Do I need Adderall? Do I have ADD?

I have already been prescribed Adderall But after my last discussion with my Psychiatrist, it seems as though it's pretty much up to me to determine if I "need" it.

When I'm on Adderall (20mg or 25mg, I have both now), I definitely feel more motivated. Though I understand anyone probably would. I feel more capable. I don't believe this is a placebo effect, but who knows? I know there have been times when I've been on it where I haven't wanted to do whatever is in front of me (e.g. work), when I have had a desire to specifically not do it.

Maybe I just don't get enough sleep. Maybe this is a self-esteem issue. I just don't know. I go off Adderall for months, and then take it for a while, and then go off of it again. Maybe I'm expecting it to do something it's not supposed to do. Maybe I'm just not motivating myself enough. I just dunno what it is. Can anyone offer insight?

Since just about anyone will get the motivation/concentration benefits of Adderall, the effectiveness of the med by no means signifies that you do or don't have ADHD (there's a thriving drug market for it on college campuses and even on Wallstreet). I have the same doubts as you; my deep-down thoughts are that I'm not, but it helps tremendously with my reading, bulimia, and depression, so it's performing a necesscary function anyhow.

Why did you think you had ADHD in the first place? What are some of the areas in your life that are disrupted by your symptoms? The definition of a mental disorder is something that either causes severe mental distress or impairment in functioning. If either of these apply to you, I'd say you probably have ADHD.

I know alot of adults who stopped taking stimulants after grade-school, or college... it's really just up to you as to how you weight the benefits and the costs (i.e. any heart conditions? concerns about LT affects of stimulant therapy? feeling sort of "cracked out," or unlike your usual self? out of pocket costs? etc). To me, Adderall is well worth it, but I understand why lots of adults tend to pewter off of it in time.

Sometimes I too get the feeling that Adderall should be doing more for me, that it does for other people. In reality, I believe that this is a combination of too high of expectations, and not trying hard enough to direct my attention to meaningful/mandatory things. Cognitive Behavioral therapy can help discipline -- after all, no pill is a magic bullet, so some of our initial problems will remain. I've learned things like DON'T START CLEANING UNLESS YOU HAVE LOTS OF FREE TIME .

Sleep is crucial for concentration, but I'm not sure how low self-confidence plays into it (like by causing lack of motivation from feelings of incompetence?). Also, other meds can REALLY mess with the it's effect, setting it off from it's optimal performance.

Do you feel like the dose that you're on is sufficient for you? It could be that you're not at a very effective dose... I'm prescribed 60mg, but usually only take 20-40mg a day... but it's nice to have the security of that extra 20mg a day in case I need it.

Good luck! I hope I haven't put you to sleep with my novella.

Jess