity." Not all impairments are classified as disabilities, such as substance abuse for example.

Anyhoot, if you feel like you are not being accommodated for your disability, then I would suggest that you talk to school administrators, and explain to them that by law they are required to make certain accommodations (on a case by case basis) for anyone using their facilities that has a legally defined disability.


PS Concerning the issue of not eating enough food. I would suggest that you try and drink some meal replacement shakes in order to at least cover the bare minimum of what your body needs. The meal replacement shakes, or meal replacement bars are not designed to be a sole source of nutrition, meaning they are a replacement for a meal, and not a replacement for a normal diet. It is still very important to include some solid food every day in your diet. When your stomach hurts from hunger pains, the reason it is hurting is due to te fact that the acid in your stomach (which is so strong that it can "burn" through metal) is starting to "burn" the lining of your stomach.

Without food in there to neutralize/counteract the stomach acid, it sets up a scenario which leads to a number of medical complications. The most common being things such as stomach ulcers, which can lead to many things such as internal bleeding, being more prone to infections, scarring & swelling which can lead to gastric obstruction, just to name a few. Do yourself, and the future of your health a big favor, and avoid starving yourself when you have no appetite. You are investing much time, and effort (not to mention money most likely) into a higher education, and even though it takes effort to find a way to eat when you have no appetite, not making an effort to do so can greatly impact the future health of your body, which is something you will be needing in order to go out there and use that degree to make the world a better place. Food for thought. ;)

im much better with adderall

I hate taking all these medications I have to take too. We may know the benefits but we don't always know the long term risks with the medications. I'm on several and wish I was able to cut back but I know I can't because if I do, I'll have a relapse.

I was afraid of meds when I was prescribed them for my anxiety, way before I ever got diagnosed with ADD. The first time I did not take them because I really was horrified by the idea that they would somehow change me. Part of this fear was probably result of the condition that I was in. As a result, my severe anxiety did not get better until I started smoking again eight months later(it had worsened a lot when I quit). And then it lifted like magic. Overnight. Literally.

The next time, several years later, I did not want to start smoking again and I tried the meds that I got - luvox - and found out that it was not that bad at all. It helped me control my anxiety without starting to smoke again.

I eventually realised that there is obviously a chemical imbalance in my brain; that there is a certain neurotransmitter that I don't have enough of. Or whatever. And that taking a pill to counter that is nothing to feel bad about, to be ashamed of, even if it should be for the rest of my life.

When I got diagnosed with ADD, I was intensely relieved to find that I have a condition that can be improved so much with meds. I don't really give a frak if I have to take dexedrine 4 times a day for the rest of my life: I am grateful that I can improve my life so much.

Stabby, if you are kidding get out of here. Please don't play around. If you are serious, you need help ASAP. Don't hurt yourself, things can be a lot better in your life but it takes WORK.

That said, I don't understand my own relationship with meds. I can't say for certain why I take them for a while and then stop, or why I don't want to get back on them even when I really need it. I think it might be the same reason why I procrastinate. On the other hand it could be a pride thing- that sneaky little voice that says I should be able to get along without them. Lately I've learned that I just can't hack it. I've had too many of those "where's my keys" episodes. My resolution is to get back on meds!

dyingInside, I'm fine now. It's just that I get depressed nearly every time I go out and fail socially. The next day I'm usually fine again. I guess I should avoid going out until I can work things out.

For me, I think my dislike of meds can be boiled down into three bullet points:
I never found one that worked for me long-term without the benefits quickly out-weighed by the side-effects
I don't trust any soft of stimulant medication that I may have to use for the rest of my life, especially since I don't know of any studies that show that it's perfectly safe after 20+ years
Didn't like the idea of being dependent on a substance in order to be the kind of person I want to be (in case I can no longer get it or doesn't work as well anymore).And now, to expound a little.

I know that there are a lot of folks who have found a med that works for them and allow them to function and improve their quality of life, but I wasn't one of them. They would "work" for a while, but then the benefit would start to wear off and I was back where I started, only now I have to detox off the one and try another one for several months until I decided if it worked or not. I don't know about the rest of you, but I didn't have months at a time where I had the ability to stop going to school, or working, or do anything while I was going through the side-effects that would make life Hell while trying to decide if they would settle down in a few weeks, or if it was as good as it was going to get.

And I didn't really like the selection process. It was basically a "lets-try-and-see-if-this-works-even-though-I-have-no-indication-if-it-will-or-not" process the Doctor used. I felt like I was at the mercy of a blind guy throwing darts.

I know that the body doesn't like to handle substances that unnaturally stimulate it's various functions, and slowly builds up a tolerance to it's effects in an effort to regulate it's control of it's own systems. Look at something as simple as caffeine - sure you may start out w/ a cup of coffee in the morining, but how long does it take before you have to step up to drinking coffee all day just to get the same effect? I just didn't like the idea that at some point, if somehow I won the lottery and found a med that worked for me, I probably wouldn't be able to use it forever and at some point would have to restart the selection process again to find one my body hadn't built up a tolerance to.

I guess that's why the whole SPECT, PET, fMRI imaging thing started to intreague me. I loved the fact that they were starting to be able to observe physiological differences in the different types of ADHD, and could start to taylor treatments accordingly.

However, the SPECT was way out of my price range, and even the PET scan was way up there, (let alone trying to find someone in my area that actually did them). I did a lot of research into recent studies on the neurological causes of ADHD and how the knowledge could be used to diagnose and treat it.

That's when I stumbled upon the QEEG test. It was a much cheaper alternative ($400-$500) to the others, and it gives a very reliable peek into the function (or dynsfunction) via the electrical activity of the brain. Where as the SPECT, PET, and fMRI show blood flow and glucose distribution, the QEEG actually shows patters of the activity and communication of the parts of the brain, and they are able to make a correlation to what brain systems are not working correctly. And since it's a non-invasive procedure that's as simple as getting a regular EEG at a Neurologist's office, I really thought this would be a great step to take in finding a treatment highly tailored to my own brain.

And the QEEG doesn't just find parts that may be causing the ADHD symptoms, but can also be used to find dysfunction that causes symptoms of clinical depression, OCD, epliepsy, anxiety, PTSD, autism, learning disabilities, excessive anger, sleep problems, and a host of other performance and emotional symptoms caused by the brain not regulating itself and it's systems properly.

Back in May, I had a QEEG done, and found the parts of the brain that were not functioning properly. I decided to do a round of Neurofeedback Therapy (http://www.addforums.com/forums/tags.php?tag=neurofeedback)to teach the brain to adjust those areas and learn how to better self-regulate itself, and have been off all medications (ADHD + anti-depressants + everything else) ever since.

There has been a lot of research done specifically on Neurofeedback Therapy for AD(H)D, and shown there is a very high success rate (75-90%) in treating AD(H)D symptoms as well if not better than medications, both right after the Therapy completes as well as at 1+ year follow-ups, (honesly, can any Med continue to work after not taking it for over a year?)

So, for me it doesn't really matter if I like or dislike AD(H)D medications, because I no longer am dependent on them.

The meds work for me thus far, and that's good enough proof that they treat ADD.

The meds work for me thus far, and that's good enough proof that they treat ADD.
( If by "treat" you mean they provide temporary relief from the symptoms of ADD without doing anything to change the root cause long-term... )

My take on meds is: last resort, but definitely an option. I prefer any conservative measures first, and ruling out any other issues that may cause symptoms. Here in the US, physicians can be way to quick to diagnose and prescribe meds, and the advertising ploys of the pharmaceutical companies put physicians in a pickle and the patient more in charge. Some of the physicians we have encountered in our journey were way to quick to diagnose, not very thorough, and were very quick to prescribe.

The daunting fact of a "journey" to find the right med is a factor as well, if you don't happen to be lucky enough to find the right thing right off the bat and it works for you long-term. I have been on some of the psych meds, and it was such a horrible experience, I could not afford to give any more options "time for the journey."

With that said, I come from a genetic line of ultra sensitivity to many meds, and at times it has been a bit unnerving some of the reactions. My son developed some seizure activity on Adderall, though overall I recognize he did very well on it. Side effects, long-term use, exacerbating factors, the up/down on/off meds, all played a role in neither of us wanting to pursue meds as an option at this point, though should he change his mind, I would be fully supportive in his journey.

( If by "treat" you mean they provide temporary relief from the symptoms of ADD without doing anything to change the root cause long-term... )


Well, yeah. Most psych conditions are lifelong and don't have a "cure," persay. Just like many other lifelong conditions. You treat and try to manage them. They don't just go away.

Lamictal controls my BPII but it doesn't cure it.

Zyrtec and Rhinocort control my allergy symptoms but nothing will make them go away permenantly.

Synthroid regulates my thyroid hormone levels but I'll have to take it for the rest of my life. If I stop, my underactive thyroid will still be underactive.

Glasses improve my vision when I wear them but they "cure" my nearsightedness. I'll wear them forever. (Well, in this one case there's the lasik option but that's not something I'm willing to consider so...)

Dexedrine improves my ADHD symptoms to the point that I can function. I also do other things that help. But just like my BP, allergies, and Hashimoto's, ADD is something I'll deal with and hafta do my best with for the rest of my life (or until some significant medical advances are made that do "cure" these conditions, which is unlikely any time in the near future).

If you have a condition that is not "curable" I think it's best to do what you can to control it and keep it from interfering with your quality of life as much as possible. Meds do this for me so I have no problem taking advantage of that.

My take on meds is: last resort, but definitely an option. I prefer any conservative measures first, and ruling out any other issues that may cause symptoms. Here in the US, physicians can be way to quick to diagnose and prescribe meds, and the advertising ploys of the pharmaceutical companies put physicians in a pickle and the patient more in charge. Some of the physicians we have encountered in our journey were way to quick to diagnose, not very thorough, and were very quick to prescribe.

The daunting fact of a "journey" to find the right med is a factor as well, if you don't happen to be lucky enough to find the right thing right off the bat and it works for you long-term. I have been on some of the psych meds, and it was such a horrible experience, I could not afford to give any more options "time for the journey."

With that said, I come from a genetic line of ultra sensitivity to many meds, and at times it has been a bit unnerving some of the reactions. My son developed some seizure activity on Adderall, though overall I recognize he did very well on it. Side effects, long-term use, exacerbating factors, the up/down on/off meds, all played a role in neither of us wanting to pursue meds as an option at this point, though should he change his mind, I would be fully supportive in his journey.

What do you mean by "some seizure activity"?

He started having absence seizures. The stimulants are known for lowering the seizure threshold. :-(

... Most psych conditions are lifelong and don't have a "cure," persay. Just like many other lifelong conditions. You treat and try to manage them. They don't just go away.
...
But just like my BP, allergies, and Hashimoto's, ADD is something I'll deal with and hafta do my best with for the rest of my life (or until some significant medical advances are made that do "cure" these conditions, which is unlikely any time in the near future).

...Well, it looks like "The Future Is Now" -
What Is Neurofeedback? (http://www.eeginfo.com/info_what.htm)
Neurotherapy & ADHD (http://www.adhd.com.au/neurotherapy.htm)This isn't some new-age "crystals and meditation" crap, or fish-oils and tofu. This is applied Neuroscience.



Here are just a few studies & articles published in medical journals showing just how effective it is, and how it compares to meds long-term:
"A controlled study of the effectiveness of EEG biofeedback training on-children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16201300?dopt=Abstract)" - Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China) - 2005
"Electroencephalographic Biofeedback in the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (http://www.aapb.org/files/public/Monastra_White_Paper.pdf)" - Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, Vol. 30, No. 2, June 2005
"A Comparison of EEG Biofeedback and Psychostimulants in Treating Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (http://www.adhd.com.au/downloads/Rossiter_Lavaque_ADHD_Ritalin%20study.pdf)" - Journal of Neurotherapy 1995
More can be found here (http://www.eegspectrum.com/Applications/ADHD-ADD/) and here (http://www.isnr.org/CBCog.cfm)I personally have gone through 35 sessions, and let me tell you, it works. Period.

As I stated before, I'm off all meds.

The only reason I'm still on these Forums is to try to spread the word and try to lend some support and hope to those still suffering from the symptoms of AD(H)D, depression, anxiety, bi-polar, etc.

Not many people have heard about it because unlike major drug companies, most disrtuptive scientific breakthroughs don't have their own PR firm. Any advertising done is by local Neurofeedback Practictioners, and usually can't compete with the army of reps and exposure the drug companies have.

Bethany, are you still around? I have noticed you have some good threads(that you started)...I would say simply.....meds have side effects and nobody wants side effects. They just are not "natural" and in turn, not good for your body. If they help you or other people to be more; successful, productive, happy, etc.. then by all means take medication.

Keep on posting, Bethany!

Well, it looks like "The Future Is Now" -
What Is Neurofeedback? (http://www.eeginfo.com/info_what.htm)
Neurotherapy & ADHD (http://www.adhd.com.au/neurotherapy.htm)This isn't some new-age "crystals and meditation" crap, or fish-oils and tofu. This is applied Neuroscience.




Here are just a few studies & articles published in medical journals showing just how effective it is, and how it compares to meds long-term:
"A controlled study of the effectiveness of EEG biofeedback training on-children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16201300?dopt=Abstract)" - Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China) - 2005
"Electroencephalographic Biofeedback in the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (http://www.aapb.org/files/public/Monastra_White_Paper.pdf)" - Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, Vol. 30, No. 2, June 2005
"A Comparison of EEG Biofeedback and Psychostimulants in Treating Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (http://www.adhd.com.au/downloads/Rossiter_Lavaque_ADHD_Ritalin%20study.pdf)" - Journal of Neurotherapy 1995
More can be found here (http://www.eegspectrum.com/Applications/ADHD-ADD/) and here (http://www.isnr.org/CBCog.cfm)I personally have gone through 35 sessions, and let me tell you, it works. Period.

As I stated before, I'm off all meds.

The only reason I'm still on these Forums is to try to spread the word and try to lend some support and hope to those still suffering from the symptoms of AD(H)D, depression, anxiety, bi-polar, etc.

Not many people have heard about it because unlike major drug companies, most disrtuptive scientific breakthroughs don't have their own PR firm. Any advertising done is by local Neurofeedback Practictioners, and usually can't compete with the army of reps and exposure the drug companies have.



I'm starting some biofeedback stuff shortly so we'll see how it goes. I'm keeping my meds though unless they start showing they're not improving anything.

I'm very skeptical that anything I actually have available to me at this point will "cure" or "fix" my brain. There's too much going on up there. I'd really like to be able to afford some different scans to check for physical abnomalities and abnormal activity just out of curiosity but I don't see that in my future. Just don't have the access. :P

I don't doubt that these treatment methods can be effective or improve function. I'm certainly not jumping on the "this will cure everybody!" bandwagon either.
It is definitely intriguing though and interesting advancements with obvious potential.

Glad it worked for you though. :)

I'm starting some biofeedback stuff shortly so we'll see how it goes. ...
Are you starting plain old "Biofeedback", or "Neurofeedback" / "EEG Biofeedback"?

Traditional Biofeedback itself just helps you become more aware of your physiological state, and try to alter it to help relax or change cognative behaviors. It's a handy tool to help with cognative retraining, but doesn't really alter the way your mind works.

Neurofeedback helps you become more aware of your neurological state, and uses a similar mechanism to alter it to adjust brain (dys)function at a much lower level than regular Biofeedback.

Are you starting plain old "Biofeedback", or "Neurofeedback" / "EEG Biofeedback"?

Traditional Biofeedback itself just helps you become more aware of your physiological state, and try to alter it to help relax or change cognative behaviors. It's a handy tool to help with cognative retraining, but doesn't really alter the way your mind works.

Neurofeedback helps you become more aware of your neurological state, and uses a similar mechanism to alter it to adjust brain (dys)function at a much lower level than regular Biofeedback.


I'm doing biofeedback. I'm not expecting it to change how my mind works but I'm all for developing my ability to work with it better. :)

I don't think I have access to neurofeedback in my immediate area and have financial concerns about it being a real possibility for me at this point :(. I'm interested in it though.