Attention Deficite Disorders.

[Dinogrrl]

I thought the chemicals that were actually helping out were the same, no matter where you got them from... *shrug* I've tried 'natural cures' for my ADHD/depression and all they made me do was gag every time I opened the bottle (it was a smell thing. I serioiusly could not go NEAR the bottle when it was open without getting sick. And, the pills were ENORMOUS..I could barely swallow them. I prefer my tiny 50mg pills, thanks).

Yeah, so maybe I've just had a bad experience. But I'm definitely not going to try that route again for many many years. ugh *shudders*

 

[EnhancedSpirit]

Almifkhar...it's a bit more than that. ADD has to do with the way the brain processes information. Most of us are able to focus and concentrate by unconsciously tuning out what isn't important at the time. Want to know how an ADD child feels? Go into a room and turn your radio on full blast. Then, turn the tv on really loud, while leaving the radio on as well. Now, get the kids to run around the room laughing and talking loudly. Finally, try to carry on a conversation with someone without losing focus.

Now, imagine an ADD child in a classroom with 25 other kids, all moving and doing things, the teacher moving around the room, bees buzzing by the window....and you get the idea.

I know this causes problems for a traditional classroom environment, but it seems to me that these children have a hightened sense of awareness. My son doesn't stay on task, but he is multi-task oriented. These things I would not want to take away from him, or medicate to hide. They are valuable parts of what makes him who he is. I would rather find a way to teach him how to use these abilities, and benefit from them.

 

[Original Freak]

Like I said before, I don't know much about this...but I believe the point is thar for some people it goes beyond being a natural mutli-tasker. It goes to the point of sensory overload. Perhaps it's there are an never ending variation of degrees of ADD and ADHD. And the medication/non medication debate can only be handled one person at a time and the "I've got ADD and I can handle it" argument holds no water just like the "I've ADD and I needed the medicine." because it can ONLY be handled on an individual basis?

 

[Saw11_2000]

i am pretty anti prescription drug unless it is absolutely necessary. i would look into natural cures and herbs to try before prescription medication. doctors like to prescribe ongoing medication rather than try to cure the problem.

Which prescription drugs are you against? Just the mental ones (ritalin, zoloft) or are you against the physical ones as well (antibiotics/asthma controllers)?

 

[michel]

i am pretty anti prescription drug unless it is absolutely necessary. i would look into natural cures and herbs to try before prescription medication. doctors like to prescribe ongoing medication rather than try to cure the problem.

I would have liked to have been able to agree with you John; my grandfather was a great advocate of homeopathy; in addition, I am always ready to natural herbal alternatives - but they never seem to work with me. I wish there were more natural cures - I am on about four types of medication that are addictive - one week (because of short term memory and lack of concentration - apt on this thread) I prepared my week's medication (In a plastic box - which I always do), and missed one anti=depressant for each day (I am on a cocktail of them).

Within two days I knew something was badly wrong - I had horrific dreams, felt lousy....It was only when I went to my box I noticed I had missed out that i pill/day.

As far as ADHD is concerned, I know that there is a danger of 'lumping' symptoms together & giving them a new 'label' - but at least some of us cvan then use a word to which people can relate......

 

[Dinogrrl]

Like I said before, I don't know much about this...but I believe the point is thar for some people it goes beyond being a natural mutli-tasker. It goes to the point of sensory overload. Perhaps it's there are an never ending variation of degrees of ADD and ADHD. And the medication/non medication debate can only be handled one person at a time and the "I've got ADD and I can handle it" argument holds no water just like the "I've ADD and I needed the medicine." because it can ONLY be handled on an individual basis?

*nods* Yes, this is one of those things that's an extremely case-by-case situation. Not like most sicknesses/cancers/whatever that can be cured with one or two different things. ADD/ADHD affects people so differently...

 

[Riven]

I have adult ADD. I tried several medications for it, but - while helping with the ADD - they made me nauseous. So, I stopped taking them altogether.

It really bothers me when people say stuff like "ADD is a scam" or they don't believe in it or people should be able to just handle it. That's like telling a guy with no legs, "Ya know, the wheelchair routine is really getting old. Why don't you just stand up already?"

There have been numerous studies that have found several differences in the sizes, chemical makeup, and function of certain parts of the brains in those with ADD as compared to those who don't have it. The only people who really question the validity of ADD anymore are people who don't know the facts.

 

[Mr Spinkles]

Just a few things about adult ADD:

First of all.....wait, what were we talking about again? Oh well.....wanna go ride bikes?!?!

 

[michel]

I have adult ADD. I tried several medications for it, but - while helping with the ADD - they made me nauseous. So, I stopped taking them altogether.

It really bothers me when people say stuff like "ADD is a scam" or they don't believe in it or people should be able to just handle it. That's like telling a guy with no legs, "Ya know, the wheelchair routine is really getting old. Why don't you just stand up already?"

There have been numerous studies that have found several differences in the sizes, chemical makeup, and function of certain parts of the brains in those with ADD as compared to those who don't have it. The only people who really question the validity of ADD anymore are people who don't know the facts.

My doctor has a 'take' on the subject of side effects from medication vs the malaise - you have the choice - the lesser of the two evils; the side effects or the symptoms.

First thing in the morning, I am 'hyper' - partly because of pain, but I sing at the top of my voice (If I forget that I am not supposed to) - I find the singing takes my mind off the pain. The other option (For everyone else's sake) is to take sedatives when I wake up - and that is what I do...........

The lesser of the two evils.

 

[Sava]

I don't believe such things exist.

 

[Jaymes]

I don't believe rainclouds exist.

Too bad that didn't stop it from raining while we were trying to shoot off fireworks.

 

[Dinogrrl]

Yeah, we could at least try to explain why we don't believe in some things, instead of just saying it, but I guess that's too much work >>.