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ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
I think it would be cool to have a support thread for everyone here who has been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD! I think it's something that is still stigmatized or not really formerly represented in a factual manner by mainstream media, which is ironic to me because it actually affects more people than most realize, and it's a very real disorder. Thankfully, there are a growing number of resources to help individuals that suffer from this and ways to successfully curtail the symptoms. So, my questions for you are:
- What is your story? When were you diagnosed and how has having ADD/ADHD affected your daily life? What symptoms have been the most problematic for you?
- What medications/treatments have you taken in the past and are you currently taking to help you manage this? What have been the pros and cons you have experienced?
- Are there any resources (books, support groups, etc.) or certain tips and advice for issues such as time management, organization, concentration, etc. that you can share that may be helpful to the other ladies here who may be struggling?
I'll put my answers to these questions in another post. Hopefully this will be a supportive, positive thread where we can all gain insight and share experiences :)
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
oo i want more on this thread =D
i've been told in highschool that i have ADD and my husband has ADHD.
it can be stressful even. I've been trying to get as much info on ADHD as possible so i can understand his processes because usually i always feel like im on the back burner and that im not as important as other things going on around him.
i have to keep telling myself hes just focused on the task at hand. he loves me and always thinks about me even if he doesnt say it all the time or show it.
with ADD people may say im lazy or filthy.. tbh my minds just in how many different spots at once. When people talk to me, i literally zone out, or if theyre talking about something and a word can remind me of something completely different and i start thinking of that and i come back and im like O_O what im sorry..
i still have yet to find a way to keep us organized =\ we try but never works..
so yeah id love to hear more =D
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
I wasn't formerly diagnosed with ADD until my freshman year of high school. Teachers had always complained that I seemed spacey, but my grades were always pretty good so it was left alone. When my grades slipped in high school (mainly because of partying and guys) my mom finally took me to a learning psychologist. I was diagnosed as ADD but I had learned "coping mechanisms" which had previously been effective. I was put on medication briefly, Concerta, but stopped after I had pretty dramatic and drastic weight loss. Since then I haven't formerly been on medication, although I will admit to using Adderall during finals week or writing term papers. Maybe 5 times during college.
I struggle with the more behavioral problems associated with ADD now that I'm out of college. I will start cooking dinner, then decide I'm bored with cooking, and then order a pizza. And leave dirty dishes in the kitchen. Its a daily struggle for me to keep things clean and finish whatever I'm doing around the house. I also have a hard time with the impulse control. I shop too much and sometimes buy things I don't need. Just because I'm restless. I'm introverted, so I can usually keep my thoughts to myself, but if I get angry or have any alcohol, words just start flowing and I frequently say the wrong things to people I'm close with. At work, I literally can not focus on what a customer is saying to me and forget things easily. So far it hasn't really negatively impacted work though. Thankfully, guys are dumb.
My SO also has ADHD, and we struggle with that as a couple. We fight about money and cleaning-- we both struggle with those aspects. However, he is much more restless and unfocused and sometimes it has an affect on his parenting and I worry about that. As a mother, even with my ADD, my first thought is always my child. Its easier for him to "forget" if hes wrapped up in something. I worry about my son as well. He's only 4, but he is quite obviously showing signs of ADHD. I really don't want to medicate him this young and have been looking into other ways to help him. But I worry that it will be like the blind leading the blind.
I don't really have much advice for the ladies struggling with this. The only things that have ever helped me is finding activities to keep me occupied-- for me its been reading and exercise. I try to channel my energy into positive things, like playing with my son. But like I said, its a daily struggle in our home.
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AngelCummings
I think it would be cool to have a support thread for everyone here who has been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD! I think it's something that is still stigmatized or not really formerly represented in a factual manner by mainstream media, which is ironic to me because it actually affects more people than most realize, and it's a very real disorder. Thankfully, there are a growing number of resources to help individuals that suffer from this and ways to successfully curtail the symptoms. So, my questions for you are:
- What is your story? When were you diagnosed and how has having ADD/ADHD affected your daily life? What symptoms have been the most problematic for you?
I have severe ADD, my husband has even more severe ADHD. I was diagnosed as a teenager, my husband as a very small child (7 or 8 I believe).
My ADD affects my life in a million ways that are stereotypically hard to organize on paper. ;) I have to constantly remind myself out loud to stick to what I am doing if I have more than one thing to do. I tend to not complete tasks or even really get into them unless it's something I am interested in. My kindergarten report card says "She often appears to be in a daze and wanders away, leaving a trail of her belongings behind her". I have no organizational skills. On tests, I couldn't deal with A,B,C,D options- I would often circle multiple answers and write massive notes in the margins, which made Scan Tron tests impossible. I am CONSTANTLY bored, I have to keep moving, changing scenery... if I'm writing an email I will often have something on in the background as well as 2 or 3 online conversations going simultaneously in order to get me through it. If I'm watching TV, I need to have something else paused on my computer to watch during the commercials, because I can't sit through commercials. I am easily irritated and easily frustrated. I'm a terrible procrastinator. I change my mind constantly. It goes on and on and on.
The most problematic symptoms is the boredom, the feeling irritated, and trying to force myself to read things/complete tasks. I can't even sit down to write a grocery list.
I suppose the most detrimental thing (even though it wasn't meant to be!) was I was never forced to do anything, or had any repercussions for my actions from my father. I could literally go up to him and say "Dad, I'm bored." and he would say something like "OK, well let's go tobogganing! Get dressed!" or "Well then get your shoes on and let's go to the Science Museum" or build a fort, or walk to the store and get a popsicle, etc etc. He always wanted to play and always readily had a solution. If I got bored and say, turned his garage into a convenience store (which I actually did once!), he would just gently explain and then clean up after me. I never did my own laundry, I never had any chores, I wasn't allowed to have a job because he would tell me "You have your whole life to be an adult and work for the man. I'm your father and my job is to take care of you. Your job is to be a kid and do well in school. If you need anything, ask me for it.".
Additionally, behind his back (when he was at work, or earlier, when he was at sea) my mother was mind boggling'ly abusive (as I have mentioned)... so growing up with the extremes of nothing but love from one side, and nothing but hatred on the other, I believe my symptoms were exacerbated. If my dad was home and my mother said no, I would just go to him and he would say yes.
ADD and ADHD kids need STRUCTURE. I can tell you that for certain. I wish I would have had SOME! Conversely, my husband grew up in a loving but strict household, and he is much better able to exercise self control.
- What medications/treatments have you taken in the past and are you currently taking to help you manage this? What have been the pros and cons you have experienced?
I take Adderall to manage my symptoms, but I only take it before I go to work. My husband and I talk, a LOT. We do a lot of things together, which helps me with the boredom. Putting on music in the background (not the tv because I'll feel compelled to watch it) helps me get repetitive, monotonous tasks done; like washing dishes or folding clothes. Texting helps keep me entertained while I do these things as well. Getting enough sleep seems to be crucial, and removing myself from the situation when I begin to feel irritated or frustrated helps a lot.
I find my medication to be extremely effective but I'd rather use it sparingly.
- Are there any resources (books, support groups, etc.) or certain tips and advice for issues such as time management, organization, concentration, etc. that you can share that may be helpful to the other ladies here who may be struggling?
Support in general is probably the best thing. Other than the few things I listed above that help me, it really is a daily struggle. I do often use the excuse that I'm too creative to be organized though. ;)
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
castleoutsider
oo i want more on this thread =D
i've been told in highschool that i have ADD and my husband has ADHD.
it can be stressful even. I've been trying to get as much info on ADHD as possible so i can understand his processes because usually i always feel like im on the back burner and that im not as important as other things going on around him.
i have to keep telling myself hes just focused on the task at hand. he loves me and always thinks about me even if he doesnt say it all the time or show it.
with ADD people may say im lazy or filthy.. tbh my minds just in how many different spots at once. When people talk to me, i literally zone out, or if theyre talking about something and a word can remind me of something completely different and i start thinking of that and i come back and im like O_O what im sorry..
i still have yet to find a way to keep us organized =\ we try but never works..
so yeah id love to hear more =D
I always say my mind works like these Bing commercials:
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
Ah, thanks for whoever revived this thread, I figured no one was interested lol
I'll be back to read the stories here and post my own later :D
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
Yes, what I need to know (limited civilian health knowledge) is how to get in for atleast a diagnosis?
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
I have it and take adderral. I don't take it on the weekends to give my liver/adrenals some rest time. So....today I haven't gotten jack shit done, started all of these chores that weren't finished, have about a dozen unrelated websites up, made then cancelled plans w 2 different friends, etc.
I wish I had been diagnosed younger. Instead, I had really bad conduct towards shitty incompetant teachers. The good teachers that really taught well and kept me engaged just loved me though...except that I slept a lot in classes because I had weird sleeping patterns.
My case is pretty mild though, I feel bad for those with severe adhd, I've had to teach kids with it and they need a very patient and kind person to deal w them.
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
Do I have to see a psychiatrist to be observed? I'm not sure which type of specialist to go to. Seeing this thread really brought up some thoughts about myself. At one point in time I thought I was bi-polar. And if this hereditary, then I could definitely understand if I do have this.
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
I hope this thread isn't dying. I'm beginning to think more and more that I might have ADD. I can relate to everything in this thread. I'm going to do some research and make appointments ASAP.
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
When I first was prescribed adderall it improved my life and ADD so much. After a few years using adderall and the increased tolerance/dependence I have developed, it nows feels it does the exact opposite:( Does anyone else struggle with balancing adderall use while still being able to manage their ADD effectively?
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
I have been researching the supplement L-Tyrosine for treating ADD. Has anyone tried this?
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
I'm actually going to see a psychiatrist on Wednesday because I feel like I may have ADD. I've done research for a couple of months and finally got the guts to actually go to the appt. I usually make them then cancel. It has gotten far worse now that I'm in college.
Like KS and Mediocrity said I have such a hard time finishing tasks and even when I'm online I have many tabs open unrelated to each other. The funny thing i used to joke about it all the time until my ex told me to look really look into it. I flip out over the smallest things, I get very fidgety, no patience, I space out with conversations and I can't follow through with anything. It makes me so sad. I have so many ideas that jump all over the place. I don't know why i waited so late to actually go see a doctor...
I just really don't want to be on meds especially adderall. I'm already taking enough because im asthmatic. I wonder if there are any exercises that'll help you focus.
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mediocrity
omg YES!!!!! JUST LIKE THAT!!! :D
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
I have never been diagnosed with add or adhd but I am positive I have it. There isn't one symptom that doesn't describe me exactly. In school I did pretty good in every subject except for math (mostly algebra :O, I failed it 2 times) . I pretty much passed all my classes on common sense because god knows I couldn't pay attention for the life of me. I think math is the only thing I did bad at because you actually had to pay attention. When I was way younger I remember getting in trouble a lot in school for daydreaming. But even to this day I always "zone out"..I really hate when people talk slow because its sooo hard for me to pay attention, I always tell my bf talk faster or I'm gonna zone out lol and I can't pay attention to movies for the life of me, I seriously don't think I have ever watched a whole movie and if I did I missed at least half of it thinking about random things. I am also guilty of a zillion tabs open on the computer that are completely unrelated. I will have like 5 windows with 8 different tabs in each one and forget all about them till I am ready to turn off my computer and start closing them all lol. I also can NEVER sit still I always want to move even when my boyfriend tried to cuddle with me it turns to play fighting because I can't sit still for more than a minute lol. I get bored really easily, frustrated really easily, distracted really easily, I talk way too much, I'm unorganized, usually speak without thinking and I procrastinate like crazy so yeah pretty sure I got it.
I have never taken medication for it and I am unsure If I would want to. First of all I know that its not good at all for my body and I am trying to take better care of myself. And even though its a disorder I am really not that worried about correcting it. Am I functioning at my full potential..probably not ..but can I survive day to day life without medicine..yes, does having adhd make life harder than it needs to be.. probably yes ..but thats ok. If it came to the point where I was a complete mess and couldn't do anything at all I would get prescribed medicine but for now I'll just go with it.
I would like to add this list I found of 151 positive traits of people with add ;D
Ability to find alternate paths to overcome obstacles
Able to take on large situations
Adaptive/collaborative
Adventurous, courageous, lives outside of boundaries
Always finding alternate routes to any given location.
Always willing to help others
Ambitious – you want to be everything when “you grow up”
Artistic
Attractive personality – magnetic due to high energy
Being able to see the big picture
Being able to see the patterns in the chaos.
Being intuitive towards others’ difficulties
Broad focus – can see more, notice things more
Can create order from chaos
Can do many projects at once
Can make people feel they are heard
Can see the big picture
Can talk about several things at one time
Can think on my feet
Career variety
Centre of attention
Comfortable talking in front of groups
Comfortable with change and chaos
Compassion for others and for themselves
Conceptualizes well
Confidence
Constantly evolving
Courageous
Creates connections easily
Creative
Creative writing
Creative – musical, artistic, “dramatic”
Good in a crisis
Good at customer relations
Dedicated
Detail-oriented
Determined to gain more control
Eager to make friends
Eager to try new things
Empathetic, sensitive
Energetic
Entrepreneurial
Excellent organizers using journals and reminders (notes etc.)
Flexible – changes as the situation requires
Fun guy to be around
Goal-oriented
Good at conceptualizing
Good at motivating self and others
Good at multitasking
Good at problem solving
Good at public speaking
Good at understanding others/mind reading – empathetic
Good conversationalist
Good delegator and good at organizing others
Good in emergency situations
Good listener
Good looking and aware of it
Good people skills
Good self esteem, energetic
Great brain-stormer
Great multitasker
Great self-company
Great sense of humour
Great storyteller
Great with kids (central figure around kids)
Hands-on workers
Hard worker
Has friendly relations with their family
Has the gift of gab
Helpful
Helps others who are also in trouble
High energy – go, go, go
Humour, very healthy, quick picking up ideas
Hyper focus !!
Hypersensitive – very empathetic and good at non-verbal communications
Idea generator
Imaginative
Impulsive (in a good way) not afraid to act
Initiators
Intelligent
Intuitive
It’s ok to not finish everything
Learning as much as I can to help children and others with adhd
Less sleep is good (midnight to 6 am)
Like to talk a lot
Likes learning new things
Look at multidimensional sides to a situation
Lots of interests
Loves to cook and be creative
Magnetic
Master idea generator
Mentoring others/helpful
Mentoring people with low self esteem
Modesty
Move on fast – never hold a grudge
Multitasks well
Never bored and rarely boring
Never intimidated to try new things
Non-linear, multi-dimensional/edge of chaos
Not afraid to speak mind
Not contained by boundaries.
On stage and ready
Optimistic
Outgoing
Passionate
Persistent
Philosophical
Holistic thinking
Playful
Pragmatic
Problem solver
Profound
Quick thinking
Quick witted
Relates to people easily
Resistant
Resourceful
Saves money in the short term by forgetting to file tax returns
See and remember details – recount them later
Sees the big picture
Socially adaptive and flexible.
Spontaneous
Stabilizer during difficult situations
Stable
Successful
Takes initiative
Tenacious
Theoretical
Think outside the box
Thinks 2 meters ahead of the world
Thinks big, dreams big
Thorough
Tolerant
Unconventional
Unlimited energy
Unorthodox
Versatile
Very creative, able to generate a lot of ideas
Very hard working to compensate – workaholic
Very intuitive
Very resourceful
Very successful
Visionary
Visual learner
Willing to explore
Willing to take risks
Willingness to help others
Witty
Won’t tolerate boredom
Works well under pressure
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
2nd on adderall my sister takes it for add and we get into yelling matches- the meds seem to cause strong agressiveness/nerves/ and irritabilty.
Also, I will be talking to her and she won't look at me/ is texting/sweeping/etc all at once so it comes across as very rude and this is not b/c of adderall but a side affect of this disorder
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
My fiance has ADD and Im always looking to be more thoughtful and supportive... and to not take some of his symptoms personally (ie, occasional lack of eye contact, seeming not to listen despite demonstrating moments later that he was, cleaning, relying on rituals, keepng him fully focused while driving) so thanks for this thread. It reminds me to be better.
He was diagnosed in his early adolescence and has been on adderall since. It helps him - but wants to switch to strattera / non-amphetamine sources since he has been on it for so long and is concerned about his fluctuating to nonexistent appetite, dependence, sleep patterns, etc.
Anyone in this thread have ADD/ADHD and quit smoking?
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
I have a strong suspicion I have some type of attention deficit. I'm not sure though, so I'm going to get diagnosed very soon.
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
i have depression (that is really bad right now) and i also think i had add... but i'm too lazy and depressed to call a dr about it... :(
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
I'm working on an informative post on resources for individuals with ADD/ADHD, how to get tested for it, the common symptoms, etc.... Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about this thread! ;D
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
thanks for whoever revived this thread,
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
This is awesome. I haven't been formally diagnosed, but I'm 'bout 99.9% I have it! However, having been on an anti-depressant (and HATING it), I do not want to take meds - I saw a therapist (not a psychiatrist) for something un-related to ADD/ADHD, but the help she gave assisted a lot with organization & forming structure in my life. If anyone has any ideas about hollistic, natural supplements please do share :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
h0ttie
I have never been diagnosed with add or adhd but I am positive I have it. There isn't one symptom that doesn't describe me exactly. In school I did pretty good in every subject except for math (mostly algebra :O, I failed it 2 times) . I pretty much passed all my classes on common sense because god knows I couldn't pay attention for the life of me. I think math is the only thing I did bad at because you actually had to pay attention. When I was way younger I remember getting in trouble a lot in school for daydreaming. But even to this day I always "zone out"..I really hate when people talk slow because its sooo hard for me to pay attention, I always tell my bf talk faster or I'm gonna zone out lol and I can't pay attention to movies for the life of me, I seriously don't think I have ever watched a whole movie and if I did I missed at least half of it thinking about random things. I am also guilty of a zillion tabs open on the computer that are completely unrelated. I will have like 5 windows with 8 different tabs in each one and forget all about them till I am ready to turn off my computer and start closing them all lol. I also can NEVER sit still I always want to move even when my boyfriend tried to cuddle with me it turns to play fighting because I can't sit still for more than a minute lol. I get bored really easily, frustrated really easily, distracted really easily, I talk way too much, I'm unorganized, usually speak without thinking and I procrastinate like crazy so yeah pretty sure I got it.
I have never taken medication for it and I am unsure If I would want to. First of all I know that its not good at all for my body and I am trying to take better care of myself. And even though its a disorder I am really not that worried about correcting it. Am I functioning at my full potential..probably not ..but can I survive day to day life without medicine..yes, does having adhd make life harder than it needs to be.. probably yes ..but thats ok. If it came to the point where I was a complete mess and couldn't do anything at all I would get prescribed medicine but for now I'll just go with it.
I would like to add this list I found of 151 positive traits of people with add ;D
Ability to find alternate paths to overcome obstacles
Able to take on large situations
Adaptive/collaborative
Adventurous, courageous, lives outside of boundaries
Always finding alternate routes to any given location.
Always willing to help others
Ambitious – you want to be everything when “you grow up”
Artistic
Attractive personality – magnetic due to high energy
Being able to see the big picture
Being able to see the patterns in the chaos.
Being intuitive towards others’ difficulties
Broad focus – can see more, notice things more
Can create order from chaos
Can do many projects at once
Can make people feel they are heard
Can see the big picture
Can talk about several things at one time
Can think on my feet
Career variety
Centre of attention
Comfortable talking in front of groups
Comfortable with change and chaos
Compassion for others and for themselves
Conceptualizes well
Confidence
Constantly evolving
Courageous
Creates connections easily
Creative
Creative writing
Creative – musical, artistic, “dramatic”
Good in a crisis
Good at customer relations
Dedicated
Detail-oriented
Determined to gain more control
Eager to make friends
Eager to try new things
Empathetic, sensitive
Energetic
Entrepreneurial
Excellent organizers using journals and reminders (notes etc.)
Flexible – changes as the situation requires
Fun guy to be around
Goal-oriented
Good at conceptualizing
Good at motivating self and others
Good at multitasking
Good at problem solving
Good at public speaking
Good at understanding others/mind reading – empathetic
Good conversationalist
Good delegator and good at organizing others
Good in emergency situations
Good listener
Good looking and aware of it
Good people skills
Good self esteem, energetic
Great brain-stormer
Great multitasker
Great self-company
Great sense of humour
Great storyteller
Great with kids (central figure around kids)
Hands-on workers
Hard worker
Has friendly relations with their family
Has the gift of gab
Helpful
Helps others who are also in trouble
High energy – go, go, go
Humour, very healthy, quick picking up ideas
Hyper focus !!
Hypersensitive – very empathetic and good at non-verbal communications
Idea generator
Imaginative
Impulsive (in a good way) not afraid to act
Initiators
Intelligent
Intuitive
It’s ok to not finish everything
Learning as much as I can to help children and others with adhd
Less sleep is good (midnight to 6 am)
Like to talk a lot
Likes learning new things
Look at multidimensional sides to a situation
Lots of interests
Loves to cook and be creative
Magnetic
Master idea generator
Mentoring others/helpful
Mentoring people with low self esteem
Modesty
Move on fast – never hold a grudge
Multitasks well
Never bored and rarely boring
Never intimidated to try new things
Non-linear, multi-dimensional/edge of chaos
Not afraid to speak mind
Not contained by boundaries.
On stage and ready
Optimistic
Outgoing
Passionate
Persistent
Philosophical
Holistic thinking
Playful
Pragmatic
Problem solver
Profound
Quick thinking
Quick witted
Relates to people easily
Resistant
Resourceful
Saves money in the short term by forgetting to file tax returns
See and remember details – recount them later
Sees the big picture
Socially adaptive and flexible.
Spontaneous
Stabilizer during difficult situations
Stable
Successful
Takes initiative
Tenacious
Theoretical
Think outside the box
Thinks 2 meters ahead of the world
Thinks big, dreams big
Thorough
Tolerant
Unconventional
Unlimited energy
Unorthodox
Versatile
Very creative, able to generate a lot of ideas
Very hard working to compensate – workaholic
Very intuitive
Very resourceful
Very successful
Visionary
Visual learner
Willing to explore
Willing to take risks
Willingness to help others
Witty
Won’t tolerate boredom
Works well under pressure
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Re: ADD/ADHD Support Thread :)
I'm amazed this thread exists. I'm glad I found it.
I was diagnosed with ADD last year after I found myself dropping the ball a little too often and finally admit to myself that I'd done it all my life. Outside of camming, I do something that requires a lot of intense focus, so this was becoming a serious problem.
For the longest time, I didn't think I had it because I'm the opposite of the usual profile: I'm not hyper, I'm not fidgety, I can follow conversations, even if my mind's running on three or four tracks at once, and I can focus. And that's because my ADD primarily manifests as hyper-focus, which I didn't know was a symptom until recently. And while I'm outwardly calm, my mind is hyperactive. I start projects, then forget them when I'm distracted by something else. I start emails, then forget to finish them. I start organizing my life, then stop mid-way when I'm distracted. Eventually I hit a point of stress overload and become overwhelmed, so I shut down, start over, and the cycle begins again.
With my ADD, I had (and still have) this tendency to get completely absorbed into one thing for a block of time, to the exclusion of everything else. The house could be burning down and I wouldn't notice. People can be talking to me or trying to get my attention and I won't hear them. I miss phone calls, I don't notice if someone's at the door, I miss appointments, and none of this is deliberate. And when I lose that hyperfocus, it's gone for good. I just end up focusing on something else. So it makes me feel a little powerless. When I'm focused on something I need to focus on, I'm terrified of losing that momentum. And when I'm focused on something I shouldn't focus on, I can't break it, even when I want to.
And I've always been that way. When I was a kid, I was really good at the things that interested me and totally disengaged from the things that didn't. People thought that it was deliberate or just lazy, but in reality, I wasn't capable of focusing on things that didn't hold my attention. I would try, but it felt like I was constantly fighting through noise. I'd read half a sentence, think about something else, then focus on that unrelated thing for hours. Did the same thing in college. Did it again in grad school. So I guess I was high functioning, but only because I was able to choose the areas that interested me and when I hit blocks, I learned to push through them just enough to bluff. I was strong enough in some areas to be forgiven in others. But the work I do now doesn't have that latitude.
So I went to a doc and he confirmed that I'm ADD (and he mentioned that it's a misnomer - most people don't have a deficit of attention, they just can't manage their attention). He put me on Concerta, which worked great for the first two weeks. Suddenly, I was methodical about everything I did. I stopped procrastinating. Little things that used to feel like a huge ordeal were suddenly easy. I was less stressed. I could focus on something, stop, then start again. I could focus on things that didn't interest me. It was fucking amazing. I finished three open projects in a matter of days.
But after the first few weeks, it stopped working so well. I'd get distracted again, or start focusing on the wrong things. He upped my dose, which helped, upped it again but it was too much. Went back down, and now I'm somewhere in the mid-range of dosage to see how it goes. I still have to work hard at training my focus and being organized. I take stock of my time a lot. Every few hours, I look back to see if I've gone off-track. It isn't easy, but it's a lot easier than when I'm not on Concerta.
The side effects aren't awful but they aren't great either. Mine is time-released, which takes the edge off the crash but also interferes with my sleep. It makes me more serious than I am, sometimes too serious. Before the Concerta, I never had any major arguments with my boyfriend (we've been together going on five years), but on the Concerta, I notice that sometimes I get hyper-sensitive to small things, so I think it can make me moody. If I feel myself getting upset, I go off the meds and see if it still bothers me. It usually doesn't.
On the whole, for me, it's some combination of the meds and self-discipline. When I become disorganized, I stop, focus on getting organized again, and go back to what I'm doing. When it feels like I'm pushing through fog to think, I keep trying and usually the focus comes back. I keep an eye on procrastination. On the whole, I'm a lot better off than I was before and I get a lot more done, but I also try to take a few days off the meds from time to time to give my body a break.
Re: quitting smoking - my doc said that people with ADD tend to be addicted to stimulants, and I noticed that when I started the meds, I lost all desire for stimulants for the first time ever. But once it stopped working so well, the desire came back, but not as intensely. So there's some sort of relationship there.