Adult ADD... if you've got it, how do YOU handle it?
I've recently been diagnosed with Adult ADD. It certainly explains a lot about my personality, but it leaves me with a LOT of questions. I used to be in the military - and it was the only job I've ever really thrived in. I guess I handle the environment well when forced to focus. That and I tend to hyperfocus, which was perfect as an air traffic controller. But now I'm out of the military in a less constrained environment.
I don't focus on any one task (except bodybuilding) for more than 5 minutes at a time. In the gym I don't think about anything except what's right in front of me. The weight. But at work I jump from task to task (and the internet - like now!) and hardly accomplish any of them. None of it is interesting enough to keep me involved with it for more than a couple of minutes. I've always had a hard time carrying on a conversation because I change subjects to fast, so these days I'm more of a listener. And hey OMG - there's window washers outside!!
At home in the evenings my partner gets upset with me while we're watching TV because I'm also surfing the net and texting on the phone at the same time. He says I can't get enough input. He's kinda right. LOL.
My question(s) is - I'm DEAD SET against doing any drugs to help me focus. Other than the exercise that I already do (again, bodybuilding and cardio 6 days a week), what can I do to help me focus? I found a related AskMe
here, but it's over 3 years old. Are there any new approaches to controlling my myself? Are there any mefites out there who are the same way, and what do they do?
If your case is mild enough, you could find that a couple strong cups of coffee or "energy drinks" help - I'm betting you used to drink coffee at work.
Ultimately - try asking a medical professional - a psych who specializes in it would be best.
I know they are typically geared towards prescribing drugs, but in the end it is your choice.
Annectotally we tried many natural alternatives with one of our kids and in the end had to turn to medication - as this is a mild case, it is a tiny amount (less than 10mg of short-activing dexedrine), given only once per day to help focus during school. The difference in ability to focus is so dramatic that the teacher know immediately when we forget to give the medication that day.
posted by jkaczor at 10:31 AM on December 29, 2008