[blissfullyunaware]

Hello I found this website because I have some questions and I'm hoping to find people who are actually educated/familiar with this topic to assist. First of all I'd like to mention that I believe I have ADHD. I'm a 24 year old kindergarten teacher and feel like I finally have figured out why I've always struggled so much. I've always been a "spacy" person. When I was in 3rd grade a teacher asked my Mom to have me tested for ADHD because I constantly became distracted and unaware of what was going on. My results ended up being negative; which had my mom and myself rejoicing at the time. However; this spacey aspect of myself has never really gone away it made high school and college almost unbearable. (spending 6 hours on a 2 hour project) and I find that with a professional career and new responsibilities that it's either getting worse or my shortcuts are beginning to catch up to me.

I've never been a A straight but college opened up a new door for me. With the education field I was able to take that "spacy" nature of mine and make it more acceptable...because I've found a way to make my distraction nature work for me by either coming up with random, fun activities or by joking about my spaciness with the children I work with. The thing is that this is fine and working well within my classroom environment. (kids are testing well and producing work above their normal level) but it's not working for me on a professional level. It's extremely difficult for me to focus on writing lesson plans, creating activities ahead of time, creating professional appearing work, and having professional discussions (I tend to interrupt or talk over my superiors and/or coworkers.)

I'm aware that ADHD is more than just an issue that deals with attention and I must be honest I'm not a particularly moody or depressed person...in general I appear and am overly happy throughout most of the day and I've never had a problem engaging socially on a more laid back personal level.

This being said my roommate suggested I try an aderalle and see if it helps me. So one day I did and the change was incredible. I was able to stay on task and complete the papers, projects, parent letters, make copies, ect. I completed many of the things that I've been struggling and wanting to accomplish for a long time. The best part was that I was so focused on completing these tasks that I didn't stray from them even when given the opportunity. It didn't change my mood but it did help me concentrate on what others around me said. (A.K.A. I listened before sticking my foot in my mouth)

I've only tried it one other time after that and I experienced the same results.

What I'm asking is:
-Do you think it's possible I have ADHD?
-If so how do I go about getting tested?
-Who do I talk to?
-Is there a different prescription I should discuss about with my doctor?

I'm aware of how it looks to be in your 20's and asking for aderalle; however; I'm hoping if I'm honest with my doctor about how I've been feeling and my experience that he'll be able to at least work with me to solve the problem.

Thank you very much!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by blissfullyunaware

Do you think it's possible I have ADHD?

Let me say that I am not a doctor, but I've read 3 books on the subject and have been posting on ADD forums for 3 years (3.5+ Years since my DX)
Yes... It sure sounds like you have ADD. Even with the negative ADD diagnosis...

-If so how do I go about getting tested?

There are online tests you can take if you want to see more "proof", before seeing a doctor.

-Who do I talk to?

You need to find a psychiatrist who is an expert with ADD/ADHD.

-Is there a different prescription I should discuss about with my doctor?

The psychiatrist who diagnosis you will more than likely have you try several mediacations. Everyone is different and some drugs work great for one and not for another. Quick acting, like Adderall or Extended release, like Vyvanse. Getting the meds right takes a little time and some trial and error.

I'm aware of how it looks to be in your 20's and asking for aderalle; however; I'm hoping if I'm honest with my doctor about how I've been feeling and my experience that he'll be able to at least work with me to solve the problem.

Thank you very much!!!!!!!

My psych once told me "The proof is in the pudding" with regards to me being questioned by people as to what the Adderall "Really" does for me. Adderall changed my life within the first 30 minutes of taking the first dose. Adderall in the prescribed dosage will not affect a Non-ADDer in this way.

I was not diagnosed until I was 43, which really caused a roller coaster of emotions about the "What could have beens, if I had known back then...", but I moved on knowing how much better the rest of my life "Will Be".

Good luck

[Syc_amore]

Just got back to this forum after a little bit of a hiatus to get settled at school. So, apologies for the delayed posting to this.

Growing up, I had the same kind of 'spacey' persona that you describe, not really able to focus. I wanted to constantly be doing something, but I often couldn't maintain interest or concentration, even if that meant some of my serious obligations fell to the back burner, like homework, family events or my asthma medication... Focus became a dirty word in our house, and every time I heard it I felt like I was failing. I suspected I had ADHD for years, but never wanted to admit to myself, my family, or my peers that it was true. Because, well lets face it, denial is attractive sometimes when acceptance means that something is "wrong" with you. Once I realized that nothing was wrong with me, I was just processed information a little differently, it became a lot easier to accept help. And boy, did it ever!

At 23 y/o, I went to see my doc because of depression, and as we worked through some of the issues, I tried several different antidepressants, but everything made me feel like a zombie, and I felt pretty stifled. I'm a creative type, so you can probably see how this made me even more depressed. Then we talked about the possibility that my depression might be stemming from ADHD, and I told my doc about a medication I was on during high school for a totally separate condition. It was a stimulant, not dissimilar to Adderall, and those 8 months when I was on the medication, I was extremely productive and focused in school.

Like YYZ said above, the proof is in the pudding. My doc immediately put me on a low dose of Adderall, and it has helped me do everything that I never thought I'd be able to do because I was so scattered before. I have had some side affects, but they pale in comparison to the benefits of having a clear, focused mind.

My advice? Be honest with your general practitioner, and tell him/her about the circumstances that led you to try the Adderall. He/she should be able to refer you to a psych. I assume, since you haven't been diagnosed with ADHD by a professional, that the Adderall you took was illicit. It can be very dangerous to take medications that haven't been prescribed to you. For example, I have to remain on a low dosage because of blood pressure concerns. Medical professionals have to be vigilant because many people abuse stimulants. Be honest about your concerns and open to the suggestions they have. Tell them about your difficulties, ask questions about what kind of treatment options are available, including what the risks and benefits are to each. That will give you and your doc the information needed to figure out the best treatment regimen for you.