Adult ADHD?

[Bernadine]

I'm going for an evaluation on the 22nd.  I guess I'm just looking for experiences, and how you manage.

[LanaLang]

Never have, but I should. I'm interested to hear what others have to say and to hear how your assessment goes.

[W.T.Faulkner]

My H, then BF, begged me to go after I left the stove on and the door unlocked like 100 times. He could tell I wasn’t just being disorganized or flighty. I have struggled focusing and remembering things as long as I can remember.

My PCP screened me with a questionnaire, then prescribed a low dose of Adderall. He also referred me to a psychologist, whom I met with for an hour or two, and who confirmed the diagnosis of ADHD-inattentive. I took Adderall daily in the morning and it definitely helped, particularly with my energy levels in the afternoon and evening. I had been using so much energy to try to focus that I would crawl into bed at 5 pm, and that stopped. My doctor told me it was clear that I was an authentic ADHD case because I actually slept much better on Adderall, lol.

I had to stop medication when we were TTC and through this pregnancy, and it’s been a challenge, but I did the first 26 years of my life without it, so whatever. lol

Good luck! Just be honest on the evaluation and take one step at a time.

[mrs.jacinthe]

I'm pretty confident this is an issue for me as well, but my problem is that I was tested as a kid and passed - as in, no ADD/ADHD.

As an adult, I think that's because I found the testing interesting. (I liked testing a lot and have never had trouble focusing on tests and such, because I enjoy it - such a weirdo) But I know they ask if you were ever tested as a child and I fear that me saying "yes, and it was negative" will be an automatic rule-out.

[winecat]

mrs.jacinthe- Do you remember the test? It seems like the understanding of how ADHD expresses itself in women is better understood these days.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Oct 10, 2018 16:29:59 GMT -5 winecat said:

mrs.jacinthe - Do you remember the test? It seems like the understanding of how ADHD expresses itself in women is better understood these days.

Not much about it.  It was probably around 4th grade, so 1990-ish?  My teacher then didn't really like me (and actually told my mother she doubted I'd manage to graduate from high school) and it seems like something she'd have reported me for.  (She also reported my parents for child abuse, so that was fun.)  Edit: The only thing I remember about the test is that it was in Cleveland somewhere - maybe a subbuilding of Cleveland Clinic.  I remember because I got to miss school and go on an adventure with my parents.

[spindle92]

I have horrible ADHD but was just "officially" diagnosed last year. Meaning prior psychiatrists have just prescribed me ADHD meds without any official testing. My new one required me to have the formal testing last fall. There was/is no question, I have it.

I liked the therapist that tested me so much that I have been seeing him for almost a year now. He moved practices 2 months ago and I followed him. So today I had my 2nd meeting with the newest Psychiatrist and we are trying a different cocktail of meds to try and get this under control.

I guess to answer your question on how I manage or control it, I don't very well, that is why I am doing therapy. My issue is that if I just do not do stuff that does not bring me joy. Like I enjoy my job, for the most part, so I don't have problems there. It is when I get home and I simply have no motivation to do anything yet I cannot just lay on the couch for hours and watch TV either. It is a tough disease to have and even more difficult to treat, in my opinion.

[sangria]

I've had ADD-I since I was probably about 10? IDK maybe my whole life. Nobody ever even considered it as a possibility though until 3 years ago when I was 37 and telling my doctor that I'm so frustrated that I can't accomplish anything I want to do, I self medicate with food when I stressed/depressed/anxious, and I just basically have massive difficulty managing day to day life in general. I COULD NOT believe it when I was told I have ADD. But then I started reading all the medical journals and the stuff about women with ADD-I and how a lot of them never get diagnosed until their 30s when marriage and work and finances and kids basically overwhelms whatever mechanisms we've developed to get by in life.

Anywho, it's been pretty eye opening. I really need to probably go to therapy but I can't make that happen right now so I take Vyvanse and a little Adderall in the afternoons. Meds help me a lot but I agree that managing ADD is super difficult. The meds help me focus, but I still have motivate myself to get started on things I don't like / don't want to do. I'm quite certain I will never have an easy time with that.

[lilac05]

I currently use a million different strategies (that work for a few weeks, then I switch) and medicate with Diet Coke. I don’t recommend it, but it’s working alright for now. I went to a psychiatrist for a bit, but he had to cancel my last appointment. Two years ago. I never got around to rescheduling it.

I highly recommend watching How to ADHD on YouTube. She’s fantastic and they’re short, but filled with lots of information, strategies, and/or empathasizing. I’ve also read parts of many adult ADHD books (they’re usually written with their audience in mind, so you can easily skip around to find what you need). I like the podcasts ADHD Re-wired and The ADHD Podcast.

The biggest thing for me was accepting the diagnosis. In hindsight, it explained SO much of my life! It’s not an excuse for things, but it is a reason...and that reason isn’t because I’m crazy, lazy, or stupid. That was such a relief for me! And post-diagnosis, I’ve worked more to be proud of the unique things that are ADHD strengths. (Like I can think outside of the box and problem solve until there’s no tomorrow.) I’m just more aware. Of everything. And acceptance of my strengths and challenges changed everything!

[rachelgreen]

Oct 10, 2018 17:40:03 GMT -5 spindle92 said:

I have horrible ADHD but was just "officially" diagnosed last year. Meaning prior psychiatrists have just prescribed me ADHD meds without any official testing. My new one required me to have the formal testing last fall. There was/is no question, I have it.

I liked the therapist that tested me so much that I have been seeing him for almost a year now. He moved practices 2 months ago and I followed him. So today I had my 2nd meeting with the newest Psychiatrist and we are trying a different cocktail of meds to try and get this under control.

I guess to answer your question on how I manage or control it, I don't very well, that is why I am doing therapy. My issue is that if I just do not do stuff that does not bring me joy. Like I enjoy my job, for the most part, so I don't have problems there. It is when I get home and I simply have no motivation to do anything yet I cannot just lay on the couch for hours and watch TV either. It is a tough disease to have and even more difficult to treat, in my opinion.

I hope you don’t mind me asking a bunch of questions but you basically have described my life this summer but for my dh. He was unofficially diagnosed and given an RX for adderral. Combined with their drugs he had been already placed on, it was a nightmare. Like, literal and got so bad I left my house with the kids for three weeks. I’m still on the verge of filing because I just don’t know that we can fix the damage. He was always a self medicating person with tobacco chewing and drinking. I took those away from him when we had kids but he was hiding it behind my back.

So much more I could go into detail with (and don’t mind via PM) but the whole not a safe space thing has me paranoid (well, and him knowing where I post). He flushed the meds in a rage one day and finally went to a new therapist while I was away. She said she thought it might be more depression (which is what I long suspected from years ago) and put him on Zoloft which seemed to help for a bit but idk anymore. He still is certain he has ADHD - and maybe it’s true. I just don’t know how to find the right doctor for him. I still don’t think he’s got a grasp on any of this. I came home from my second shift part time job last Friday and he had been drinking heavily with a friend at our house. Plowed. I flipped the hell out because of the inappropriateness and danger he could have put the girls in if there was an emergency. Anyway, I’m so stressed and angry all the time. I hate how I feel and act because of the situation. I just want it to be over. One way or another.
(Pdq second half, lol)

[irishbride2]

Also if you are diagnosed, make sure you have them watch out for co-morbid diseases. It is VERY common with ADHD. I have been diagnosed with ADHD since I was 13, but I only found out that I was also suffering from Anxiety and borderline depression 4 years ago and my whole life makes so much more sense. A lot of the symptoms of ADHD overlap with other issues so they often go unnoticed. For example, I also struggled with lack of motivation and for most of my life, and my ADHD was blamed (and stimulants did help). However, now that I take meds for my other issues, I totally see how it was part of my anxiety/depression more so than my ADHD.

[Bernadine]

Oct 11, 2018 7:02:25 GMT -5 irishbride2 said:

Also if you are diagnosed, make sure you have them watch out for co-morbid diseases. It is VERY common with ADHD. I have been diagnosed with ADHD since I was 13, but I only found out that I was also suffering from Anxiety and borderline depression 4 years ago and my whole life makes so much more sense. A lot of the symptoms of ADHD overlap with other issues so they often go unnoticed. For example, I also struggled with lack of motivation and for most of my life, and my ADHD was blamed (and stimulants did help). However, now that I take meds for my other issues, I totally see how it was part of my anxiety/depression more so than my ADHD.

I've already been diagnosed with depression, and I can already see how it would tie into ADHD.

[pooh8402]

I have it. It's the more inattentive type as opposed to hyperactive. I can sit still and prefer to do so (although my feet do fidget). I did use adderall for a while, but went off of it to TTC. Now I'm pregnant, and plan to BF, so it will be a while before I go back on it. And I'm in grad school so ahhh.


I cope without meds by setting lots of timers and reminders. I have a bunch of reminders in my phone calendar. When I need to study, I put my phone out of reach, and I use a site blocker on my computer browser so I'm only able to access what I need to do my schoolwork.

I also cope with caffeine. The caffeine wakes me up, helps me focus. I'm so tired at the end of the day from trying to focus on my tasks, and focus on talking to people because I'm hearing impaired and introverted to boot. Caffeine helps. I'm obvs very tired during pregnancy.

The psychiatrist who evaluated me for ADHD also evaluated me for anxiety, which is comorbid with ADHD. She said I do have some mild anxiety, but not severe enough to treat with therapy or meds. She recommended yoga and meditation.

[Bernadine]

Oct 11, 2018 7:56:24 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

I have it. It's the more inattentive type as opposed to hyperactive. I can sit still and prefer to do so (although my feet do fidget). I did use adderall for a while, but went off of it to TTC. Now I'm pregnant, and plan to BF, so it will be a while before I go back on it. And I'm in grad school so ahhh.


I cope without meds by setting lots of timers and reminders. I have a bunch of reminders in my phone calendar. When I need to study, I put my phone out of reach, and I use a site blocker on my computer browser so I'm only able to access what I need to do my schoolwork.

The psychiatrist who evaluated me for ADHD also evaluated me for anxiety, which is comorbid with ADHD. She said I do have some mild anxiety, but not severe enough to treat with therapy or meds. She recommended yoga and meditation.

What did the Adderall do for you? I also think I have the inattentive type.

[pooh8402]

Oct 11, 2018 8:00:03 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

Oct 11, 2018 7:56:24 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

I have it. It's the more inattentive type as opposed to hyperactive. I can sit still and prefer to do so (although my feet do fidget). I did use adderall for a while, but went off of it to TTC. Now I'm pregnant, and plan to BF, so it will be a while before I go back on it. And I'm in grad school so ahhh.


I cope without meds by setting lots of timers and reminders. I have a bunch of reminders in my phone calendar. When I need to study, I put my phone out of reach, and I use a site blocker on my computer browser so I'm only able to access what I need to do my schoolwork.

The psychiatrist who evaluated me for ADHD also evaluated me for anxiety, which is comorbid with ADHD. She said I do have some mild anxiety, but not severe enough to treat with therapy or meds. She recommended yoga and meditation.

What did the Adderall do for you? I also think I have the inattentive type.

It really just helped me focus. When I was on it, I could clean the house, cook dinner, and study all in one day. I remembered things. I made phone calls. I could adult. Without it, I may do one of those per day. Because I get wrapped up in other things (like GBCN, and this is one of my blocked sites when I'm studying).

[spindle92]

rachelgreen
Please feel free to pm me.
I am on my phone right now and cannot type out a proper response but will be at my computer this afternoon and will.

[spindle92]

Oct 11, 2018 7:02:25 GMT -5 irishbride2 said:

Also if you are diagnosed, make sure you have them watch out for co-morbid diseases. It is VERY common with ADHD. I have been diagnosed with ADHD since I was 13, but I only found out that I was also suffering from Anxiety and borderline depression 4 years ago and my whole life makes so much more sense. A lot of the symptoms of ADHD overlap with other issues so they often go unnoticed. For example, I also struggled with lack of motivation and for most of my life, and my ADHD was blamed (and stimulants did help). However, now that I take meds for my other issues, I totally see how it was part of my anxiety/depression more so than my ADHD.

Thank you for posting this for others to see.

I too suffer from depression with my Adhd. My meds make a huge difference but my depression is being handled better than my adhd right now. We just cannit find the perfect mix for me yet.

[winecat]

Oct 10, 2018 16:47:15 GMT -5 mrs.jacinthe said:

Oct 10, 2018 16:29:59 GMT -5 winecat said:

mrs.jacinthe - Do you remember the test? It seems like the understanding of how ADHD expresses itself in women is better understood these days.

Not much about it. 

I wonder if they were testing for inattentive type in the early 90s?  I don't think they understood inattentive OR how ADHD presents differently in girls.  I think most girls develop their symptoms later too.  They wouldn't know if you were tested 25 years ago....  

[Bernadine]

Oct 10, 2018 23:58:46 GMT -5 lilac05 said:

I currently use a million different strategies (that work for a few weeks, then I switch) and medicate with Diet Coke. I don’t recommend it, but it’s working alright for now. I went to a psychiatrist for a bit, but he had to cancel my last appointment. Two years ago. I never got around to rescheduling it.

I highly recommend watching How to ADHD on YouTube. She’s fantastic and they’re short, but filled with lots of information, strategies, and/or empathasizing. I’ve also read parts of many adult ADHD books (they’re usually written with their audience in mind, so you can easily skip around to find what you need). I like the podcasts ADHD Re-wired and The ADHD Podcast.

The biggest thing for me was accepting the diagnosis. In hindsight, it explained SO much of my life! It’s not an excuse for things, but it is a reason...and that reason isn’t because I’m crazy, lazy, or stupid. That was such a relief for me! And post-diagnosis, I’ve worked more to be proud of the unique things that are ADHD strengths. (Like I can think outside of the box and problem solve until there’s no tomorrow.) I’m just more aware. Of everything. And acceptance of my strengths and challenges changed everything!

That crazy, lazy, stupid thing hits me right in the gut.

The more I read about how inattentive ADHD presents in adult women, the more convinced I am that I have it. And so it h.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Oct 11, 2018 8:20:32 GMT -5 winecat said:

Oct 10, 2018 16:47:15 GMT -5 mrs.jacinthe said:

Not much about it. 

I wonder if they were testing for inattentive type in the early 90s?  I don't think they understood inattentive OR how ADHD presents differently in girls.  I think most girls develop their symptoms later too.  They wouldn't know if you were tested 25 years ago....  

I just went back and looked at the DSM-III versus the DSM-V (then versus now.)  Then, I did not meet the criteria.  Now, I would have (and still do.)  Perhaps I should make an appointment.

[winecat]

Oct 11, 2018 8:00:03 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

Oct 11, 2018 7:56:24 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

I have it. It's the more inattentive type as opposed to hyperactive. I can sit still and prefer to do so (although my feet do fidget). I did use adderall for a while, but went off of it to TTC. Now I'm pregnant, and plan to BF, so it will be a while before I go back on it. And I'm in grad school so ahhh.


I cope without meds by setting lots of timers and reminders. I have a bunch of reminders in my phone calendar. When I need to study, I put my phone out of reach, and I use a site blocker on my computer browser so I'm only able to access what I need to do my schoolwork.

The psychiatrist who evaluated me for ADHD also evaluated me for anxiety, which is comorbid with ADHD. She said I do have some mild anxiety, but not severe enough to treat with therapy or meds. She recommended yoga and meditation.

What did the Adderall do for you? I also think I have the inattentive type.

I'm on Ritalin.  Adderall didn't do much for me.  I think it's typically first choice for adults but if it doesn't work for you, speak up.  When my meds are at the right dose, I feel in control of my brain and that I'm aware of what's going on and how I need to deal with it. 

Like I don't want to do my dishes or clean, but I can without it being a massive effort.  I'm able to make decisions about small things in my life.  I used to shove things in closets or drawers because I couldn't make a decision about what to do with them or where to put them.  But on meds, I can better organize my stuff and get rid of things I don't want because I *know* I don't want them.  The key here is that I'm able to get them into my car and donate/sell them instead of "dealing with that later."  I'm able to do my work within a reasonable amount of time.  I had been through a super stressful time and felt like my meds weren't working but wanted to give them time.  We settled with the contractor, so I wasn't distracted with that.  Then I had a full day at the kitchen.  It *should* have taken me about 4 hours but it took me 8.  I have no idea why; literally no idea where the day went.  That's when I knew I needed an adjustment. 


Without meds, I felt like my brain would short circuit so I would zone out.  Like W.T.Faulkner and spindle92 said, at the end of the day I would have to go home and not function.  I had labeled myself an introvert because I felt spent at the end of every day.  On meds, I am not that way.  I can work a full day and then go do something with friends because my brain isn't fried.  I had depression and anxiety symptoms for years.  They've improved so, so much being on ADHD meds.  My working memory is better.  My impulsivity is more under control so I don't feel like I'm flailing around or panicking all day, every day when something stressful would happen.  I can slow my brain down and *think* instead of just reacting.  

I hope this WOT helps.  PDQ.  

[lilac05]

Oct 11, 2018 8:47:05 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

That crazy, lazy, stupid thing hits me right in the gut.

The more I read about how inattentive ADHD presents in adult women, the more convinced I am that I have it. And so it h.

There’s a book that has that in the title (I can never remember the order).  It’s something like “You Mean I’m not lazy, crazy, or stupid?”  Honestly, just reading the title brought tears to my eyes and was life changing.  I checked out the book and probably read parts of it (hello, ADHD), but it was the title alone that really struck me.  

Before going to the doctor, think back to how these things were present, though different, in childhood.  Currently, symptoms had to have been present in at least two areas of life in childhood to get an official diagnosis.  Looking back, I saw signs of it everywhere...a messy room that I just could NOT keep clean, no matter how desperately I wanted a clean room, last minute school assignments, waiting to start a 10 page paper until midnight and then getting an A on it, constantly having to doodle in order to pay attention, etc.  It was everywhere, but my creative brain was able to compensate for it until the demands got to be too much (& honestly, things falls apart when I started staying at home.  I needed the structure of work to get anything done).

I self-diagnosed 3 years before I actually went to the doctor and got an official diagnosis.  During that time, I did a lot of reading of anything ADHD that I could find.  It made SUCH a difference to just recognize it in myself.  I knew I needed to do it, but was overwhelmed at the thought of finding a doctor and afraid of being told I was just a “busy mom.”  (FTR, I don’t know of anyone who has actually been told that.)  If you’re not ready to go to the doctor, there’s still a lot you can do to feel better until you are ready. 

[Bernadine]

Oct 11, 2018 9:33:02 GMT -5 lilac05 said:

Oct 11, 2018 8:47:05 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

That crazy, lazy, stupid thing hits me right in the gut.

The more I read about how inattentive ADHD presents in adult women, the more convinced I am that I have it. And so it h.

There’s a book that has that in the title (I can never remember the order).  It’s something like “You Mean I’m not lazy, crazy, or stupid?”  Honestly, just reading the title brought tears to my eyes and was life changing.  I checked out the book and probably read parts of it (hello, ADHD), but it was the title alone that really struck me.  

Before going to the doctor, think back to how these things were present, though different, in childhood.  Currently, symptoms had to have been present in at least two areas of life in childhood to get an official diagnosis.  Looking back, I saw signs of it everywhere...a messy room that I just could NOT keep clean, no matter how desperately I wanted a clean room, last minute school assignments, waiting to start a 10 page paper until midnight and then getting an A on it, constantly having to doodle in order to pay attention, etc.  It was everywhere, but my creative brain was able to compensate for it until the demands got to be too much (& honestly, things falls apart when I started staying at home.  I needed the structure of work to get anything done).

I self-diagnosed 3 years before I actually went to the doctor and got an official diagnosis.  During that time, I did a lot of reading of anything ADHD that I could find.  It made SUCH a difference to just recognize it in myself.  I knew I needed to do it, but was overwhelmed at the thought of finding a doctor and afraid of being told I was just a “busy mom.”  (FTR, I don’t know of anyone who has actually been told that.)  If you’re not ready to go to the doctor, there’s still a lot you can do to feel better until you are ready. 

I feel like this is where I am now.  Since having dd, I'm really struggling in ways I feel I was able to overcome before.

I do have an appointment on the 22nd for an evaluation.

[wildrice]

This post has reminded me I really need to find a new psychiatrist. What many of you describe definitely resonates, especially the part about lack of motivation and laziness. I feel like I spend more of my life trying to do something and feeling bad about NOT doing it than I spend actually functioning properly. I am sure it is at least part of the root of why I have struggled to find my place professionally and haven't found a whole lot of career progress.

I was formally diagnosed probably 6-7 years ago but haven't really found the right treatment. I've been medicated on and off and sometimes meds are marginally helpful, but I've never found the right ones that feel life changing either. I may be like 25% more productive on days when I take them. My psychiatrist never really emphasized counseling for it either.

I also am realizing more and more lately that I think I have anxiety. It's not severe and I tend to actually function better under pressure, but there are a lot of things I waste a lot of time worrying about, I am very fidgety, I don't sleep well, etc.

OP, my testing was done over 2 appointments for about 4 hours worth of psych tests. Most were things like puzzles, recall tests, listing things quickly (name as many things that start with the letter C as you can in 60 seconds), matching, math, etc. They covered a pretty wide range of skills and abilities. There is enough variety that while it ends up being tiring, it's also sort of interesting. I wouldn't worry about it or anything.

[Bernadine]

Oct 11, 2018 11:08:43 GMT -5 wildrice said:

This post has reminded me I really need to find a new psychiatrist. What many of you describe definitely resonates, especially the part about lack of motivation and laziness. I feel like I spend more of my life trying to do something and feeling bad about NOT doing it than I spend actually functioning properly. I am sure it is at least part of the root of why I have struggled to find my place professionally and haven't found a whole lot of career progress.

I was formally diagnosed probably 6-7 years ago but haven't really found the right treatment. I've been medicated on and off and sometimes meds are marginally helpful, but I've never found the right ones that feel life changing either. I may be like 25% more productive on days when I take them. My psychiatrist never really emphasized counseling for it either.

I also am realizing more and more lately that I think I have anxiety. It's not severe and I tend to actually function better under pressure, but there are a lot of things I waste a lot of time worrying about, I am very fidgety, I don't sleep well, etc.

OP, my testing was done over 2 appointments for about 4 hours worth of psych tests. Most were things like puzzles, recall tests, listing things quickly (name as many things that start with the letter C as you can in 60 seconds), matching, math, etc. They covered a pretty wide range of skills and abilities. There is enough variety that while it ends up being tiring, it's also sort of interesting. I wouldn't worry about it or anything.

I just sent you a PM.

[nicolewi]

The more I read about this, the more I think I have it.

[jlt19]

I've been medicated for anxiety for about 14 years, but since DS was recently dx with ADHD, a lot of the symptoms rang true for me as well. I actually just completed 4 assessments yesterday but I don't know anything yet. My GP agrees with me, but he can't prescribe anything without a formal assessment.

[lilac05]

For those wondering about assessments, each doctor will be different. The second psychiatrist I saw was fantastic. He had a screening type form that I filled out so that he could have something to show insurance if they asked. However, he said he didn’t feel any need to do the official assessments given our discussions during first appointment. He felt I clearly had many symptoms of ADHD, but my anxiety is limited to things I don’t do because of the ADHD and not general anxiety. I also have no symptoms of depression. (And I agree with him on those assessments.) He said he would do the official assessments if I wanted them, but he didn’t feel they would be worth the time or the money.

So, chances are good that a psych will do a full assessment, but if that thought keeps you from calling (which it did for me), know that not all doctors require it.

[auntie]

Good luck Bernadine,

I don't have an ADHD dx, but both my mother and adult niece were diagnoses as adults in part because I suggested they be evaluated. I am familiar with what it looks like from DS; his presentation has morphed as he's grown up. He's less impulsive and hyperactive but still struggles with executive function in general even with medication.


My niece was 35 when she moved in with me for a bit to pay down her student loans. After about 2 weeks of watching her up close, I suggested she see DS's psychiatrist. He met with her initially because of her anxiety and some situational depression first, so there was no quick fix- here have some Adderall. I think it was several months before he was comfortable trialing medication for her. She takes an SSRI and Vyvance which she splits into two smaller doses because her job has her working really long hours.

My mother's psychiatrist (different doc, same practice) took a less rigid approach and diagnosed her based more on interaction, family history and personal history (she was on Ritalin for another condition for years). Because of her age, HBP and some cardiac/vision issues, she's not on a stimulant. She's helped by keeping her anxiety in tight control with a cocktail of 2 SSRIs, talk therapy and behavior mods but it is far from perfect- she can be impulsive and a little hyperactive still.


rachelgreen, I am sorry you are dealing with your situation. Sometimes people with ADHD do self-medicate. Some will find that getting on the right prescription will ease the need for other approaches, but others will still tend to abuse other drugs and/or alcohol.

IME, there are two basic classes of stimulant (basically Ritalin-like or Dexedrine-like) and many people do better on those from one group more than the other. My mother was a rote bitch on Ritalin for much of my adolescence and early adulthood, so when we trialed DS I asked his developmental pediatrician to start with Dexedrine which he tolerated really well. As he approached middle school, he needed a medication that lasted long enough for homework and evening activities, so we trialed Concerta (which has a similar active ingredient to Ritalin). It was a nightmare. He was completely emotionally off the wall to the point he was sobbing over nothing the very first day he took it. He did really well on Adderall and now on Vyvance which can be easier to get filled.

[cleo29]

I am pretty sure I have it. If you were screened as an adult, how much did it cost? I don't think insurance covers it.