[PrepCouture]

When I was 4, my general physician suggested I may have ADHD. In elementary school, I was referred to the school psychologist after several teachers also suspected I had ADHD. They were correct. My parents weren't too happy about this, so they basically ignored it for several years. Eventually, they agreed with the school psychologist and GP to try Concerta. This helped for awhile and then the benefits sort of wore off. I also developed muscle tremors and involuntary movement, so we ended it when I was like 13. Since then, it's been a HUGE problem.

I've tried all sorts of supplements, minerals, vitamins, and alternative treatments. The most effective was tyrosine, but I had to stop it after a few months. Tyrosine helped with inattentiveness, but made my hyperactivity and restlessness somewhat worse. I lost my appetite and became extremely underweight. The benefit didn't outweigh the side effects, so I stopped it.

I'm now 21 and in my last year of undergraduate school. While I'm not failure-bound or anything like that, college has been rough because I know I could have done better. My ADHD has taken it's toll on everything from friendships, work, school, and my morale as I look back and regret not being more proactive in seeking help.

I'm currently in counseling. I get 10 free sessions though a free clinic for students. I went to 1 and have 9 remaining. I'm also going to see the GP again for the first time in awhile. I went in May and the GP recommended trying medication again. I opted for tyrosine among other alternative treatment options even though he said there is no guarantee they'll work. Next week, I'm going back to the GP for the first time since May and I'm torn between trying other alternatives (like Focus Factor, grape seed oil, etc.), stimulant meds, or non stimulant options.

Hello and welcome to PC, PrepCouture!

I understand where you are coming from. Have you given other medications that the doctor has suggested? I couldn't really say much about supplements and stuff. However there are different medicines approved by the FDA.

Best wishes!

[PrepCouture]

Thanks for the welcome!

The psychologist talked to me about medication options. I made an appointment with the GP, so we'll see what he recommends.

[WantToGrow]

Good luck, PrepCouture. Lucky you, to want to do something about this at 21. I'm 49 and never was diagnosed, though I score high on the tests. Wish it was understood better when I was young, could have my life back with things maybe going better for having treatment. You are still young, and I hope you get the treatment you need so that you can have the best life possible!

[Us&Them]

I hAVE also just been diagnosed with ADD, and yes, if diagnosed through school years things may have been easier