Anyone with adult ADD?

How did you go about getting a diagnosis? What are some options for dealing with it that don't involve meds?

FM if you prefer.

Thanks.

Re: Anyone with adult ADD?

I was dignosed by several psychiatrists and psychologists in my teenage years. I tried meds for awhile, but then I actually got through college without taking on ritalin or adderall (which is more than I can say for a lot of collee students without ADD). I think one of the biggest things for me was being aware of it, and making accomodations for it. Just knowing I had it and not punishing myself over it has helped. I systematize everything. I have to write everything down or else I'll lose track of it. When I write papers I do it in small chunks that are very systematic. I have to just develop coping strategies. I did all of this on my own, without a therapists, but there are many who are experienced in this,

I have two really good books which I've read snippets of and they are called "Driven to Distraction" and "Delivered From Distraction" written bya doctor who actually has ADD. And they were just such a comfort to read because finally someone understood and put it all into words and that is really half the battle.

I'm not perfect, I'm not cured. I still interrupt everyone when they speak, though I try not to. I still hold things in my hand,g et distracted and literally drop them without realizing it, I still can't sit still for hours at a time , but being aware has helped me choose classes,a ctivities, etc to accomoadate it. I'm trying to figure out what kind of job is good for people like me.

ETA: WHat I like about those books is that they talk about how to arrange your life to use ADD as an ADVANTAGE, not a disability. There are some good things about it. People with ADD think differently. A lot of the time we're more creative or good problem solvers, etc. I think you can definitely make it an advantage

Message edited 6/5/2006 10:56:49 AM.

Re: Anyone with adult ADD?

My DH has it and doesn't use any drug treatments. Feel free to FM me with any questions.