Hi there,

I was diagnosed this year at the age of 21 with Adult AD/HD.

I was miss-diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Personality Disorder, Bipolar and many other illnesses and was sectioned in a psychiatric unit on many occasions.

Thank-Fully I got a new doctor this year that read through my medical file & diagnosed me with AD/HD.

In the past 5 years I have cut my wrists, leg & stomach due to my AD/HD. Now I'm stuck with these scars which haunt me & make me feel really bad and upset as I have to look at them constantly.

I am now on Concerta XL 36MG which has changed my life around. Since starting the medication I have moved out of my mother’s house and I'm living with my partner but I’m having problems with my medication.

I'm unable to sleep well and I've lost 2 stone in 3 months. I am now weighing 8.7 Stone & my height is 5'8. Also I can't eat when I've taken my tablet. I usually take my tablet around 11:00AM.

I'm really worried about my weight as I'm 21 & I'm underweight. I was 10 Stone before I started this medication. My heart also races & frequently misses beats.
Please leave comments. Thank-You.

~ Bobby

First, I'm glad to hear you say that your new diagnosis and treatment have turned your life around. Your new independence is a great sign.

I'm just an amateur, but it sounds to me like you need to work on adjusting your dosage (with the doctor's help, of course) and probably the timing. Concerta can't be cut in half (can it people? correct me if I am wrong) so your prescription may need to be changed.

Sounds like a good solid meal before you take your daily dose might help, plus small high density snacks during the day, like a hard-boiled egg or a yogurt or a handful of nuts -- ignore appetiteand take each snack like it was a medicine in itself if you have to. Maybe one snack on the hour, or every other hour, to keep the engine fuelled. Even without appetite, the body needs fuel.

From what I have heard on this list, cutting isn't a common result of pure ADHD, but more often tied to depression. But you also seem to be upset by the scars. This is an unhappy focus for you, I'm sorry you are unhappy and sorry you feel you have to look at them constantly.

I have a real zoo of scars myself, from a rather clumsy body encountering bicycles, dirt bikes, stepladders, tree climbing, breaking up a dog fight, learning to skin rabbits on the farm, and on and on. I see my scars as kind of a physical diary, memories of what was happening in my life when I got each one.

This might not work for you, since I guess your scars might raise up sad memories. But you do have a choice about how to think about your scars and your whole body.

The more I learn about the body, anyone's body, the more amazingly complex and busy I find it is.

Can you find a quiet five minutes every day to spend with your body, admiring it and loving it and cuddling it, as if it was a baby or a pet? And don't criticise the scars, but say, "There is a mark of my unhappiness, but look how smoothly it healed and how strongly it holds together now. Look how it closed together without complaint, and protects me now as it did before it was ever cut."

I hope this helps you. Good luck, and call your doctor soon -- you're quite right, your weight for your height looks like something that needs fixing.

Ducky

Bobby,

I, too, have been recently diagnosed with ADHD myself (after 36 yrs and two years of treatment for anxiety, panic, and depression) and, like yourself, I am also taking Concerta. Concerta has literally changed my life... But, like you, I have had a few difficulties with adjusting to it; eating has been the central issue.

I have always been lean and athletic (5' 11''); I am now 189lbs (13.5 stone), I believe due to the antidepressants I was taking and now am shedding the extra pounds rapidly now that I am taking Concerta. (I hope my UK conversions are correct...)

I have never been able to eat much in the mornings. However, I have learned that I have to take my dose with, at a minimum, a glass of milk, but the more substantial the better, like toast and taking the Concerta afterwards. Due to my work schedule, my dosage is around 6 a.m. and tends to last till 6-7 p.m.

I have also noticed that I tend to "forget" to eat, until I am literally nauseous from hunger and starting to get a headache. At this point, because of the nausea, eating is a bit hard to do, but as soon as I get some decent food in me I'm fine.

So I have started to make myself "snack packs" of lean-protein and complex carbohydrates. (A trick I borrowed from my wife regarding our four-year old...) For example, I whip up a quick "smoothie" in a blender in the mornings, with milk, a banana or two, orange juice, a bit of yogurt, and a single scoop of protein powder (not necessarily to gain weight, but to give my stomach something to work on...)

I try to stay away from over-processed foods and refined sugars; If I do have any sweets it's just to get my blood-sugar up when I am dealing with the hunger/nausea issue. The quick shot of sugar seems to settle my hunger enough to be able to have a decent bite to eat.

This leads me to suspect that since Concerta is a stimulant, it is moving my already high-metabolism a bracket or two higher, and as a consequence, I am burning more calories and expending blood sugar levels faster.

Yes, it can be a pain at times but, considering the huge positive impact Concerta has made for me and my life, it is a relatively minor change for me to have to "think" about what I eat for the first time in my life and when.
I have noticed that exercise has been critical in managing the jitters that tend to pop-up from time to time.

And for the first few weeks on Concerta, my sleep was pretty jacked-up as well, but I suspected this was a transitive effect of being on a new med. I turns out that I was right as I am now getting some of the best sleep in my life. I also had the heart palpitations, but they have practically disappeared as well. When they do appear, it is usually when I feel my dose kick in...and quickly subside.

But, I would not disregard your issues being dosage related as HollyDuck stated in her post, either. My "side effect threshold" was at 72mg; headaches, constant jitters, zero sleep, tight chest (like an asthma attack). So, I dropped back to 54mg and they virtually disappeared.

I won't pretend to "know" what it must have been like for you to harm yourself and what it is like to carry the scars with you, but the thought occurs to me that while they "haunt" you and "make me feel really bad and upset" they also represent enduring fight you have had to wage... But you did endure it and are determined enough to keep fighting for yourself!! That takes guts!! (Obstinate and incorrigible determination are key positive traits in ADHD)

The fact that your scars are there cannot be changed; what has happened in the past cannot be changed. But the past doesn't have to determine your future, because each of us can learn and change. I'd be lying to you, if I said I don't carry any scars of my own; everyone does. Some scars can be seen and some cannot... But you are in good company here...keep asking questions, keep learning, and keep thinking.

No one is an expert on Life; we learn as we go...

Hope this helps,
ESM

Holly is correct about self-injury. It is not part of ADD.

Self-injury tends to be linked with trauma disorders, such as the dissociative disorders, PTSD or some of the personality disorders. It can also happen in psychosis (schizophrenia, brief delusional disorders, bipolar).

(SI is not the same as a TRUE 'suicide attempt'. People are not trying to "die", etc. Some people don't even realize they have done it until they see the scars or blood or burns. Some do not feel the pain as they are self injuring. That would be the dissociation effects at work.)

There are a few good books out about Self Injury such as "The Bright Red Scream".

[There is a second form of self-injury behaviour that is particular to the profoundly or severely mentally disabled/retarded. But obviously if you are here posting messages, that is not applicable to your situation.]

The only ways I know how to get rid of scars are thru (a) silicon bandages (plastic surgeons use these), (b) surgical reduction (if they are keloids/raised scars of tissue) or (c) the use of Laser (similar to how Tattoos are removed).

Laser works well, but is expensive. Such lasers are also used on port of wine birth marks (hemangiomas), etc.

I've recently been diagnosed ADD in my mid 40's and started on Concerta.

Have the same appetite problems....so I try to have a decent breakfast which is hard as mornings ain't my best time. Lunch is a lost cause but now I try and do some of the cooking in the evening which helps and I make stuff that can sit in the fridge and be reheated late in the evening when I get the munchies.

I've also had some insomnia but found a glass of wine before bed helps....which is a real sod as I have tried so hard to get my drinking under control and wanted to cut it out almost completely....

funny you mention heart stuff....I've got that too, irregular heartbeat and I'm getting it checked out.



kilt

Concerta can't be cut in half (can it people? correct me if I am wrong)
Indeed, it cannot. There is a mechanism inside the capsule (an osmotic pump) to release the medication slowly and cutting it would destroy that.

I've read through all the above replies & found all the information very usefull.

I will try some of the above methods and let you all know how it goes.

Thank-You very much for all your comments.

~ Bobby

Hi all,

I had my partner wake me up at 7:00AM this morning & give me my tablet then I went back to sleep.

I woke up feeling great & havn't had a problem with eating all day. I've also been alot more motivated & cleaned the house twice! :p

Anyone on Concerta should try this themselves as due to this the release from Concerta has been much more less of an impact throughout the day than usual.

~ Bobby

Hey Bobby-

I was in a similar shape that you were in when I was first diagnosised with ADD. I had gone through bouts of depression, anxiety, and social anxiety for about 5 years, had seen a psychiatrist, psychologist, and had even sought some "alternative" routes e.g. hypnosis, yoga, etc.

Still, when all was said and done, it was simply ADD.

This was a breath of fresh air in my mind. I have no problem taking medication nor dealing with the "side effects" of having ADD - hyperactivity, hyperfocus, shifting moods, et cetera - because now I could have a label to go with it.

As for your weight / body image - I would suggest simply eating small meals throughout the day (start with a plate of cheese and crackers if it helps) and move onto bigger meals. With that, do some light exercise (lifting preferably) to help add on some pounds. The combination will get your body moving back in the right direction for sure. Soon, as your weight improves, your partner and you will begin to notice, and I believe that your self-esteem will sky rocket.

On top of that, I would suggest David Burn's Feeling Good for managing depression / anxiety / low self esteem because it's the only non-medication based system scientifically tested to change all of those for the better. It works on simple concept of cognitive behavioral therapy that is - "What you think about trigger emotions and changes your mental condition." With that, you can simply write what you're thinking, notice how it's NOT accurate, and change it.

It did wonders for me, and I hope it can do wonders for you.

頑張って！

Hey Bobby-

I was in a similar shape that you were in when I was first diagnosised with ADD. I had gone through bouts of depression, anxiety, and social anxiety for about 5 years, had seen a psychiatrist, psychologist, and had even sought some "alternative" routes e.g. hypnosis, yoga, etc.

Still, when all was said and done, it was simply ADD.

This was a breath of fresh air in my mind. I have no problem taking medication nor dealing with the "side effects" of having ADD - hyperactivity, hyperfocus, shifting moods, et cetera - because now I could have a label to go with it.

As for your weight / body image - I would suggest simply eating small meals throughout the day (start with a plate of cheese and crackers if it helps) and move onto bigger meals. With that, do some light exercise (lifting preferably) to help add on some pounds. The combination will get your body moving back in the right direction for sure. Soon, as your weight improves, your partner and you will begin to notice, and I believe that your self-esteem will sky rocket.

On top of that, I would suggest David Burn's Feeling Good for managing depression / anxiety / low self esteem because it's the only non-medication based system scientifically tested to change all of those for the better. It works on simple concept of cognitive behavioral therapy that is - "What you think about trigger emotions and changes your mental condition." With that, you can simply write what you're thinking, notice how it's NOT accurate, and change it.

It did wonders for me, and I hope it can do wonders for you.

頑張って!
Woah.. Japan! I love that place... been there a bunch of times... wanna go again soon, my friend's some sorta photographer and has events he does like with MTV Japan and stuff.

Anyways, I also was dx'd with everything under the sun (BP, OCD etc). Got tired of all that crap and dropped the meds, felt ok but my work was doing crappy. Re-visited the doc and got yet my 5th or 6th proper ADHD dx, gave me Adderall and I feel great.

Woah.. Japan! I love that place... been there a bunch of times... wanna go again soon, my friend's some sorta photographer and has events he does like with MTV Japan and stuff.

Anyways, I also was dx'd with everything under the sun (BP, OCD etc). Got tired of all that crap and dropped the meds, felt ok but my work was doing crappy. Re-visited the doc and got yet my 5th or 6th proper ADHD dx, gave me Adderall and I feel great.

That's awesome man! It's wonderful when you the get the medication that you truly need - it really changes everything!

If you ever come back to the land of the rising sun - let me know. I'm more than willing to go wild in the Neon city - especially with someone else with ADD. :D

That's awesome man! It's wonderful when you the get the medication that you truly need - it really changes everything!

If you ever come back to the land of the rising sun - let me know. I'm more than willing to go wild in the Neon city - especially with someone else with ADD. :D
Last time I was there I fell asleep on the Maruonuchi line after partying all night in Toyko. Did like three cycles back and forth on that subway line.

I'll be back soon enough.. best friend's out there.. has a place in Kawasaki next to the Den-en-toshi line..

You are wise to be concerned. I can relate to the circumstances that you now find yourself. To proceed without caution could kill you. I found myself in a state of declining health (physical, psychological and social) without the resources to correct the harm done or even stop the continuous deterioration of my mind, body and soul. There are a myriad of elements that brought about my coming to grief but the trigger was a lack of care while prescribing treatment for ADHD with the powerful psychotropic medications that insidiously alter personage and judgment. Nevertheless, the ultimate cause was the naive expectations and trust I placed in the indifferent and unaccountable practice of my psychiatrist.

Trust yourself to find out the answers to your dilemma. Thank God for the blessing that you have learned this lesson. Remember one step in the right direction is worth a wasted mile behind. Take care!

Hi, Bobby.
As they say what a relief, weight suddenly lifted off your shoulders..... .
I am a Coordinator for a local chadd group and it has helped me tremendously. Maybe you should eat your breakfast 'bout 9-10 am then take your med at 11. As you say it makes youNOY want to eat but thats what it is supposed to do. Also ask
dr. about co-existing disorders, nrxt time you see him. maybe you have one of those to.

A belated welcome to our family here. glad to have you. Here is a good link that may help you or somone else about the si.
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/self_injury.htm

Self-Injury:

Types, Causes and Treatment

Hey Bobby,

It's funny, because back in history scars were hot! Dude, I'm not sure if you have the right viewpoint about the scars. One time it WAS a wound which means at one time you were bleeding and now you have these scars that remind you of what?

That you've healed! And are continually healing. Dude, take a closer look because you're a success story in the making.

Bobby, you should acknowledge them as battle scars! You've been through a lot for a kid and you've suffered and sacrificed a chunk of your youth but because you're still young you have much more appreciation for life, I'm hoping. Am I right?

We've all seen jerks. Those guys who, in their 40's still act like they're in high school because they never had to mature. On the other hand, many people like us, who were robbed in some ways have reaped rich lives because of our perspective on life because of emotional and physical scars and we were forced to mature perhaps too early but on the other hand it's how you live your life. You're a sensitive guy, that's awesome! Stay that way and learn to be proud of WHO you are.

We've all seen the Oprah show and the crap people go through and succeed... but how about HER scars? Raped for years! That's a tough one but look what she did with her scars! Dude, she broadcasted her own story and MILLIONS of people love her because of WHO she is and what she's done with her life. Those scars pushed her to success!

Leave yourself alone and realize how far you've come because of one person. A doctor. That should give you confidence to do research and ask questions about things you read about. There are many doctors who don't have all the answers, they're only limited humans like the rest of us. You're alive and blessed and living in a country where you can express it and continue to get help for yourself.

Learn as much as you can about your situation and participate along with the doctor about what's best for you. Stay involved in your own health. Feeling sorry for yourself is important so don't go pushing those feelings down. But self-pity can also be like a broken dam sometimes. Understand why you feel the way you do and then find a positive outlet to express your anger and sadness. Martial arts, drawing, painting, music. I'll bet you 25 cents that you'd be a good actor. Have you considered taking an acting class? They're scary at first and too much fun! The first time I saw myself on video it was like watching somebody else, it's so cool! All you have to do is choose and if you don't like something, check it off your list and try something else.

One of the darkest moments of my life was when the ADD and bipolarity both kicked in. I went to see a shrink who told me straight out ~ that I was clinically depressed. Dude, I thought "Well yeah, I'm in a clinic and I don't feel happy!" DUH! I've come a long way but it's my research that got me here.

During this time I was struggling in a business and fighting with other people who I thought were nuts! In the middle of all this is when I started to PAINT! Go figure. So here I was on the verge of insanity and in the middle of that... a rebirth!

You're making it happen for yourself, Bobby. Continue to reach out and share your feelings. It's when people don't that things can go haywire. I mentioned earlier in the other posts about my faith. Having a spiritual life is really important for me. It gives meaning to life and helps me cope and gives me strength and wisdom.

There's so MUCH for you Bobby, stay in touch with your feelings and create something wonderful from the pain then pay it forward and help somebody else... when you can. You'll never be the same and you'll be overflowing with pride for yourself. You're on the right path. Take S L O W steps and don't hang with the wrong people. Hope this helps! You sound like a great dude.