ADD/ADHD
Replies
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It can be managed without meds. I ADHD didn't just appear magically once we had medicines. What did all the ADHD people do before meds? They managed or failed and when they got tired of failing they found ways to deal with how their brain was wired. I was diagnosed as "hyper" before the ADD or ADHD diagnosis existed. My doctor told my parents what things to avoid feeding me to keep it under control. Diet & self control can deal with it. Yes, it is very hard. I could go get diagnoses & medicated but prefer to not have to take a drug very day..
JM0 -
This entire chain of thought is highly worrisome to me. It is true that SOME PEOPLE do better without meds. MANY OF US with ADD, however, do need our medications to get by in life. It seems straight up dangerous to be using both propaganda and personal anecdotes to present only one side of the coin.
I cannot organize my thoughts without pumping my mind full of stimulants. A drug prescribed by my doctor is best, but a pot of coffee works well enough in a pinch. If you cannot imagine how a pot of coffee helps me to concentrate, please understand that you mind and mine work differently.
The brain of an individual with ADD generally functions best while in a novel environment or under stress. Our thoughts generally "clear up" under the very same circumstances most people's thoughts get confused. We are great to have around when our family is going through a crisis, but we are also not likely to remember to pick up milk on the way home.
My medicine, or coffee or nicotine before I was diagnosed, allow me to focus on "every day" activities. I use accommodations to help me, but all of the accommodations in the world will not help me to organize my internal dialog. Being medicated makes my life better.
If you or your child ever receive medication for ADD/ADHD and it takes away the thrill from life - talk to your doctor about it. Medication is not the right solution for everyone, but it has its place. It does not need to take away the "fun" or the "spark" that makes life interesting. I am just as creative on my meds as I was off of them but now I actually manage to finish more of the projects I start.
Again... meds are not for everyone. They have harmful side effects, many kids are misdiagnosed, and honestly, shouldn't we be trying to teach our kids coping skills before deeming them completely unable to and doing it for them. All day long, I knew someone would eventually take the thread in this direction. The OP posted a funny pic. He didn't ask for anyone to advocate for anything on one side or another. If you feel that you need meds to function, then by all means, take them. But we are talking about children, and as parents, we have a responsibility to mold their futures, and putting a child on meds that they do not need could have devastating consequences.0 -
shouldn't we be trying to teach our kids coping skills before deeming them completely unable to and doing it for them.
I agree, I watch parents take their kid to doctor after doctor UNTIL they get the diagnosis they want. They go so far as to research what to say to convince the doctor. It's a bit sickening.
Anyway back on track
Shiny thing!
Butterfly
*pen clicking*
Squirrel
*weird noise down the hall*
Or mostly on track..
JM0 -
For some reason, this comic makes me sad.
And this is exactly why I can't bring myself to put my son on meds.
I advocate not putting your son on meds unless absolutely necessary. I had ADHD growing up. With the help of my teachers and mom I was able to deal with it and learn other methods of helping me stay focused, remember homework, and minimize day dreaming. My mom would conference with my teachers often as they developed way to help me concentrate. Things that helped me were:
Color coding
Underlining
Taking Notes
Eye Contact (though later in my academic career this stopped being a helpful method)
I was put in special classes for a while until I was able to catch up. I think I am much better for it. I do take medication occasionally now when I know that the tools I have just aren't quite enough. There are the everyday things that drive me crazy but this is where routine and consistency plays a vital role in my everyday life.
This entire chain of thought is highly worrisome to me. It is true that SOME PEOPLE do better without meds. MANY OF US with ADD, however, do need our medications to get by in life. It seems straight up dangerous to be using both propaganda and personal anecdotes to present only one side of the coin.
I cannot organize my thoughts without pumping my mind full of stimulants. A drug prescribed by my doctor is best, but a pot of coffee works well enough in a pinch. If you cannot imagine how a pot of coffee helps me to concentrate, please understand that you mind and mine work differently.
The brain of an individual with ADD generally functions best while in a novel environment or under stress. Our thoughts generally "clear up" under the very same circumstances most people's thoughts get confused. We are great to have around when our family is going through a crisis, but we are also not likely to remember to pick up milk on the way home.
My medicine, or coffee or nicotine before I was diagnosed, allow me to focus on "every day" activities. I use accommodations to help me, but all of the accommodations in the world will not help me to organize my internal dialog. Being medicated makes my life better.
If you or your child ever receive medication for ADD/ADHD and it takes away the thrill from life - talk to your doctor about it. Medication is not the right solution for everyone, but it has its place. It does not need to take away the "fun" or the "spark" that makes life interesting. I am just as creative on my meds as I was off of them but now I actually manage to finish more of the projects I start.
You must fall under the *absolutely necessary* category that was already stipulated in the very first sentence of my response to parent.0 -
Again... meds are not for everyone. They have harmful side effects, many kids are misdiagnosed, and honestly, shouldn't we be trying to teach our kids coping skills before deeming them completely unable to and doing it for them. All day long, I knew someone would eventually take the thread in this direction. The OP posted a funny pic. He didn't ask for anyone to advocate for anything on one side or another. If you feel that you need meds to function, then by all means, take them. But we are talking about children, and as parents, we have a responsibility to mold their futures, and putting a child on meds that they do not need could have devastating consequences.
I am not advocating medication as the only, or even the first, method of treatment. Many people with ADD, adults and children alike, can manage their thoughts using other coping strategies. All of that said, medication should not be dismissed out of hand. When used properly, ADD medications are generally safe and effective for those who need them. They are absolutely more safe than the unregulated self-medication many teens and adults with ADD end up using, namely caffeine (in incredibly large doses), nicotine, and cocaine. Again, I am not suggesting that all people with ADD need medication - I am just trying to combat the medication-demonizing that occurred earlier in this thread. All things have their place - a specialist in ADD/ADHD can help you to find the right solution for you or your child.You must fall under the *absolutely necessary* category that was already stipulated in the very first sentence of my response to parent.
"Absolutely necessary" is difficult phrase to manage. Without my medication, I graduated from high school with honors, graduated college, became a highly skilled science teacher, married a beautiful woman, and earned the respect of many people. Without medication, my life is good.
With medication, I am better at my life. Is medication absolutely necessary for me? A large flaw within both the educational system and is our society's perception of ADD is that it is only a problem to be addressed when it drags someone below a certain point. Is it okay for a happy, successful man to seek out medication because he knows the he could be happier and more successful if properly medicated?
Again, medication is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Many people do not benefit from medication, but many do. Your doctor is the one who can help you to decide what is right.0 -
Again... meds are not for everyone. They have harmful side effects, many kids are misdiagnosed, and honestly, shouldn't we be trying to teach our kids coping skills before deeming them completely unable to and doing it for them. All day long, I knew someone would eventually take the thread in this direction. The OP posted a funny pic. He didn't ask for anyone to advocate for anything on one side or another. If you feel that you need meds to function, then by all means, take them. But we are talking about children, and as parents, we have a responsibility to mold their futures, and putting a child on meds that they do not need could have devastating consequences.
I am not advocating medication as the only, or even the first, method of treatment. Many people with ADD, adults and children alike, can manage their thoughts using other coping strategies. All of that said, medication should not be dismissed out of hand. When used properly, ADD medications are generally safe and effective for those who need them. They are absolutely more safe than the unregulated self-medication many teens and adults with ADD end up using, namely caffeine (in incredibly large doses), nicotine, and cocaine. Again, I am not suggesting that all people with ADD need medication - I am just trying to combat the medication-demonizing that occurred earlier in this thread. All things have their place - a specialist in ADD/ADHD can help you to find the right solution for you or your child.You must fall under the *absolutely necessary* category that was already stipulated in the very first sentence of my response to parent.
"Absolutely necessary" is difficult phrase to manage. Without my medication, I graduated from high school with honors, graduated college, became a highly skilled science teacher, married a beautiful woman, and earned the respect of many people. Without medication, my life is good.
With medication, I am better at my life. Is medication absolutely necessary for me? A large flaw within both the educational system and is our society's perception of ADD is that it is only a problem to be addressed when it drags someone below a certain point. Is it okay for a happy, successful man to seek out medication because he knows the he could be happier and more successful if properly medicated?
Again, medication is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Many people do not benefit from medication, but many do. Your doctor is the one who can help you to decide what is right.
You are far too sensitive. The OP posted this as a joke. No one said that meds were bad. What was said was that parents of ADD/ADHD children should explore every option before resorting to meds. Getting your children to behave should not be as easy as slipping them some ritalin.0 -
For some reason, this comic makes me sad.
What do you mean, "for some reason?" It is making a really sad point.0 -
You are far too sensitive. The OP posted this as a joke. No one said that meds were bad. What was said was that parents of ADD/ADHD children should explore every option before resorting to meds. Getting your children to behave should not be as easy as slipping them some ritalin.
I think you both have valid points on opposing sides of the argument. Please try to respect his experience. I don't think he is being "far too sensitive." His experience is valid.0 -
You are far too sensitive. The OP posted this as a joke. No one said that meds were bad. What was said was that parents of ADD/ADHD children should explore every option before resorting to meds. Getting your children to behave should not be as easy as slipping them some ritalin.
I think you both have valid points on opposing sides of the argument. Please try to respect his experience. I don't think he is being "far too sensitive." His experience is valid.
I do agree with you, but the context of my original statement to which he responded to was specifically speaking about children. Children may not be able to express or evaluate how these drugs are affecting them in their creativity and otherwise as he is able to as an adult.0 -
LOL ahahha0
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This runs in my family. I admit, my boys get their crazy from me. :blushing:0
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You are far too sensitive. The OP posted this as a joke. No one said that meds were bad. What was said was that parents of ADD/ADHD children should explore every option before resorting to meds. Getting your children to behave should not be as easy as slipping them some ritalin.
I think you both have valid points on opposing sides of the argument. Please try to respect his experience. I don't think he is being "far too sensitive." His experience is valid.
I do agree with you, but the context of my original statement to which he responded to was specifically speaking about children. Children may not be able to express or evaluate how these drugs are affecting them in their creativity and otherwise as he is able to as an adult.
^This. And no one on this thread said that children who need meds shouldn't be on them. The comic was a commentary about how meds will change a child. This is a common fact. Meds are not the end all be all answer for everything, and someone should not get offended simply because others believe that meds should be a last resort. No one 'demonized' meds as he put it. He just wanted to take offense where none was given.0 -
Its soooo true my 7 year old is ADHD/autistic its like you cannot finish a sentence with him hes on to the next thing.0
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I have an ADHD son as well as one of the other posters I saw. My child is often like this.... one minute he's totally focused on something and the next he's chasing butterflies. Love him to pieces just the way he is but he's good with taking meds. He can tell the difference and enjoys being able to focus more. His behavior wasn't really a problem, but he could tell that he lacked the same amount of concentration as others. Meds are for some, but not a blanket solution for all.0
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I have ADOLS (attention deficit...oh look! shiny..)0
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Quote of the day!I have ADOLS (attention deficit...oh look! shiny..)0 -
Purple
marshmellow
Jail
Burgler
Hamburger
I dont eat red meat
monkeys eat bannanas
pepsi max
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I'm pretty ADD, I only take my meds on weekdays, when I have to be in class and focus. Today I didn't take them so I am a little out of it... Plus I am super tired the days that I don't take it.0
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My 10 year old daughter takes Concerta for ADHD. If there is a morning I forget to dose out her medicine, I'm either getting a call or a note from the school. She is pretty good at making sure I don't forget. She says she likes being able to think. She is off the wall without it. She is still very energetic and creative when taking her meds. I'm sure medication isn't for everyone, but it works for her!0
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Oh boy the whole to medicate or not medicate debate.
Here is my experience. I was diagnosed with ADD when I was in my early 30's. I am also what some call OCD, I call very organized. In my life before meds, I learned how to cope by some of the methods mentioned above, color coding, strict schedules, lists, everything having its place type thinking. I was a teacher for years and saw many kids who did not need medication, they needed to be taught better socialization and coping skills. I also saw kids who would never get those skills down because they couldn't focus long enough to even hear what they should be doing. I do not believe ALL people with ADD or ADHD need meds. I do not believe ALL people who are on meds can cope without. It is a case by case situation, what works for some may not work for others and there are varying degrees of ADD.
I now take medication. Yes, I can cope ok without it. However, it helps keep me on track and actually gets things accomplished during the day. The medication does not kill my personality or creativity, I am still the same sweet good natured person I am, just more productive.
My 13yo son has been on meds since he was 5. I tried many methods to work with him and he just couldn't function well at all. Once he started the meds he improved. He still has issues, he has also been diagnosed bipolar and is currently in treatment for his mood disorders. The doctor is always adjusting his meds because we do not want to over medicate him.
My 6yo son just started taking Concerta last month. He is not as severe as his brother and only takes it on the days he goes to school. I can assure you it does not dull him one bit. Anyone who knows my little guy will tell you he cracks them up. He is super smart, witty and I'll admit...he can be quite a smarta$$. We continue to teach him right from wrong and that there is a time and place for everything. We also teach him to respect others. On the weekends, he does not take his meds and we give him plenty of room to run, create, play and get his energy out.
When the teachers thought my 9yo had ADHD, I did not agree. I took him to the pediatrician and explained why I felt they were wrong. Turned out, he had sleep apnea and couldn't focus because he was tired. We treated the apnea and now he is doing just fine in school.
I really don't think it is anyone's business to tell another person how to treat their condition unless they are actively seeking advice.
*climbing off of my soapbox now...*0 -
My 10 year old daughter takes Concerta for ADHD. If there is a morning I forget to dose out her medicine, I'm either getting a call or a note from the school. She is pretty good at making sure I don't forget. She says she likes being able to think. She is off the wall without it. She is still very energetic and creative when taking her meds. I'm sure medication isn't for everyone, but it works for her!
Yes. This is my 6yo son as well. His teacher will actually call and ask if he got his meds. Just this morning when I stopped the car to drop my boys off at school, Reece looked at me and said, "Mom...my meds?" I popped him back in the car, drove back to the house (a few blocks away) and gave him his meds. I expect today will be a good day.0 -
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I have ADOLS (attention deficit...oh look! shiny..)
My favorite is "I have CDO, it is like OCD but the letters are alphabetical like they should be."0 -
Having ADD can be great. Taking on several tasks at once. oyea focus.
Drug of choice coffee, diet coke.
Long bike rides 25 to 50 miles.
Sports down hill mountian biking, white water rafting,
Helps be be creative.
Problem in listening has been over come with years of practice. My wife still thinks its a problem.
Oyea focus.
Highschool wow nearly did not finish, but finally got things under control and finished my Ph.d in computer science.
You can learn to live with ADD, with the help of loved ones, good friends and mentors.
My wife of 35 years is my best friend.
Cheers
Jim0 -
Having ADD can be great. Taking on several tasks at once. oyea focus.
Drug of choice coffee, diet coke.
Long bike rides 25 to 50 miles.
Sports down hill mountian biking, white water rafting,
Helps be be creative.
Problem in listening has been over come with years of practice. My wife still thinks its a problem.
Oyea focus.
Highschool wow nearly did not finish, but finally got things under control and finished my Ph.d in computer science.
You can learn to live with ADD, with the help of loved ones, good friends and mentors.
My wife of 35 years is my best friend.
Cheers
Jim
Awesome! This is my boat. Without the Ph.d though ~
JM0 -
I have ADOLS (attention deficit...oh look! shiny..)
My favorite is "I have CDO, it is like OCD but the letters are alphabetical like they should be."
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I need that on a t-shirt!!0 -
I just want to say that I am not trying to debate the medicate or don't medicate issue. The OP wasn't either.0
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Wanna ride bikes?
I win.0 -
I do think it is ironic that this thread is too long for someone who has add/adhd to read.I just want to say that I am not trying to debate the medicate or don't medicate issue. The OP wasn't either.0
This discussion has been closed.
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