nytimes.com — The challenges faced by those with A.D.H.D. -- weighing the decision to take stimulant medication, facing those who doubt your disorder and adapting to your symptoms -- are daunting and deeply personal. Here, in their own words, are the stories of adults and children coping with A.D.H.D.
May 24, 2008 View in Crawl 4
dralezeroMay 25, 2008
So true for me what that first guy said. You may take a look at me doing something and see how slow I am or how I lose focus and think I am not capable of bigger tasks. But you'd be wrong. I work best in fast paced, multitasking environments. Only example I have of this is being able to successfully handle many customers at once and remember what all of them wanted and are waiting for during Black Friday and other busy times. And to prioritize them. When I'm working on one thing though and you tell me something I forget it a few minutes later. Hmm. Sucks for employers point of view. I stopped taking medicine in High School. I'm just fine. I've screwed up a few times now dealing with computer issues, but if it was my computer I would have gotten the job done. I just antagonize and worry too much. But if I'm really busy and under pressure with a lot of tasks I don't have time to worry and I just get it done.
linuxpenguinMay 26, 2008
I'm not trying to equate the two - I'm saying that back in the day, we had no clue that fluoride and alcohol could possibly be as harmful as they are, yet now we do know and we see that they aren't if used properly.I'm just saying that to condemn everyone who is giving their children ADD meds is a little naive - I agree that some children have been misdiagnosed, and/or could do without the meds, but I think you're being more than a little presumptuous by condemning all parents who let their kids take the drug.Also, you need to brush up on your ADD "facts" - people with ADD don't experience impairment from the drugs, and the majority don't get addicted to the drugs. In fact, many would prefer not to take it, and the addictions happen usually due to abuse of the drug - usually because they break the capsule and try to snort it like coke.I'll give you partial credit - for a normal person, you're right that the drugs would cause very serious damage, addiction, and impairment; and sometimes people do consider "lack of intellectual stimulation" to be a symptom of ADD. Although that is usually the exact opposite of the actual truth, as researchers have found - and I'd think anybody who knows anyone personally who has ADD would agree.
zernheltMay 26, 2008
You need to do some research into the effects of stimulants on people with ADD/ADHD. It's very different than how it affects those without the disorder. For those with the disorder, it serves to calm them down and let them focus, while it does quite the opposite for those without it.As someone who had been taking medication for many years (12 years), I can say that I am very grateful that my parents made that decision, because I would not be doing nearly as well in school as I do now.
drjonesaaMay 30, 2008
HiI did my PhD on web CBT at a children?s hospital. One mom said "This is perfect and what me and my family have been waiting yearsfor. My 9 yr old has A.D.H.D and presents behavioural difficulties? Now others are finding other uses for the product. The funding was stopped due to cut backs and also it is easy to give drugs than time..BUT it is online to all now at www.AnimalAgentz.comAny suggestions on how i tell the world about this? (blogs etc). Best mark Email: m@animalagentz.comWhen we recently conducted an independent trial of our product, we found parents had many more applications for which they used Animal Agentz.The Animal Agentz behaviours are as follows:Breathing skills; taught by a fishStretching skills; taught by a dogDistraction skills; taught by a catGuided imagery skills; taught by a monkeyPositive self statements; taught by a lionThe parents applied these behaviours in new ways to help their child.Always ask your doctor how best to use Animal Agentz.Responses from independent research:"This is perfect and what me and my family have been waiting yearsfor. My 9 yr old has A.D.H.D and presents behavioural difficulties.His biological father rejected him a yr ago and this hasn't helped,his self esteem is very low and finds making new friends verystressful. The local social services tell me he needs therapy likethis but are unable to provide it! I am having to pay a privatetherapist to help my son so when this comes in which I know wouldbenefit many parents that I email, talk to etc then I can guarantee atleast 15 sales for definite....where do I order!!!! Great idea andvery user friendly, fab idea and so much needed for the 21st centurywhere many children face daily struggles with little or no help and sothey suffer. I am in 100% support of this stimulating and so muchneeded idea!" Mrs Garvey, East Yorkshire"I did these exercises with my daughter; she loved them and wants toplay again." Mrs Rogers, Plymouth"This product is excellent and would also be beneficial to childrenwith disorders such as ADHD. It would also be a great intro DVD forchildren who are about to be admitted to hospital as there was nothinglike this about when my son had to go in for a heart op and it wouldhave helped him no end." Miss Gooch, Norwich"I think it's an extremely good idea."Mrs Hirst, Eastbourne"Whilst doing this survey my son who is 7 and a type 1 diabetic cameto watch and listen of his own accord; he really liked it." Ms Halden,West Midlands"Great idea as it is." Miss Hartley, Lancashire"I looked at the video with my 6 yr old and she loved it." Mrs Reeves, Norfolk"This would be well received in schools." Mrs McFadden, Antrim"Responses from independent research conducted by Mum'sViews Ltd"
holdenmyheartJul 19, 2008
ADHD is a neurobiological developmental disorder. In an ADHD person, they do not produce adequate levels of dopamine. Dopamine is used throughout the brain, especially in the front, where organization, planning and concentration is located. The earlier diagnosed, the sooner you can start behavior modification. It depends on the severity of the symptoms and how long the patient has gone undiagnosed. It's difficult because you learn poor habits related to deadlines, time management, etc and it is hard to break those. Behavior therapy works well for very young children and as for adults, it takes many years to break old habits.
lg27Sep 22, 2008
i think ritalin is a joke. they need to come up with something better for people who suffers with adhd.<a class="user" href="http://www.bodytune.com">http://www.bodytune.com</a>