Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin
I've got what most would consider to be a pretty severe case of ADHD. For me, the behavior modification route was far, far better than the drugs. Until I have severe physical conditions (e.g., high blood pressure) I'll forego any sort of medication regimen. I think that I probably suffered a little for my choice in HS and undergrad. Not enough to keep me out of law school, and since getting into law school, I've been outperforming the vast majority of my 'normal' classmates.
I know my route probably isn't what most would choose, but I figure that ADHD is just an aspect of what I am. So long as there was no serious risk of harm, I never really saw the utility in medicating myself in order to try and repress some aspect of my personality.
It's a choice between the patient (possibly through their parent or guardian) and their physician. The above study is something which could probably have been inferred from the above medications. Most of them are psychostimulants. A side effect is an increased heart rate. Increased heart rates lead to cardiac events as far as I know.
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Looking back, I have had classic severe ADHD throughout my entire life. Fluctuating grades, impulsivity, name a symptom and I've had or still have it. When I started ritalin, I didn't notice the difference but everyone around me did. I was told I slowed down, even my speech, I could remember engagements and actually make it places on time. It's not a wonder-drug but it works well enough for me that I'm still trying out different medication methods to figure out the best path.
My biggest problem is hyperfocus and well...I've been told I should be a lawyer because I can make these massive leaps and connections where others will not see them in terms of logic. The downside is that while I can form a highly logical argument, an overload of information means shutting down instead of working with my mind. An example that comes to mind is my paper on abortion where I was asked to argue both sides of the issue. There was so much to talk about I couldn't get started because I had no clue...I even cried. I handed the paper in two weeks late.
Kevin, I envy your coping strategies and I would love to know how you've modified your life to make it through college and into law school. I'm no idiot, as with most ADHDers I have above-average intelligence, but I've hated and struggled with school from day one and I believe it's because of a lack of structure and self-discipline plus a learning disability (dyscalculia). In fact, I'd love to know how other ADHDers on here cope with everyday life.
Me? My room is a literal pigsty. If I need to study I must listen to non-instrumental music OR Coldplay. I HAVE to write lists of things I must accomplish during the day because the internet is a huge distraction for me.
I survive on flashcards. I rely on others to provide me with structure and discipline because I am fairly incapable at times. (Who was late for every new member meeting? That would be me! Who forgot to pay dues until 3-4 weeks into the semester? That would be me. It goes on...)
I wish I could be medication-less, but after life with meds, it's hard to go without. As I've gotten older, my memory has worsened considerably.
Also, Kevin, a fair number of children do grow out of their disorder. Do you feel this may have occurred with you?
Right, post over. That there, ladies and gents, is the ramblings of a mad woman with ADHD
I hope it made some sense.