I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was relatively young, before what I've dubbed the ADD fad where doctors were throwing Ritalin at kids like candy. I think I was just a naturally energetic kid as a child, but I can confidently say that it was more than that, and it persisted. On the other hand though, I learned to deal with it and at this point, over 10 years later, I rarely think about it as a concrete thing anymore. Hell, before I found this site I think it had been probably over a year since I really thought about my ADHD. I've come to think of my impulsiveness, my hesitance to do something impulsive, and all the other things as just who I am at heart. My best method to help my social life has to just be confident in whatever I do, impulsive or not.

My biggest problems were thinking too fast, about too many things, and in just too much in general. Memory came into play a lot, and I think the hesitance to speak as a result of my "blurt out's" caused some good and bad personality development.

I took Ritalin when I was younger, but it caused, well, I think I described it with my 5-8 (I don't remember exactly) years of knowledge as a "funny feeling". I tried Concerta later on during High school to try and help my grades. I never really came to a solid conclusion about the pro's of Concerta, but I definitely felt the cons. I lost appetite, but the worst was that I felt like someone other than myself. I never liked how people reacted to my quirkyness, but I did come to place a substantial value on just being me, and when I was on medication I never felt like myself. It may have been psychological, but it never felt right.

So I guess what I'm really asking is, well, put down your thoughts; regarding the medication, how any of you who have had ADHD for a long time have gotten around it, and anything else really that comes to mind.

First real post, this site seems pretty cool :)

I was diagnosed as a kid but didn't take medication until three years ago. It really helped, but caused problematic side effects. I only occasionally take it now because of that. I find using my PDR and Franklin Planner, taking Omega III fatty acids; calcium, magnisium, and zinc; and getting lots of exercise help me function pretty well. I still get behind on my house, laundry, and card/gifts; but do pretty well otherwise. I have to figure out my limits and not exceed them or I'll spiral into anxiety or depression. The 12 steps have also been incredibly helpful for me and I have a good support system.

what are the 12 steps?

what are the 12 steps?
The 12 steps adapted from Alcoholics Annoymous. Drs. Hallowell and Ratey discuss how to use them for ADD in their book Delivered from Distraction. It's been life changing for me. It didn't stop me from being ADD, but really helps me cope more effectively with the issues that come up and to be of more help to others. I find I also think more clearly and have better focus and more impulse control when practicing the steps. Plus, I'm a lot happier and haven't had nearly the trouble with comorbid conditions (anxiety and depression) and tendencies toward behavioral addictions.

1. "We admitted I was powerless over ____________ (piles and procrastination; or disorganization and chaos; or forgetfulness, lapses in attention, and failure to follow through -- just a few of the suggestions made in Delivered from Distraction) that our lives had become unmanageable."

2. "Came to believe that a Power great than ourselves could retore us to sanity."

3. "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him."

You can read the rest of them on line under AA or in the Big Book on line.