I gave you that book? I don't recall doing so, but I guess it doesn't surprise me ;)

My mom had that book. I remember doing a quiz in the beginning of it.

My Opinion: I didn't mention Ned Hallowell because I don't care for his advice (or agree with him). His experience (and advice) is not a universal gold standard, and I don't agree that he is considered "the preeminent expert." That may be your opinion, Alex Mack, but it isn't everyone's. We can agree to disagree without being disagreeable! ;) Important for people reading this thread to know that there are other opinions besides his, and other options.

The pharmacology of medication for ADD and ADHD is complex. For me, Adderall exacerbated the irritability and anxiety, and I couldn't sleep. My type of ADHD did not respond well to that medication. Very low dose of time-release methylphenidate (Concerta) is most effective for me, with few side effects. Exercise is invaluable! So is meditation. It is possible to quiet the "monkey mind". If I can do it, anyone can do it.

I suggest finding a trained psychiatrist who has an extensive background in biochemistry and is willing to work with you in managing your symptoms and maximizing your potential for success. I am able to focus without losing my personality, which was the paramount goal for me and my doctor. I like myself a lot better ON Concerta than OFF it!

Me too! I'm much more likeable when I am on Concerta.

I didn't find "Driven to Distraction" very helpful, either.

So, we got the formal diagnosis today. ADHD it is. Thanks to everyone who shared stories and information. Now I have some big decisions to make about treatment.

One of my daughters has ADHD-was diagnosed in middle school. She is now in her mid-twenties. Distractability/zoning out was/is her main issue. She felt frustrated because she knew she was smart enough to do the homework or the classwork, but she just couldn't... she actually brought it to our attention. Anyway, we went through a number of meds-some made her anxious and angry, some made her nauseous, but vyvance works very well on her. She "feels like herself" on it-not drugged/zombied/angry. It's kind of like ADHD Goldilocks- "and this one is just right!" Dosing is also really critical-too little and it isn't quite enough, too much and she was bouncing off the walls and hyper-detail oriented (She does not have hyperactivity component). We were lucky to be part of a fairly large pediatric group where one of the docs is an ADHD specialist. So one needs to be patient determining which medication works best, as there is no one size fits all med out there.

We also developed coping mechanisms like working on organization skills and making sure that she got enough exercise/flossing around time and minimized sugar/chemical food colorings. We also had to let go of some things and pick our battles-like expecting her to hang her wet towel up every time she took a shower, or making her bed every day-too many other things were more important to keep organized.

She can tell the difference when she is not on it, and it bothers her, as she prefers her brain to be more organized. She also has a very detail oriented and demanding job. My husband and I, along with her boyfriend can kind of tell when she is not on it (usually the weekends, as she doesn't care if she is a bit spacey then), but it is no biggie to us. Her essential personality is still there, regardless of being on her meds or not. Which is, in the end, what you want.

Good luck!

Oh, and your medical insurance company may try and make your pediatrician/psychiatrist use the cheapest/generic meds first, as some of the ADHD meds are expensive (like Vyvance). Your doc will have to be willing to do battle with the insurance company if he/she moves up the chain of ADHD meds.

ADHD WIFLSRN: I wanted to take a month off of Vyvanse, and weaned off of it over the course of a week and a halfish. I'm two weeks in, and it is time to get back on it. I feel so scattered. Sure, I have some creative ideas that pop up randomly, but I don't really think that I lose those when I'm on the Vyvanse. The Vyvanse makes socializing a lot easier, too. The meds are apparently more important for me than I thought.

So, I wanted to thank everyone who shared his/her story with me. We did end up making the decision to try medication for our daughter, and after a rocky start, I can't begin to tell you the improvement that we've seen. When her school work comes home, it's as if a completely different child has done it. We don't have to fight to do her 5 minutes of homework each night. She's not afraid of the work anymore.

I still have reservations in my heart about giving such a little one such strong medication, but she LOVES school now, just as I always thought she would. With a bit of enrichment, I believe she will be caught up to her peers soon.

ETA: the more research I do, the more convinced I am that I have it, too. Any parents had a similar experience?

Not me, but my husband.

And it happens a lot. A kid gets a DX and a parent realizes that they have the same thing.