ADHD

Question: adhd:,,,,,,? i think i have adhd, well actually im like positive so how do i tell my parents (though they already really know)? do i have to go to a certain doctor or just a regular one? advice =D

Answer: It would be worth your while to ask around about which doctor in your area is very knowledgeable about ADHD. Many docs are not expert in this field and what they will dish out is a half-baked diagnosis. To complement your treatment plan, you may want to ensure you consume a balanced diet with ADHD vitamins / ADHD diet. Take a look here => http://www.adhdquestionsandanswers.com/ADHD_Vitamins.html Have a nice day.

Question: AdHd????????!!!!!!? Alright, so I'm 12, and i always have just random thoughts running through my mind, and i get into one thing for like a week then i just forget about it and do something else. Sometimes something sounds really fun, then i don't wanna do it and i do something else fun, then i get into something else. So please help me. Am i ADHD!?

Answer: No hun, you are not adhd, you are a teen, or preteen. You are figuring out what you like, don't like, are good at, have a knack for, and where your interests lie. Enjoy this time, you will soon be at an age where you do not have this luxury.

Question: Could ADHD be the reason my nine year old can not read or tell the difference between 16 and 60? My nine year old can not read or remember how to spell little words like as and on. She also having major problems with complicated sorting that other children younger then her can do. The school says it is because she is not on medication for her ADHD. She has a younger sister who has ADHD and is not on medication and she is doing well in school. Can ADHD cause all her problems or is there something else going on.

Answer: ADHD is a condition where a child or adult can not stay focused on something (and is really hyper sometimes) it has nothing to do with a child's ability to remember. Although i think i have ADD the conditions are similar except for the hyper part. but like everybody else i suggest having the district physiologist at a look at her

Question: How long before natural ADHD remedies start to work? My 7 year old son shows the classic ADHD symptoms and I started him on Sea Buddies Concentrate yesterday (minimum dosage). He is a big boy, so I am sure we will need to give him more that the recommended starting dosage (you may give up to 10). We have also started him on DHA. How long should it be before I start to notice a change? And is there something better than Concentrate? What about Focus Factor?

Answer: I would first recommend sticking with the recommended dose unless a doctor says otherwise... too much of a good thing isn't always a better thing and may actually hurt him in the long run to take too much. In general, supplements may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to get into the system enough to notice a difference. Supplements literally give your body nutrition it's otherwise lacking, so it takes time for your body to use that nutrition to repair any damage it can and to nourish those specific areas of the body. For something as severe as ADHD, it may take a few weeks to notice a positive change, but I have read a lot of research that shows how much Fish Oil (like is in the Sea Buddies Concentrate) can help kids with ADHD. You should see good benefits soon enough, but they will be pretty gradual, so you may just realize "hey, he hasn't done ___ for a while" one day... that's how I noticed that Fish Oil was helping me (and Ginkgo, but that's not generally safe for a child). Good luck to you both!

Question: What is the difference between lack of concentration caused by ADHD and Depression? I have lack of concentration and memory and I think is due to my depression. However I do not know if I have ADHD. What is the difference between the lack of concentration caused by ADHD and the one caused by Depression. Are they treated with different meds?

Answer: ADHD is probably best described as an lack of focus. Instead of doing nothing, you pick up a book, read 10 pages, pick up another, read 10 pages, et cetera. When someone has severe ADHD symptoms, they may become depressed. If you naturally switch topics at a high enough rate, and your intellect doesn't allow you to follow that rate, you'll stumble over simple tasks. For instance, someone who has difficulty with math might struggle with addition. With ADHD, they would naturally try to solve two math problems at once. I don't have ADHD so I wouldn't quote me on this, but a one therapist speculated that I had it. Depression involves cloudiness of the mind or a lack of motivation to try. In some cases, this varies. I am having depression problems now. Sometimes, I can focus on things I enjoy. Most times, I can't focus on things I dislike. Other times, I can't focus on anything. I've been diagnosed as bipolar once so it might be a separate issue. Diagnostic criteria for mental health issues are not always accurate. What is the important thing, here? Well, I take 30mg dexedrine 1:15 minutes before I wake up. I set two alarms, take my medication, and go back to sleep. Previously, I had difficulty getting out of bed and concentrating. I was now able to wake up at a reasonable time. I still like to have about 9 hours sleep, which is on the higher end of what's considered reasonable. Should you be taking dexedrine? Of course, this is something to discuss with your doctor. I use it to help me wake up and concentrate, but my doctor thinks it's highly unlikely I have ADHD. So it can be used for depression treatment. Problem? My depression got worse. I now lack the motivation to concentrate or the ability, in some cases. When I can concentrate, and it's not impaired by the depression, I concentrate at the level my dexedrine helps me reach. I took Ritalin, and I ended up unable to sleep at 3am and crying profusely. Medications vary between people, and stimulants can have reactions with certain antidepressants. Difficulty with memory and concentration can be symptoms of depression. It's consistent with both conditions. Discuss how you feel with your doctor. My experience on dexedrine: 1. When I'm not depressed, I am able to wake up. When I am depressed, I can wake up. This is a mixed blessing because I'm miserable longer. However, research suggests oversleeping may contribute to depression, so I try to distract myself with regard to my depression symptoms. Therapy and antidepressants aren't instant cures to depression, and you can't see a therapist 24/7 in most cases. You have to find ways to make yourself feel good or at least "not bad" while you wait things out and work with professionals. 2. When I'm not depressed, I can concentrate. I am still adjusting to the medication. I often concentrate on more than one things, one of the symptoms of ADHD, because of the medication. However, I grew up with the internet. Multitasking isn't always ADHD. It's once of the most overdiagnosed medical conditions. 3. If your not interested in studying something, you won't remember it because of dexedrine. This was a big disappointment for me when I started Ritalin. At first, you're amazed at how stimulants work. After that wears off, you stop studying boring material. It's still a nice focus increase if you're actually motivated to study something. 4. Stimulants can change your appetite. I adjusted to this at 10mg and 20mg, but I'm having appetite issues at 30. I suspect they are linked to a flu and/or my depression, though, since they've worsened dramatically. 5. I've had concentration and memory issues in the past that were helped by medication. I imagine your doctor will investigate antidepressants (given you have depression) before considering ADHD. I always had problems getting up, though, so I may be using dexedrine primarily for sleep problems.

Question: I have adhd and my mom wont let me get adderall. What are your opinions on caffeine pills? I zone out in school so bad. Don't get me wrong though, I'm brilliant, ADHD is just detrimental. My mom is afraid im going to abuse/sell amphetamines if they are prescribed to me. Caffeine is the only thing I've found to help me so far. Would it be safe to use moderate doses of caffeine to maintain focus at school?

Answer: Try Strattera. Its a non-stimulate adhd medication that is not habit forming. To answer your question, I don't think anyone would recommend consuming a high level of anything especially something that will make you crash like caffeine.

Question: How do you get ADHD medicine out of your system? This morning I accidentally took my brothers ADHD pill. I didn't realized it until an hour later when I started to feel strange. I feel so terrible, it a stranger in my own body. I tried to throw up the pill but it already took effect. How do I get this feeling this feeling to go away?

Answer: Oh dear Lauren, If you are feeling anxious or stressed out, don't worry. That is the way the medication can make you feel. You will be okay. Tell a parent, teacher or doctor that you took one by mistake. This is specially important if you are taking other medications. You need to make sure that you haven't combined anything that could cause you harm. It is important that you tell someone so that they can help you out. Time is the only way it ill go away. Most ADHD medications will begin working within an hour and wear off after 6 to 12 hours. It may take until tomorrow to feel better and even a few days to feel completely normal. Best of luck! a skateboarder with ADHD that learned how to control his symptoms! http://www.adhdaction.com/

Question: How do athletes with ADHD get energy without caffeine? Most athletes I know use caffeine to get that extra boost of energy during performance, but with ADHD, caffeine has the opposite effect. Now, I may occasionally be a little hyper, but nothing compared to my other friends with a Red Bull or Monster in them. I want to know if there is anything I could take that would be comparable. Thanks!

Answer: sorry i cant help, but this is a good question

Question: What will happen to a boy with ADHD if his parents ignore it and always blame him for daydreaming? in school and acting wild and not having any friends (since no one wants to be friends with an ADHD child.) or getiing summer jobs or jobs on the weekends or after school. And the school doesn't care and just promote the students at the end of the year no matter what their academic achievements are. ADHD attention deficit hyperactivity disorder What kind of emotional scars will such a child have. What kind of an adult will this child turn out to be?

Answer: He would probably stop trying because no matter how hard he tries his parents will constantly tell him that he's stupid and that his low grades are proof of it even though he tries really hard to focus on what the teacher said. That's what happened with me.

Question: What are the inherent flaws in the scientific theory of ADHD which cause so many people to deny its existence? Hello. I notice there are many well-educated, well-respected people who will express contempt at the notion of "Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder". Why is it exactly that this scientific theory is not very well accepted? And why is it also widely believed, that in the cases where it does actually exist, it is not as severe as it is made out to be? I am wondering what are the key factors in the theory of ADHD which turn educated people, including those qualified to diagnose neurological disorders, away from believing in it?

Answer: dude. i totally hear you and i wonder this myself people who deny its existence are retards and scientologists

Question: Is it common to have adhd without a learning disability? I have adhd without a learning disability and read in a book that this is rare and that that most people with adhd have a learning disability. By the way, even though I don't have a learning disability, would I be considered slow, because I have adhd?

Answer: Hi mjurecki89 - Great questions, and I think the answer will vary based on who / what you are reading. Yes, it is very common for a person diagnosed with ADHD to also have what is called a comorbid or coexisting condition. This includes depression, bipolar disorder, and as you are asking - learning disabilities. Now, just because they are common does not necessarily mean they are always present. As for the last part of your question, NO you would not and are NOT considered "slow" because you have ADHD. Some people (who are misinformed) might think that of you -- but in no way are you slow because of ADHD. ADHD is pretty much misunderstood by the general population to mean that someone has difficulty with attention, concentration, follow through, etc... BUT, a person with ADHD can also be rather quite successful if they have the right tools, supports, strategies, and resources in their life. My advice, consider yourself "different" and not disordered or disabled. Find your passion, and follow that. Hope this helps. All the best, Rory Rory F. Stern, PsyD ADHD Coach & "Former" Therapist http://www.ADHDFamilyOnline.com

Question: What are some things that I can do to deal with ADHD during the summer? I just found out at the end of last school (university) year that I have ADHD. I'm not taking classes now and am working on my parents farm for the summer. I am especially concerned with my social troubles, but do not have any access to social situations here (REALLY small town and all the people my age are gone for summer -- plus I've never really had any friends to start with). What are some things that I can do now to make next year better?

Answer: There are tons of ways to practice social skills over the summer, even if you are in a relatively isolated area. One good way to do so is to by joining an online group or playing an online role-playing game. It may sound weird, but even this "virtual" interaction can help you practice conversation skills and other social strategies. Here are some great articles about other things you can do: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/2998.html http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/885.html http://www.additudemag.com/topic/adult-add-adhd/friends-relationships.html

Question: How do ADHD medications affect those without ADHD? Since children who have ADHD are supposed to take certain medication in order to help them concentrate as well as improve in school, how would taking these drugs affect the brain of someone who does not have ADHD? For example, many students who are in college or university take ADHD in order to be able to focus better, stay up longer, etc ... What would the long-term and short-term effects be of taking these drugs? Sorry I meant to say that the university and college students illegally take ADHD medications.

Answer: well, my daughter has AD-HD, and iv seen her with out it and its not pretty as she is over active and out of control, but i had a close friend that had a son who wanted attention so he faked AD-HD and he passed all the symptoms (as he was copying my daughter) when he went home he got all the attention he wanted even at school the teachers let him get away with his behave and they didn't give him homework or anything. after about 3-4 weeks of taking his medication he started to feel ill and sick all the time, he went to the hospital and it turned out he was taking tablets(that's how we found out). but the only ones he was taking was the medication for his "AD-HD" . he went back to the doctor who diagnosed him, and she undiagnosed him, now he cant get diagnosed for anything, so when hes older if he wants a disability, unfortunately he cant get one as he is band from getting diagnosed for anything, all hes allowed is , tablets for sore throat and simple infections like that, but now he has depression and cant get medication for it. what happened to him was,... -he had a bad sickness -he lost his concentration -he had slouched speech -he couldn't think -he had 24 hour headaches the only reason i knew about this is because my daughter told me he was faking and then i told his mother, he got dun, she said to me she thought their was something wrong. and i asked her what happened to him and that's how i know about this.

Question: what kind of day planner to use for adult adhd? I have been recently diagnosed with adult adhd. I really need help with planning and remembering for work and personal. What would be the best planner to use and what should I have in it. Is a moleskine planner good enough for someone with adhd? I'm a family man as well as a business manager, so all of work and personal will go in. Thanks.

Answer: I would think that what ever kind of planner you feel comfortable with should do the trick. You may also want to consider something electronic. At work I use Outlook Calendar on my computer. It is great since I can use repeating tasks and appointments. You can also get palm-tops that fit in your hand and will synchronize to your work and home computer.

Question: Whats the difference between ADD and ADHD? I know what ADHD is, but isen't ADD in a child mean that he is not hyper, maybe just the opposite?

Answer: ADD is an outdated term that used to stand for "Attention Deficit Disorder." This was to distinguish primarily inattentive deficits from ADHD, "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder." The distinction used to indicate whether the patient had more hyperactive symptoms, or a less energetic but equally inattentive form of attention deficit. Now the term "ADD" is no longer used by professionals, and instead the two types are differentiated by saying either "ADHD, primarily hyperactive type" or "ADHD, primarily inattentive type." One is characterized by more hyperactive features, the things you usually think of when you think of ADHD - inability to sit for long periods of time, difficulty attending to a task, interrupting in conversations, abundance of energy, etc. The latter is a quieter form of ADHD, the kids who just can't seem to pay attention but aren't disruptive. They might be seen as "slackers" because they don't pay attention in class, doodle a lot, and just seem like general space cases. Children with primarily inattentive-type ADHD are the ones who are most frequently overlooked because their symptoms aren't as obvious, because they aren't loud and disruptive like children with primarily hyperactive ADHD. Hope that helps clear things up!

Question: How many of you have a female child with ADHD? We have a nine year old daughter that is severely ADHD. She is on two kinds of medicine- morning and evening. She started her meds a few weeks ago. What are some of the ways you deal with the problems that happen with an ADHD child? Temper tamtrums, not listening, just plain moody sometimes. Since she started taking her medicine, she really has gotten better. We still have our problems though. She goes back in a few weeks for reevaluation. My husband and I are looking for a few tips to make things a little easier. We have two other children in the house as well-3 years and 10 months. Thanks for your answers.

Answer: Increase her exercise...chances are she's pretty sedentary, right? There are studies being done by some physician (saw it on the news so I don't have a URL reference, sorry) and he has shown that increasing the exercise in children causes the brain to naturally produce the stimulant the brain needs (that the medicine is doing now) to get rid or greatly reduce the ADHD symptoms. Kids now a days are stimulated mentally but not much physically, and this is the body's way of letting you know there's problems...according to this physician. But, his studies may have merit...I am an adult with ADD, and I have started exercising again regularly, and do not need the ritalin now...I just started that on my own...my physician is impressed. Good luck!