Any blokes with ADD dx as adults advice for a newbie?

[Paddles]

Hi. Hope I'm not being a bother but I really wanted to hear from older blokes who put up with ADD as adults before finally getting some help. I'm mid 40s and strongly suspect I'm ADD but never have had an assessment or taken meds for it. This is mainly cos I did get treatment for depression (divorce, low esteem related) in the early 90s but the anti-ds really f**k me up so I'm wary of health care professionals. The thing is, I'm hanging out to try the stimulant meds. What I believe to be ADD is driving me nuts: lack of focus, frequent bouts of boredom/irritability, unfinished projects, sensitivity to criticism, disorganisation, forgetfulness, the lack of mates (cos I got tired of being 'a bit different' and withdrew). I work hard but its a struggle and am a chronic underachiever. I struggle to sit there everyday and waste heaps of time, and ruminate on negative stuff--although without a job, the lack of stucture is pretty bad for me (with all the drinking and other bs I do as part of self medication). Can anyone relate? Should I be hopeful that stim. meds might help? If not meds, what's the way forward?
Appreciate the help. Best wishes, Paddles

[Oilspill]

Hey Paddles, No bother brother....you have in my personal experience classic ADHD. I lived with it for 48 years before being diagnosed and was just like you. Get some retlin, its not like depression med, works totally differently, not addictive, when its out your system its out. Worse case is you get a bit of a headache sometimes. Stay away from booze, cigs, all other drugs because they are you just self medicating and you will destroy yourself. I thought I could never give up smoking, but after being on retlin for a year I just gave up cigs. Don't let anyone tell you that you are just lazy, deperessed, etc and need to pull yourself together. You cannot, retiln will change your life and pull you right out of that dark space so that you can take control and start putting your life back together. Well thats what happened to me. Sure I still have dark days, sure I still spend some days starying at the computer, but I have a job, family, children, stunning life. Without being diagnosed and being put onto retlin I would have blown my brains out or done something really stupid. Its as simple as that.

[Drewbacca]

Contrary to what Oilspill just said, stimulants can be and are often addictive. The potential for this is reduced by maintaining small therapeutic dosages... but the risk is still there.

Also, while Ritalin may work for you, some people respond better to different medications. The only way to find out if something works and to determine the best treatment is to contact a professional for an evaluation.

Based on what was said in the OP, I would say that there is a strong likelihood of ADHD. First, however, you need to eliminate other potential issues which often masquerade as ADHD. Even if it does turn out to be ADHD, medication may or may not be necessary for effective treatment.

Welcome to the forums, Paddles. You'll find plenty of information and detailed discussions of the points I mentioned as you get a better feel for this place.

[Oilspill]

Thanks Drew but your approach is the last thing he wants to hear. Its enough to send anyone with ADHD climbing the walls. The addictive and negative affects of Retlin are so small compared to any other drug on the market. Retlin Addiction, if anyone ever became addicted, would be only mental and not physcial so I personally think you are talking nanny state nonsence. He needs immediate help, not patronising doctor bureaucratic speak....flip man give a guy a break.

[Conman]

i have yet to feel addicted in any way to my Adderall...just putting it out there

[PoppnNSailinMan]

I found an interesting article on a PBS website called "The What, When, and How of Taking Ritalin." It is written by Dr. Lawrence Diller who wrote a whole book on Ritalin called "Running on Ritalin: A Physician Reflects on Children, Society, and Performance in a Pill" (Bantam, 1998). On the question of addiction to Ritalin, he says the following:

"The most serious drugs of abuse are those that readily cause users to develop tolerance (the need for a higher and higher dose to obtain the same effect) or addiction (a physical and emotional craving for the drug). In the typical dose range of 5 mg to 20 mg, up to perhaps 60 mg total per day, Ritalin does not produce either tolerance or addiction. Ritalin does not accumulate in the bloodstream or elsewhere in the body, and no withdrawal symptoms occur when someone abruptly stops taking the drug, even after years of use. However, with teenagers and adults who abuse Ritalin--by taking high doses, sometimes via snorting or shooting the drug--the phenomena of tolerance, addiction, and withdrawal can occur."

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontl...gs/diller.html

[Retromancer]

I will say from experience that being out of work you need extra psychological support. It's too easy to slide down -- with or without ADHD. The dilemma is actually being able to get care when you are out of work. What are your options in Australia?

[Drewbacca]

Originally Posted by Oilspill

Thanks Drew, but your approach is the last thing he wants to hear. Its enough to send anyone with ADHD climbing the walls....

He needs immediate help, not patronising doctor bureaucratic speak....flip man give a guy a break.

For one, this wasn't an "approach." I was stating facts. I ask that you do the same. You put out incorrect information and I corrected you. Did the OP make any mention of fearing addiction prior to you bringing it up? No. So, you're starting a side conversation that is irrelevant to this thread.

Sorry if I come off as a "nanny." There's another name for nanny, which is moderator. So please, rest assured that my comment is not personally directed towards you. I'm trying to keep this conversation on track.

[Paddles]

Thanks guys, really appreciate the input/insights. Its been one hulleva ride with this ADD and I'm very keen to speak to my GP about it. I'm in a mining camp so can't at this time but will when I'm back in the city. I've developed some coping mechanisms but its still a struggle--the social side of it is perhaps the most debilitating for me (I get frustrated pretty easily). Really appreciate it! P

[Oilspill]

Drew lets just agree to differ...he was talking about drinking and self medication. I think your facts on retlin are counter productive and wrong.
Paddels hang in there until you get back to town.

[of_two_minds]

My advice is, as hard as it is to do: don't obsess over it, don't dwell on it, don't focus on it.

[Forgotagain]

If you haven't already and if you are able, get a proper professional diagnosis. ADHD is frequently misdiagnosed as depression because the symptoms of ADHD cause depression. Get a second opinion if needed.

I was diagnosed as an adult. My doctor is one who is hesitant to prescribe medications (meds), so when I went to him with my problem he sent me to a specialist. The specialist took 3 months to complete his diagnosis. I began meds half way through the diagnosis, and the medications helped confirm the diagnosis.

Above all, get a professional diagnosis so that you know what the heck is going on. Meds help, but knowing that I absolutely have moderate-severe ADHD helps me more that any of the meds. I know what habits and actions can make it worse or better. Some very simple things like setting a regular bed time have helped me a lot.

Hope this helps.

p.s. Can you ask Holden to sell the Ute SS-V in the States please?

[Paddles]

Hey mates,
Its all good information and much appreciated. I will start with my GP when I'm in town about assessment and treatment for ADD. I remember that I only had a positive result when prescribed provigil (modafinil) as an off label anti-d (years ago)--given by an exasperated GP after I went downhill pretty bad on stuff like lexapro. That is what made me think that I had some dopamine deficiency (although in retrospect the reckless/impulsive behaviour and chronic boredom as far back as I can remember seems to be ADD related from what I'm learning here).

p.s. Can you ask Holden to sell the Ute SS-V in the States please?

Sorry but I don't hold any sway over Holden in spite of being a long term driver of the tradey's classic, a garden variety Rodeo (the SS-V is a very different beast!).

[HyperFOP]

I'm older, discovered my ADHD about two years ago. Meds for me are the only way to go. I am happier with them than without them. Dont abuse them, but if you do, realize its not the end of the world. Time-Release is the way to go if you fall into that trap. Your doc will change the prescription if you need to. ADHD isn't the end, there are many good things that come from it. Also realize that there are a lot of people with other issues, nobody has no issues. But knowing what your issues are, and knowing where to go to find help, is paramount. Its good to have a good ADHD doctor, and that doesn't always mean a GP, it usually means a Psychiatrist. After that, I would say start learning to forgive yourself. Next, make sure you take advantage of FMLA leave time from your work. Once certified, its going to be important to leave work when you have the symptoms so you don't get yourself fired. My work has been accommodating, but only after a lot of work on my part. I often was yelled at and threatened when I needed to leave, but no more. Think of it as a teaching and leadership role to helping others in the future of your workplace. The best way to do this is to be knowledgeable of it in every way. Good luck brother.

[alan1]

- Get evaluated by someone who treats ADHD a lot.
- If you have it, the studies are pretty clear. Meds help the best. Other things provide some help but are not nearly as effective. All other treatment is ancillary and works better if done with meds.
- If you try meds, be patient. It can take a while to figure out the right drug or combination of drugs and proper dosage. It is a subjective thing.
- Learn as much as you can about the problem.
- If there is a support group for adults in your community (find out through CHADD), join it. Hearing how others cope firsthand is priceless and it is also useful to just be with a bunch of other people who understand you without having to try to explain or excuse your behavior all the time.
Treatment helps most people but it is something you will always work with.
Bst of luck.