Advice on ADHD?

Question

I had ADHD as a kid but I never took any meds for it because I function very well in most everyday details of life however I am in college again and finding it difficult to focus and not let my mind wonder. What would be a viable solution to this? Would going to a doctor and possibly getting some meds help me focus better without distraction?

Answer 1

try changing your diet first.. no caffeine and light on the refined sugar.. then try a few herbal supplements... You might also talk to the University.. many times if you have been diagnosed ADD/ADHD in the past you can get note takers for free to help you out.

try to make meds your last option.. but if nothing else works then go for it.

Answer 2

I was diagnosed at age 25 when my Mother had done a study in college (she went to college after the kids left the house) and I was trying to finish a two year program/project and getting married and building a hosue. I didn't need anything as a kid because I had some good understanding parents but I'm glad I have had help through my Masters degree, married and work life. It is worth it (and OK) to go see about it now. You had it as a kid and there is no cure for it so you still have it and will always have it.

Answer 3

Yes they work, I don't think anti-depressants work well but meds for ADD have shown to improve performance even in adults without ADD. I think they are pretty reliable.

I would try plain old Ritalin tabs, not the extended release, plus the brand name only. The generic can have side effects. The brand name is worth it. Also doctors try to push Adderall because it is newer, they may even offer you coupons or samples. It may work for you, Adderall is mixed amphetamine salts, but for me the Ritalin or methylphenidate was much better. Adderall was a little strange, it has a nasty withdrawal while Ritalin does not, it made me feel like taking more and more while Ritalin does not, and it made me peevish, unsocial and emotional. I think I was getting a little high off of Adderall. I took so much of that I couldn't stop writing notes on the calender, my whole month of January was full of penned chicken scratch notes. When I stopped taking it, I was like, "what?" But you might want to try it anyway. On Adderall, my pupils were huge too, I looked high, but you can't tell you take Ritalin I have been told nobody can tell when I do or don't take it. And Ritalin even makes me feel more social than normal.

And Concerta is the extended 12 hour release form of Ritalin but for me that had some emotional side effects and it gave me rhinitis. You might try that, though as a second option. I knew someone who took that with good effects. I am taking Ritalin right now because I also am a student. It does help me to focus. I do not notice any side effects with Ritalin brand name except for it doing what it is supposed to do. So I would recommend it to anyone. Just tell your family or campus physician that you took it before, and how much. Tell him you took 10mg tabs of Ritalin, twice a day. They should just give it to you without question unless it has changed since I got it.

Answer 4

Lots of adults take meds for ADHD. Yes, going to a doctor and getting meds will help you focus better without as many distractions. They have meds that aren't stimulants too.

Answer 5

Try the video BEING IN CONTROL : Natural Solutions For ADHD Dyslexia and Test Anxiety. A combo of relaxation, focusing and learning strategies. With Amazon.com by Jason Alster.

Answer 6

Fish oils especially eye-Q are great for concentration. Also limit the amount of e-numbers in your diet and eat lots of fruit. I would also recommend the controversial Dore Program as it is helping my son with his Dyslexia and slight ADD.