Food has the ability to fuel our bodies in many ways.  Likewise, it can “feed” your brain, too!  And just like some foods make us feel sluggish, or fat, or energized, our brains also react to the foods we eat.  Sugar, glutens, caffeine, the chemicals added to our foods, etc. – we could go on and on.  Studies have shown that cutting back or eliminating certain foods from our diets can actually minimize or at least help us control our ADD/ADHD symptoms!  Sounds pretty easy, doesn’t it?

It can be, but think about this.  One drug can have many different effects on many individuals.  Our chemistries are different from one another.  We react to things in various ways.  So it makes sense that anything that goes into our bodies can cause different feelings, reactions, and behaviors.

So why should you bother the option of changing your diet?  Well, for starters, it seems like a safer choice than medication, doesn’t it?  Actually in many ways, changing your diet is a much harder thing to accomplish and it can certainly take a while to get results.  Yet those who have opted to do this report feeling so much better that they can’t imagine returning to their old dietary ways!  Add to this regimen vitamins and other supplements proven to reduce ADD/ADHD symptoms, and you have a formula for treatment success!

Drugs or diet?  You will ultimately have to decide that for yourself and/or your child.  It just seems to make more sense that we use the most natural methods available rather than filling our bodies with drugs.  If you still aren’t sure, read through this site.  Ask questions, talk to others who have found themselves in your shoes, and get yourself familiar with everything that is avilable to you out there.  Only then should you make an informed decision about what you plan to do.

1.  Find the positive.  Having ADD/ADHD is only part of who you are.  Don’t define yourself in terms of that.  Find other things about yourself that are positive.  You may not always feel it, but you have plenty of strengths!

2.  Build structure into your life.  If you find that you have trouble getting things finished or getting organized to begin with, set up a routine for yourself.  This will get you in the habit of staying on task and being timely.  It will also provide you with a confidence boost every time you complete a task!

Management:  At first glance, a managerial position may not sound too ADD-friendly.  It requires a lot of attention to everyone else’s work and attention to detail, something most of us ADDers just don’t enjoy.  However, if you can bone up your organizational skills and keep focused, you would really like being in control.  People with ADD or ADHD also have the ability to “bring people along,”and to excite them such that employees would want to work for you!

Nursing:  If you consider all of the different kinds of nursing there are, plus the infinite amount of challenges available, there would probably be few dull moments!  You’d also get a degree of autonomy.

Medical:  Just like nursing, this field is ripe with opportunities for ADDers.  If you have he ability to hyper-focus, then medical school will be a breeze for you, and your job will be very exciting.  You would do well, however, to pick a specialty that offers you variety, autonomy, and excitement – think surgeon or gynecologist!

Attorney:  The biggest problem with this field is that you would have to learn to be detail-oriented – this isn’t impossible, just difficult.  Many attorneys have a paralegal who works with them, and often this person can be put in charge of much of the detail portion.  At any rate, a trial attorney, for example, offers excitement, autonomy, and variety.

Insurance:  I can almost hear you yawning as you read this.  If the notion of working in this field intrigues you, think about a job as a sales representative for insurance or a claims adjuster.  These jobs require much less monotonous work, enable you to be sociable, and offer variety as well as autonomy.

Computer:  Let’s face it, some computer work is boring, boring, boring – all that sitting in one place doing the same thing over and over!  What I am talking about here is different.  If you love computers, love inventing new programs, or enjoy taking computers apart and putting them back together again, you may find the perfect job.  SImply putting in data will drive you insane!

Recreation:  Are you particularly physically talented?  Are you athletic or do you enjoy teaching others about health?  Maybe you should consider a job as a coach, dance instructor, or a fitness trainer.  The health field continues to be one of the more recession-proof areas so it might be right down your alley!

Consultant:  Think of a consulting job like you might that of an entrepreneur.  Most consultants enjoy being presented with a problem and coming up with solutions.  You are energized by trying to “sell” someone your ideas.  Often someone else will be in charge of implementing your plan and seeing to the details.  This sort of career will offer you autonomy, variety, and stimulation.

Creative:  Many ADDers are extremely creative.  They enjoy using their imaginations to create art, to dance, to write, etc.  Often what is hard, though, is the need for some self-discipline.  Many artists are very autonomous, but can get scattered quite easily.  However, if you are truly enjoying what you are creating, you can also find yourself hyper-focused.  Jobs that cater to the creative side of individuals may include teaching art, working in an advertising office or some other creative venture, or as a writer for a public relations firm.

Well, there you have it – the most ADD/ADHD-friendly jobs and careers around.  Obviously, this list is not exhaustive, and there are plenty other of these jobs out there.  What you must remember is that you need ot know what your own specific strengths and weaknesses are in relation to your ADD/ADHD.  Keep those in your mind as you explore jobs and interview for them.  A job may not satisfy all of your ADD criteria, and that’s okay.  At least you have an idea of where to begin looking.

If you still cannot figure out the direction you should take, you might consider finding a career specialist or a vocational psychologist.  These are professionals who are trained to help you narrow your search, and match your interests and abilities with the right career.  Just don’t forget to mention your ADD or ADHD, and be sure to explain in as much detail as possible how it might affect your working life!

Technical – These are jobs that require an employee to go out into the community and repair or install equipment.  Think of jobs such as a telephone engineer or an electronics mechanic.  What this area will provide you is some level of autonomy as well variety in the type of tasks you will do.

Technological – You’re probably thinking this is the same as the Technical area.  What makes these jobs similar to technical ones is that they also let you be autonomous and there is variety.  The big difference lies in this area’s need for its employees to be knowledgeable in the most current, state- of-the-art technologies.  This can include computer technicians, computer builders, or an electronics expert.

Maintenance – Don’t think of your everyday maintenance guy that keeps your offices clean.  Therse are jobs such as a carpenter, car mechanic, or an electrician.  In these fields, you “maintain” a product so that the consumer can continue to use it.  You are often quite autonomous.

Science – Rather than enjoying research (which most of us ADDers would hate!), this category includes jobs that work on research oriented teams or keep machines working properly in the medical field.  For example, you might work for a company that keeps medical equipment up-to-date and working such as an EEG or MRI machine, a ultrasound machine, etc.

Military – At first glance, you may be thinking that I’m crazy to include the Military as a field we ADDers could excel in, particularly when you consider how rigid and structured it is.  But that is what makes it so beneficial.  The military offers structure so that you aren’t necessarily “bouncing” around, and forces you to learn organizational skills.  Once you make it through basic training, there are many jobs and careers in the military that you might enjoy:  Paratrooper, Helicopter Pilot, Aircraft Technician, and more.

Entrepreneur – If you can harness your energy and remain focused, this can be quite a successful area for you.  You will have variety, stimulation, and ultimate control over yourself and your product.  You are able to be creative and energetic.  Until you can afford it, though, you will have to pay attention to detail work (paper work, etc.) and this can be a stumbling block for a lot of us.

Aviation – If you don’t join the military, you can still have a career as a pilot, air traffic controller, or aviation engineering.  This area gives you autonomy and stimulation.  Depending on what job you choose, you may also get variety.

Dentist- Before you shout, “Dentistry!  Boring!”, hear me out.  As a dentist, you often have a lot of variety in your work, and you certainly have tons of independence.  For even more stimulaiton, you can specialize.

Transportation – No, there’s not much stimulation depending on what sort of driving you do, but you get a lot of independence.  Variety may come in the form of having different routes assigned or changing the product you are delivering.  Then again, an ambulance driver may have more stimulation and variety given the nature of the job.

Engineer – Think here about the guy (or gal!) who operates heavy equipment or is a professional engineer (chemical, nuclear, electronics).  These jobs offer stimulation and variety while letting you be independent.  Even though many of the tasks here require attention to detail, the work of detail is embedded in the task – in other words, it’s not a side issue such as what an entrepreneur would face.  For the entrepreneur, it would be a hassle.  For the engineer, it’s part and parcel of the job itself.

Hopefully, you are seeing how you might fit into one of these areas.  If you are at a job that isn’t listed here, the last ten will be presented next week.

SALES:  People with ADD often do very well in sales.  These jobs offer variety, autonomy and can even be filled with pressure-filled tasks that provide some adrenaline rush.  The part that we may not succeed at is the need for attention to detail and follow up – yet with the right support staff or some learned methods for managing this, the problem can be minimalized.

MECHANICAL:  These are jobs that involve the building and repairing of machinery.  While there is plenty of stimulation from the job projects themselves, you are able to perform taksk without someone looking over your shoulder.

LABOR:  When you think of labor-related jobs, you may think that these wouldn’t “fit” an ADDer at all.  Certainly a routine labor job such as one that requires sitting in the same spot and performing the same tasks – over and over again – are not what we are talking about here.  But think about this:  what about a labor job such as construction or another that is filled with more risk (think skyscraper window washer) and more physical activity?

MACHINIST:  If you need more variety, and don’t care as much for stimulation or autonomy, this will work for you.  An automotive machinist, for example, will present you with many sorts of tasks that require resolution.

OFFICE:  If you’re like me, when you think “office,” you associate it with boredom, monotony, and organization, none of which we enjoy!!  But what about the more non-traditional office jobs such as a hotel clerk, or the assistant to a physician, you begin to see that some office jobs offer more variety and stimulaitn than others.

HEALTH TECHNICIAN:  These are jobs that are in the health field wihch afford variety and control.  An emergency medical technician – EMT – is full of adrenaline-pumping activity and variety.  A physical therapist may not have the stimulation like an EMT, but there is variety and autonomy.

POLICE AND FIRE FIGHTING:  Do I even need to expalin this one?  These jobs offer risk, adrenaline surges, variety, and – depending on your status – a degree of autonomy.  These jobs are great for those ADDers who thrive on crisis.

COOKING:  While these jobs don’t sound very exciting, think about the need to create something different with each order.  What if you are a chef for a famous restaurant who must come up with unique ways to prepare and present food?  The adrenaline surge is less here, but depending on the job, it’s still there.

CONSTRUCTION:  These jobs are not full of variety and stimulation, but you are often able to work at your own pace and with some autonomy.

EDUCATION: At first, the thought of being a teacher may sound boring, but it doesn’t have to be.  You may not wish to teach one subject all day – blah, blah, blah! – but you would make a great coach or a special education teacher.  The best part about an ADDer and teacher is that you will have a unique and compassionate understanding of your ADD students!

[hidepost/]

We’ll hit another ten categories next week.  Enjoy your holiday!

Just like those with other special skills or needs, certain jobs have a better “fit” than others.  Nothing could be more true for the ADD/ADHD person.  If you are feeling that your job isn’t “you,” there may be a reason and it could be linked to your ADD/ADHD.  And if your child is beginning to think about future employment or college majors, his/her ADD must be considered, too.  Having ADD/ADHD does not mean you cannot succeed – it merely means that you are dealing with a host of variables that effects everything from your interests to your frustration level to your motivation.  It turns out that there are about 30 job areas that seem to be well matched with people who have ADD/ADHD.  In this article, we’ll look first at what makes a job “ADD-friendly” and how to go about figuring where you fit best.

If you are considering a career change, or if you are a “first-timer” with regards to a career, it might be well worth your time to seek the help of a career counselor.  This is a person who can administer testing to assess your interests and your aptitudes.  But as well, you need to make sure your counselor has a thorough understanding of your particular brand of ADD/ADHD so that this is taken into consideration  .

Research has shown that those of us with ADD/ADHD need jobs that have pressure, autonomy, and variety.  Pressure comes in the form of the excitement from a job that causes your adrenaline to flow.  Being autonomous does not mean you have to be in charge, but you probably prefer to work at your own pace and to be responsible for your work without someone breathing down your neck.  Do we need to even review what variety means?  A job without variety is never going to work for the ADDer!  So what exactly is a ADD/ADHD-friendly job anyway?

An ADD-friendly job usually requires that a person with ADD must pay attention to detail for short amounts of time – exactly how much time varies from person to person.  Particularly if your are extremely stimulated by what you are doing, you are apt to be able to sustain attention longer.

An ADD-friendly job can include that of the role of supervisor if you can pay attention to everyone else’s details as well as your own.  Depending on how much frustration you may feel at having to manage all details, you might be better suited to leave the managing to someone else!

An ADD-friendly job offers a frequently changing environment along with multiple responsibilities.  This cuts down on the boredom factor tremendously.  In addition, most ADDers prefer to work independently and take a lot of ownership in what they do.  When all of these things are present, the opportunity for success and happiness is well within reach!

If you are evaluating a career or trying to determine if it’s time for a job change, ask yourself the following questions.

- What are the duties of this particular job/career?

- How must autonomy will you have?

- How much detail work is required?  Will it be boring to you or can you see yourself becoming stimulated by these tasks?

- Is the job active or passive?  In other words, does it offer a lot of change in terms of what you do with your time or will you be doing the same thing all day long?

- Is there going to be enough stimulation such that you feel energized and excited about your work?

Your career or job doesn’t have to fit all of these criteria, but you sure want to have as many of them as you can.  We all have to mold ourselves to a certain extent for our jobs, but don’t forget that the job in turn must offer you a pretty good fit, too!  In next week’s article, we’ll begin to take a look at 30 job categories that are ADD/ADHD-friendly!

1.  Sit in front of the class. Kids who sit in the very front row of a class are leas likely to be distracted by what’s going on behind them.  They are better able to participate in class discussions because they are more likely to be called upon to answer questions, hand out papers, write on the chalkboard, etc.  When their attention does drift, it’s easier for the teacher to catch their eye and pull them back “in” without having to constantly reprimand them in front of classmates.

2.  Develop a relationship with teachers. Let them know about your child’s special needs and how you are trying to address them at home.  This will put you and the teacher on the “same page” so that there is a sense of continuity to your child’s structure.  Develop a system through email whereupon you can communicate with her often without taking too much of her time.

3.  Teach your child to keep a schedule. Help her develop a system that works for her in order to keep track of things that need to be done now, later, etc.  Teach her to prioritize her time so that she doesn’t feel so overwhelmed.  One way to do this is have her list all of her assignments and then put a quantity of time (e.g., 30 minutes) that she thinks it will take her to complete them.  Pick those items that need attention first and break them into small, accomplishable tasks.  As she begins to see that she indeed has enough time, she will relax and become more focused.

4.  Don’t be afraid to write in books. While many of us were taught not to write in books, this is an excellent technique for kids.  Teach them to highlight portions of a book that the teacher is reviewing so that when he studies at home, he will instantly see the most important material.  Some schools don’t allow this practice because books are turned in to the school at the end of the year.  If this is true for your school, it might be worth the extra cost to buy the books so that your child can succeed.

5.  When reading chapters for homework, read the chapter summaries first. This gives a kid the chance to see what is considered the most important material to be learned from a chapter so that she can focus on that.

6.  Check your work, and then check it again. For the ADD child who tends to be rushed and neglectful of details, this is an important skill to learn.  Many errors are created out of carelessness and impulsivity.  Catching them will not only improve your child’s grades, but provides another opportunity for him to review what’s been done.

Just implementing these six suggestions should make a world of difference to your child.  The key is to do these things frequently and consistently!  Not only will he benefit now, but he also will likely take these skills well into adulthood, thereby ensuring even more success!

I am writing this letter late at night after trying to get you to go to sleep.  Why?  Perhaps someday you will read this and realize that while you were certainly a challenging kid, you bring me endless joy.  Besides, I am so frustrated right now that I thought writing might be therapeutic (after all, I’m a writer – what else would I do?)

You are eight years old now and full of energy.  Before I understood your ADHD, I truly couldn’t figure out where you got all of that non-stop motion.  Ever since you were a baby, you got by on less sleep than other babies your age.  My friends were sympathetic, but they didn’t get it.  In fact, some of my fondest memories of you were in the dead of the night when it was just you and me, up at 3 AM, and you were so sweet.

But back to lately.  I must say that before Dr. Waters diagnosed you with ADHD, I was scared.  You didn’t sleep.  You would dive into a tantrum the way a fish has to get into the water before it dies!  Then, in a flash, you were in my arms, sweet as could be, as if nothing had just happened.  Still at other times, you couldn’t stand to be touched, something that you will come to understand that no parent handles well.  At school, you were the talker, the one who got into trouble almost every day.  Confusion and chaos seemed to overwhelm you.

Your first grade teacher, who happened to be old as dirt, according to other mothers who had her when they were your age, thought something was horribly wrong with you.  She even hinted you might be disabled somehow.  I grew to hate the sound of the phone ringing the same time each afternoon, knowing Mrs. Hitchings was on the other end.

“Mrs. Parks, you must do something about Henry.  Today, he broke into song in class and had the kids singing along.  I simply can’t have that in my class.  Perhaps you need to take him to a psychologist.”

First, Henry, I have to tell you, I thought your singing to your classmates was rather sweet and funny.  It never occurred to me that you were creating chaos!  Hey, your dad s a stand-up comedian – I figured it just ran in the family.  Second, when she hinted that you might be mentally ill, that was the last straw.

“Mrs. Hitchings, how is he doing with his class assignments?  Could he be acting like a first grader, given he is, after all, just a kid?”  She hesitated before admitting that you finished every task before the other kids.  To top it off, you were reading at the third grade level, and had straight A’s.  Pretty impressive, even if it was only the first grade.  Further exploration resulted in my finding out that you got into trouble only after you finished your work.  Could he be bored, I wondered?

Once I heard that, you were pulled out of that school.  Any establishment that requires a kid to fit into a certain mold was not the place for my brilliant, if not goofy kid!  Still, I was left with a nagging feeling that something was not quite right and that you might be suffering without even knowing it.  A responsible parent had to check it out.

Enter Dr. Waters.  Your dad and I decided not to take any chances to help you if you truly needed it.  Dr. Waters asked us a bunch of questions, some of which were:

- Is he always on the go?

- Does he sometimes have trouble focusing and then at other times, he is so focused that when you try to get his attention, he appears to be not listeniong on purpose?

- Is he bright, funny, creative?

- Does he have trouble calming down, sleeping, etc?

- Does he have difficulty with change?

- Is he easily overwhelmed by a lot of stimulation?

He asked plenty more questions, but eventually, he put a name to what was wrong:  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  At first, the name scared us, but Dr. Waters just smiled.  “This is not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination.”  By the time you read this, Henry, you will already know everything there is to know about ADHD, but we were new to this, and we needed that reassurance!

We read everything he recommended and let him help us with a plan for treatment.  The goal?  – To help you learn to control your troubling symptoms by channeling them into productive skills while refusing to sacrifice your personality.  An extra plus was that Dr. Walters, unlike most doctors, didn’t think medication was the answer for ADHD kids – only later did I realize we had gotten lucky with this doc since most believe meds are the only way!

For the most part, the treatment plan works like a charm.  On some days, I still want to pull my hair out and wonder if medication wouldn’t be easier that watching your diet, monitoring your schedule, and helping you maintain good coping skills.

You have trouble getting calmed and going to sleep.  You have
meltdowns at the most unexpected times.  You seem to feel things
deeply, and while this is usually a good thing, you can be overly
sensitive at times.  You can be impossible to reach when you are doing
activities that interest you.  Today was one of those days – perhaps
it’s my fault.  After all, there are some days when I just don’t have
the ability to deal with what you are feeling and doing.

But most days, it occurs to me that I have THE coolest kid in the world!

You are extremely bright.  You are funny and dramatic.  You are intuitive beyond belief.  You have more imagination in your little finger than I have in my whole body!  You are outgoing, never shy, and you always want others to be comfortable.  You attack most everything with gusto.

You ooze with eagerness and curiosity.  Your capacity for love is something we should all be so lucky to have.  ADHD?  For me, it’s become a gift, not a burden.  Yes, it requires perseverance in order to monitor and regulate your symptoms.  My advice to you?  Focus not on the “bad” parts except to manage them.  Emphasize your “positive” parts because, trust me, they far outweigh the negatives!

Henry, you are a terrific kid, and if I may say so myself (Ok, I am your mom, and of course I’d say this!), you are perfect just the way you are.  Without ADHD, would you be the same little boy I have right now?  I am not sure, but I DO know one thing – I never want to find out!

Love,

Mom

1.  Determination

Although staying interested in a project and preventing boredom is a hard task for an ADHDer, if he is interested or invested, there is typically great determination.  When armed with drive and the skills/talents/strategies necessary to do so, an ADHDer is bound for success!

2.  Hyper-Focus

While it can be frustrating to watch your ADHD child hyper-focus on some things, especially when you are trying to get his attention, this ability is also one that many people without ADHD wish they had.  When this trait is put to good use and channeled properly, it enables you to get the job done.

3.  Problem Solving

Combine this trait with determination and the ability to hyper-focus, and you will find an individual who will stop at nothing to achieve a final result.

4.  Empathy

People who have ADHD often have the tremendous ability to connect with others.  Maybe it’s because they have have so many obstacles to overcome that they understand others more easily.  Or maybe it’s because they feel things intensely and can intuitively tell how others feels.  Whatever it is, they’ve got it.

5.  Intuition

Like I said, a lot of people with ADHD seem to have a flair for understanding where others are coming from and can sense what they are feeling.  They are great helpers and are excellent at caring for others.

6.  Imagination

Ask an ADHD person a “what if” question, and you will see how many ideas he can generate.  I don’t know if it has anything to do with the differently wired brain, but they seem to feel freer to express ideas, many of which are “outside the box!”

7.  Drama

Often when we say someone is dramatic, it’s not a compliment, right?  For a person with ADHD, that dramatic flair is usually caught up in the ability to be funny.  Most ADHDers are excellent at being able to laugh at themselves and to help others learn not to take themselves so seriously.

8.  Creativity

Plenty of people who have ADHD are some of the most creative out there!  They have had to learn how to do things differently, and have had to learn how to cope with the differences they have from others.  I don’t know if this is the reason they tend to be more creative or not.  Combined with their imaginations, you can see how the creativity can blossom.

9.  Strength

People with ADHD have had to overcome obstacles of all types that are quite different form the rest of the population.  The ability to address these obstacles relies on the ADHDer’s strength to persevere and to become resilient in the face of trouble.  When this strength is present, they can endure anything and bounce right back!

10.  Originality

Typically with an ADHD person, what you see is exactly what you get.  ADHDers don’t usually hide themselves – they are “out there” and don’t wish to pretend they are something they are not.  With this comes an ability to see the world differently and to embrace it without judgement.

So the next time you find yourself focusing on the negatives of ADHD, look at this article again.  Not everything about having ADHD is bad!  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

A number of studies have been conducted to answer this question and the results are not conclusive in one direction or the other.  Some studies argue that the intake of caffeine caused ADHDers to be less impulsive, agressive, more focused, and to have increased hand-to-eye coordination.  When parents and teachers were polled, they believed caffeine was just as effective as taking Ritalin.  Still other studies have proven that the combination of Ritalin and caffeine gave the best benefit.

So, you might be thinking these results don’t seem all that bad.  But consider this.  No one reacts to caffeine in the exact manner as the next person.  You can’t predict who may benefit and who may be harmed by giving caffeine.  In fact, many researchers average the scores of ADHD kids on tests that look at concentration and hyperactivity.  When these scores get averaged, it makes the overall benefits look nonexistent or minimal.  But it doesn’t take into consideration the kids who are severely effected.

The amount of caffeine ingested when you have ADHD will make a difference in how you react, and it appears that the more you take, the worse you become!  Let’s also remember that the amount of caffeine you use is also related to insomina and addiction to caffeine!  This can’t be a good thing!

A low does of caffeine is thought to be about 158-160 milligrams.  Look at the following list and see how quickly you can reach that level.

- Coke has 23 mgs. in 8 ounces

- Diet Coke has 31 mgs. in 8 ounces

- Brewed tea has 20-35 mgs. while instant tea has 10-30 mgs. in 8 ounces

- Chocolate milk has 5 mgs in 8 ounces

- Semi-sweet chocolate (think chocolate chip cookies) has 5-35 mgs. in 1 ounce

If you are a normal adult, you probably drink several caffeinated beverages a day, so it doesn’t take long before you have overdone it.  For children that threshold is even lower.  No one is saying you must give caffeine up.  But if you or your child suffer from ADHD, you cannot ignore that caffeine may have profound effects on your symptoms.  Just because you believe it actually minimizes the bad symptoms, and maximizes the good, the balance of how much caffeine is the perfect dose will change from day to day.  So don’t let yourself be fooled into thinking caffeine is a safe alternative to treat ADHD symptoms.

Wellbutrin has a chemical structure that is different from all other antidepressant medication.  While other antidepressants target the brain chemical called serotonin, Wellbutrin does not.  Some physicians think this drug is ideal for treating ADHD because they think it may act on the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.

If your doctor mentions the use of Wellbutrin, you cannot combine it with Strattera.  Other drug interactions include Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), anticonvulsant medications such as Dilantin and Tegretol, and ulcer medications such as Tagamet.

Not everyone with ADHD will want to try this drug.  If you have a history of anorexia or bulimia, seizures or brain damage, you should avoid it.  Twenty eight percent of people who take Wellbutrin experience a significant weight loss.

Wellbutrin can be used for ADHD, with caution, if you have bipolar disorder, have weight loss associated with depression, kidney disease, liver disease, and are over the age of 60 years.  In addition, you can use this drug even if you are addicted to diet pills, narcotics, stimulants, cocaine, or over-the-counter stimulants.

What about the side effects?

• restlessness
• agitation
• anxiety
• excessive sweating
• weight loss, decreased appetite
• insomnia
• headache
• ringing in the ears
• dry mouth
• dizziness
• constipation
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• tremors
• seizures
• decreased white blood cell count

Wellbutrin has also been associated with a rapid heart beat, mental confusion, and menstrual complaints.  It’s effects during pregnancy are not well understood, so it is best to steer clear.  And if you are breast feeding, you must know that Wellbutrin does pass into breast milk and can cause a serious reaction in your baby.

Some rare side effects that have been reported include a change in hair color, painful erections, no erections, and unusual ejaculations.  Also, the side effects of Wellbutrin in kids under the age of 18 are not known, so this is not an appropriate treatment for them.

In addition to all of the lovely side effects you have just read about, if that’s not enough to cause you concern, consider the issue of withdrawal from Wellbutrin.  Withdrawal from this drug must be done slowly and under the supervision of a physician.  Suddenly stopping Welbutrin can cause unpleasant and potentially serious side effects.

As I write this, I have to wonder why anyone would turn to medication as a first choice of treatment for ADD/ADHD?  Some drug companies will stress that they must list every side effect possible, but that many hardly ever occur.  That may or may not be true.  Pharmaceutical companies prefer to downplay a drug’s side effects, because of course, they want to sell their drugs!  For example, the makers of Wellbutrin have had numerous lawsuits filed against them by patients and their families who suffered from seizures after taking Wellbutrin.  So just how many of the above side effects are you willing to tolerate?  It ultimately becomes a matter of choosing your ADD/ADHD symptoms or to have other symptoms that can prove to be every bit as disruptive!

Strattera is known as a selective norepinephrenine reuptake inhibitor.  This means that it strengthens the chemical signal between the nerves that use norepinephrine to send messages.  It does not seem to affect the dopamine systems as directly as stimulants drugs do, but it does cause a secondary increase in dopamine levels in the brain area located behind your eyes.   This is the area that is associated with the ability to mentally rehearse responses and inhibit impulsivity.  It’s also associated with your working memory.  It is not thought to be at such a high risk for abuse because it is not a Schedule II drug (known for significant potential for addiction) like the stimulants.

While professionals still prefer to try stimulants first, this drug has a gradual and subtle onset.  It takes a few days to reach a maximum effect, and some report they’ve had to take it for as long as 3 weeks before seeing any effects.  It is taken once or twice a day, and that makes it preferable for children as they don’t have to remember a dose at school.

Now that you know how it works, what about side effects, conflicting conditions, etc?  Before beginning Strattera, you should let your doctor know if you have:

• current or past depression, psychosis, or other mental conditions
• substance abuse
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• epilepsy or another seizure disorder
• liver disease
• kidney disease
• pregnancy, nursing, or plans to become pregnant

Common side effects include the following:

• problems sleeping/insomnia
• dry mouth
• decrease in appetite
• weight loss
• upset stomach
• constipation
• nausea and/or vomiting
• dizziness
• fatigue
• mood swings
• ear infections
• influenza
• irritability

In adults, there can be sexual side effects including a decreased libido, ejaculatory problems, impotence, urination problems, and painful menstrual periods.

Of course, the drug company that makes Strattera, Lilly Pharmaceuticals, says this is a safe drug overall.  They report conducting 6 placebo-controlled studies in children, adolescents, and adults to submit the results to the FDA.  Early studies indicated that the potential for abuse is lower and the side effects milder than those reported when using stimulant medications.

Two of the trials said its effects were as good as those produced by stimulant medications.  The researchers did, however, say they wanted to conduct larger studies to check out this claim.

The short term studies showed that Straterra increased the heart rates and bloodpressures in children.  The long-term effects of increased heart rate and blood pressure are still not known.  Children also fell below their height and weight growth curves during a more long-term study.  The long-term effects are unknown as to whether Strattera use will effect adult height.

The studies also showed side effects in sexual functioning.  Also of concern is the question of how this drug will affect kids whose sexual organs are still developing.

So there you have it – the good, the bad, and the ugly – about taking the non-stimulant Strattera.  I am still of the opinion that if you want to try a “pill” for your ADD/ADHD symptoms, wouldn’t you prefer a more natural route?

Your treating physician needs to know if any of the following conditions apply to you:

• Glaucoma
• Hardening or blocking of the arteries or heart blood vessels
• Heart disease or defect
• High blood pressure
• History of substance abuse or current use
• Psychotic illness, depressed mood, or suicidal thoughts
• Recent weight loss
• Seizures
• Have taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in the  last 14 days
• Thyroid disease
• Tourette’s Syndrome
• An unusual or allergic reaction to dextroamphetamines, other amphetamines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• Breast-feeding

The list of medications that can interact with these stimulants is pretty vast and long:

• Alcohol
• Certain migraine medications such as Almotriptan, Eletriptan, Frovatripan, Naratriptan, Rizatriptan, Sumatriptan, and Zolmitriptan
• Lithium
• MAOIs such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Melatonin (herbal supplement)
• Meperdine
• Other stimulant medications for ADD/ADHD, weight loss, or to stay awake
• Pimozide
• Procarbazine
• Acetazolamide
• Ammonium Chloride
• Ascorbic Acid
• Glutamic Acid
• Medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• Medicines for colds, sinus, and breathing difficulties
• Meds for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• Meds for seizures like Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, and Phenytoin
• Methanamine
• Norepinephrine
• Propoxyphene
• Sodium Acid Phosphate
• Sodium Bicarbonate

Like the other group of stimulants, the drug company recommends that you tell your physician about ANY prescription of non-prescriptions drugs that you take.  Do not assume something is safe to use with these drugs simply because it isn’t listed!

Now we are back to the side effects you might notice.  Again, you will recognize some of these already, but there are also some side effects that are different as well.

• Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Intense anger, anxiety, or mania
• Chest pain
• Fast, irregular heartbeats
• Fever, or hot, dry skin
• Hallucinations
• High blood pressure
• Muscle twitching
• Uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea, vomiting
• Nervousness, restlessness
• Stomach cramps
• Weight loss
• Trouble sleeping

Jill W. recounted to me her experience with taking Adderall.  She had enough problematic symptoms of ADD that she went to her physician where, predictably, he suggested medication as the first line of treatment.   Like many of us, she said that she’d trusted her doctor and his recommendations.  “After all,” she said, “he’s the doctor.”  He even gave her some samples of Adderall so she could keep her costs down (Hmmm – wonder where he got those???).  She was not told about side effects nor was she asked about any existing medical conditions.

The first thing she noticed was that she had no appetite.  However, Jill said she wasn’t about to report that because she wanted to lose some weight anyway and this seemed like a great “extra.”  She wasn’t sleeping very well, but chalked it up to stress, not the medicine.  She did find herself, in her words, “ready to kick anyone’s a*$ that crossed me,” but still didn’t find these problems to be enough to report to her doctor.

What finally scared her were the chest pains and fast heart beat she began to have for several days in a row.  Convinced she was having a heart attack, she went to the ER where she was sent home with a diagnosis of “panic attack.”  The symptoms persisted until one day, she looked on the insert that came with her Adderall.  There it was in black and white.  Her symptoms matched some of those listed as side effects.

Even though she reported this to her physician, his first recommendation was that he would adjust her dose.  But Jill wasn’t convinced.  She stopped the medication altogether.

Next week, we will explore the class of drugs known as Atomoxetine and Buproprion.

So what are the side effects we are talking about here?  I am going to discuss them below.  But I want to be perfectly clear – I am NOT trying to scare the dickens out of you about side effects.  You must determine for yourself if this is a path you want to try.  But if you do, please be fully aware of the side effects so that you be be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary.  Let’s start today with the group of Methylphenidates (Ritalin, Metadate, Methyln, Focalin, or Concerta).

If you are planning on taking Ritalin, Metadate, or Concerta, be sure your physician knows about any of the following conditions you might have:

• difficulties swallowing or a history of blockages of the stomach or intestines
• family history of suicide
• glaucoma
• heart condition or a recent heart attack
• high blood pressure
• history of substance abuse
• liver disease
• mental illnesses including schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder
• motor tics, family history, or diagnosis of Tourette’s Syndrome
• overactive thyroid
• seizures
• have taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
• an unusual or allergic reaction to Methylphenidate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• breast-feeding

If you are taking certain medications along with one of these drugs, you need to know that the interactions can be very harmful.  DO NOT take these stimulants if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Atomoxetine
• Lithium
• MAO Inhibitors such as Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldypryl
• Other stimulant medicines such as amphetamines, dextroamphetamine, dexmethylphenidate, modafinil
• Procarbazine

Other medications that MIGHT interact are:

• Medicines for high blood pressure
• Caffeine
• Clonidine
• Drugs used to decrease appetite or cause weight loss
• Medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• Medicines used to treat seizures
• Warfarin

Interestingly, the drug company mentions that this is not an all inclusive list of possible interactions with medications, so they suggest you give your treating physician a list of everything you take.  This includes non-prescription drugs such as vitamins, herbal supplements, weight loss drugs, etc.

If you aren’t a bit unnerved yet, check out these side effects:

• You may experience an allergic reaction like a skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
• You might feel unusually nervous or anxious.
• You may have chest pain.
• You may notice that you are experiencing a fast and irregular heartbeat.
• You may have a fever or hot, dry skin.
• Your head, mouth, neck, arms, or legs may move uncontrollably.
• You may notice unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Side effects such as weight loss, headaches, and stomach upset may also occur.

Due to its dangerous nature, the government requires that you get a new prescription for these drugs every time you need a refill.  And here’s an interesting caveat:  “These medicines may affect your concentration.”  You mean the very medication you want to take to improve your concentration might actually inhibit it?  Hmmmm.

My point here remains the same.  You cannot afford to be too careful if you decide that medication is your choice of treatment.  But given what you’ve just learned about this first group of stimulants, don’t you think you owe it to yourself or to your child to try other avenues for treatment first?

[Hidepost]

Dextroamphetamines include the drugs Dexedrine and Dextrostat.  These are short acting drugs that have an onset in about 30 to 60 minutes.  They last about four to five hours.  What’s different about these from other stimulants if that they have been approved for children under the age of six and reportedly have a good safety record.  Common side effects include insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss, headache, irritability, and stomachache.  There is also a really good chance of rebound agitation or exaggeration of pre-medication symptoms as it wears off.

As you worry about these drugs and whether taking them is good for you or your child, you should know that these drugs seem to have a high risk for abuse.  So if there is a history of any sort of substance abuse, you may not want to consider using these medications.  A longer lasting form of the medicine is called Dexedrine Spansule which can last for five to ten hours.  This form is particularly good for kids who cannot remember to take a second dose of their medicines at lunchtime!

Mixed Amphetamines is the last group of stimulant medications that include Adderall and Adderall XR.  The first is a short acting drug with an onset of 30 to 60 minutes and a duration of 4 to 5 hours.  Adderall XR has an onset of 60 to 90 minutes and has a duration of 10 to 12 hours.  Both are said to wear off more gradually so there is less chance of the rebound effect, and if it does occur, the rebound is mild.  Yet the side effects are the same as other stimulants.

Aside from whatever your feelings and opinions are about taking drugs to treat Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms, you simply cannot ignore the many side effects that can occur.  Next week, I am going to delve into those effects of stimulants much more thoroughly.  With that information, you can make an informed decision as to whether you want these substances in your body of that of your child.

There are plenty of testimonials from individuals who have said that drugs helped tremendously.  BUT – there are just as many testimonials from others who will tell you that one of these drugs caused havoc in their lives.  For stimulants, the major complaints are about severe anxiety and agitation.  For those of you whose normal temperament might be described as “high strung,” you may find that adding a stimulant to your body’s chemistry will cause your agitation over the edge.  Along with agitation and anxiety, many have reported a lot of sleep disturbance that in turn can significantly affect your personality and moods.  For many, the resulting side effects far outweigh any of the benefits that are promised.

So again, before you chose pharmacology as your first line of treatment, do your homework.  And when you are done, do some more and make sure you are 100% comfortable with what you are considering taking or giving your child.  If you have had experiences with these drugs and would like to share them here, I welcome all of your comments!

Stimulants are drugs that work in the central nervous system to help the brain increase the circulation levels of those chemicals thought to be at a low level in persons with ADHD.  Stimulants are thoguth to help children and adults concentrate more easily and to help control other symptoms of ADHD.  While most people can take these drugs without difficulty, others have pretty serious side effects.  These can range from minor problems such as decreased appetite and delayed sleep onset, to more troubling symptoms such as tics and even hallucinations.

One major concern parents have about stimulants is that since these drugs can be habit-forming in adults, they might have the same effects on children, or that children might become drug addicts in later years.  The research is sketchy on this, but most agree that addiction in the pediatric population is not a major concern.

Stimulants work differently in children than adults.  Most of the drugs have to be ggiven more than twice a day.  However, there are newer forms that only require once-a-day dosing which makes it easier to give to a school-age child.  These drugs work well with “drug holidays,” a period of time (weekends, school breaks, summers) where the drugs are not needed, where the child does not have to be so focused, or when it is not necessary to control hyperactivity.

Do not let yourself become confused or overwhelemd by the names or types of drugs.  What you should be aware of, however, is how these drugs affect the brain and ultimately the person with ADD or ADHD.

Also, a common question parents will ask is, “If my kid had ADHD, why would I give him stimulants?”  For some reason, when you give a stimulant to a child or adult with ADHD, he is thought to get on the right track.  His brain seems to shift into a different gear that makes paying attention easier.  He can absorb and integrate informaiton such that he can focus more effectivley.

METHYLPHENIDATE is the first category of stimulants and is a drug that you have undoubtedly heard of in one place or another.  Methyphenidates include Ritalin, Focalin, Ritalin SR, Metadate ER, and Concerta.

Ritalin and Focalin are short acting medicines with one dose lasting about 3 to 4 hours.  These are helpful drugs when a rapid onset of symptoms management is needed in a short amount of time.  While they work quickly and are thought to be effective in about 70% of patients, they should be used cautiously if there is a lot of anxiety, tics, a family history of Tourette’s syndrome, or a history of substance abuse.  Side effects of Ritalin include insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss, headaches, irritability, stomachaches, and a rebound agitation or exaggeration of pre-medication symptoms as it is wearing off.  Focalin has the same side effects except it doesn’t seem to disturb sleep or appetite as much.

Ritalin SR (sustained release) and Metadate ER (extended release) have a longer onset for about 60 to 90 minutes.  Duration of these drugs is thougt to be 6 to 8 hours depending on the individual.  They wear off more gradually so the risk for abuse is low.  Side effects are about the same.

Concerta begins working in 30 to 60 minutes and its duration is about 10 to 14 hours.  While it has the same side effects, the risk for abuse is low.

Even though many of these drugs are considered “miracle drugs” for many cases of ADD/ADHD, it is not always the case.  Consider MIchael who was diagnosed with ADHD in high school.  Although his parents were against medication, he started taking Ritalin when he went to college and sought help for himself.  Whiel the first week seemed like a dream come true, his symptoms began to change.  Michaelr eports sleep disturbance, increased anxiety and irritability that would not go away.  His doctor tried to change the dose, but nothing helped.  It was then that Michael decided to stop the medicine and seek behavioral therapy for his symptom management.  he said that within a day of stopping medication, he was back to his old self.

Many doctors and drug companies want you to use medicine as a quick fix for many ailments including ADD/ADHD.  As you begin to research the issue of whether medicine is right for you or your child, make sure you are getting your information form unbiased sources.  If a drug company has financed a study or has written the review of a medication, just keep in mind that they may be motivated by more than just providing education.  Pharmaceuticals are a big business – so buyer beware!

ADD/ADHD is believed to be a malfunction of the dopamine transmitter system in the brain. These transmitters are responsible for the reuptake of dopamine from the synaptic gap into the nerve cells. If the number of transmitters is too high, then the available dopamine is in short supply, and voila, ADD/ADHD symptoms appear! The drugs used by physicians are thought to target the dopamine system of the brain to alleviate symptoms.

Over the next few weeks, I am going to attempt to explain the different types of ADD/ADHD medications and how they are thought to work. In addition, you will begin to see that much of the hype surrounding these drugs has been produced by the drug companies that manufacture them. More hype equals better sales!

You need to understand and be aware that the pharmacology business is huge and the profits are staggering. While the argument can certainly be made that the drugs are beneficial for those suffering form ADD/ADHD, it is up to you to be a smart consumer. Educate yourself about these drugs before you buy into the drug company’s testimonials.

Let’s first review the 3 types of ADHD.

§ Inattentive Only: This sufferer cannot pay attention, but is completely capable of sitting still and not causing disruption. This used to be known as ADD.

§ Hyperactive/Impulsive: This is the person who can pay attention and focus, but cannot sit still no matter what! He might be impulsive, blurting out answers before called on, for example. Impulsivity is usually manifested by acting without thinking first about the consequences.

§ Combined Inattentive/Hyperactive/Impulsive: This is the most commonly diagnosed of the three kinds, and as you can see, it includes all of the symptoms.

There are 3 common medications used to treat ADD/ADHD. Psychostimulant medications are the most well known and best researched drugs. Studies have shown that as many as 9 out of 10 patients experience a significant decrease in their symptoms. But remember, these studies are normally done by the drug company that makes the drug! In other cases, the studies done by private researchers are often funded by the drug company. In other words, there is often a direct correlation between successful findings and the drugs being represented by a company!

Amphetamines are the other group of drugs that are the most commonly used and prescribed. If you are thinking, “Wait a minute, isn’t an amphetamine the same thing as ‘speed’?” Yep, you are correct. For some odd chemical reason, the same stuff that revs up “normal” people is thought to calm the sufferer of ADD/ADHD. Again, when you think about it, taking speed for your ADD/ADHD symptoms seems sort of scary, doesn’t it?

While I am on the subject of psychostimulants and amphetamines, did you know that these are Class 2 drugs? This means that they are controlled substances because if misused, they can be quite dangerous. Of course, that probably leads you to ask, “So why would I give that to my child or take it myself?” Good question!

When a child or adult does not respond well to the above two classes of medications, he either experiences no real positive effects from the medicine or the side effects are too uncomfortable to tolerate (more about that later). So the second line of treatment is the prescription of antidepressant medications. The studies of this remedy assert that 60-70% of patients taking these drugs experience improvement in their ADD/ADHD symptoms.

No two people experience the effects of these medications the same. That is because the symptoms vary from person to person and in their severity. It is ultimately up to you, as a parent, or you as the adult ADHDer, to determine whether you want these substances in your body. What I want to do here is to educate you thoroughly about the drugs used to treat ADD/ADHD so that you can make an informed choice about your decision to either medicate or not. If there are alternatives to medication, though, don’t you thin k you owe it to yourself to find out all you can about prescription drugs versus other alternative treatments?

Just when you were getting comfortable with the thought that you or a loved one might have ADD, here’s something that’s likely to catch you off guard: there is such a thing known as pseudo-ADD, or an Add type illness born out of the society in which we live!

Think about symptoms of ADD and then think about what characteristics seem to be prevalent in our culture?

§ Moving fast as a definition of a “go getter” – a.k.a., the “fast track”

§ The need for high stimulation

§ Speed and creativity

§ Taking chances

§ Ignoring the status quo

§ Bucking authority

§ Doing it your way

If you look at it this way, you could say almost everyone you know has ADD to some extent. Don’t you often juggle several things at once? Do you get overwhelmed at times by all of the stimulation around you? Do you often have trouble paying attention? Can you become “addicted” to a computer game so much so that you can’t tear yourself away? Do you have real ADD or a pseudo-ADD?

Did you know that ADD more frequently occurs in the American population than it is in other countries? Some say we over-diagnose ADD. Other experts seem to think we may lump similar looking syndromes into this one category of ADD. Yet, no matter how you look at it, ADD is more prevalent here.

One hypothesis for the number of diagnoses made in the USA is born out of our genes as well as societal factors. Our founding fathers had to somewhat adventurous and dismissive of authority. Who else would want to strike out and see if they could discover another land? It was a risky venture wasn’t it? Hmmm – did they have ADD?

Think about those who created all of those inventions that we rely upon so heavily today? Think about Albert Einstein or Benjamin Franklin. Both were highly intelligent, curious, and creative. They both craved stimulation and they were willing to take risks. In addition, neither wanted to do things like everyone else. We’ll never know if they had ADD, but it makes you wonder.

So does America have ADD more often than other countries? Or are we over-using the label? It is fair to say that it is easy to use the ADD label when one is trying to describe and categorize another’s behavior.

Before you go and diagnose yourself, or you determine that you’re just another American who is too busy, look at the differences between true ADD and pseudo-ADD.

Pseudo-ADD

1. Everyone gets overwhelmed, impatient, and anxious sometimes.
2. It is normal to become focused on an activity that causes you to ignore what you should be doing sometimes.
3. Likewise, it is normal to experience moodiness from time to time sometimes.
4. After being busy for a long period, it is difficult to relax sometimes.
5. You will fail to finish obligations/projects when you have too many in front of you sometimes.

You are probably getting what I’m trying to say here. The difference between someone with pseudo-ADD and real ADD has to do with the duration, intensity, and interference capability of the symptoms.

Real ADD

1. Real ADDers have a long history of symptoms and complaints.
2. Real ADDers experience symptoms more often than not – in other words, they are rarely symptom free.
3. Real ADDers experience the symptoms at a much higher intensity than those with pseudo-ADD.
4. Real ADDers find that their untreated symptoms interfere significantly with their day-to-day lives.

It’s important to refrain from looking at everyone and saying, “You are so _____ – you must have ADD.” While all of us will probably “look” ADD from time to time, it’s not possible that all of us actually have it! When you attempt to diagnose yourself, you are your own worst critic. It’s easy to become overly critical and believe that you must have a problem. This is why a professional opinion is so critical.

If you truly believe that you or your loved one may have ADD, seek help immediately. Be honest and forthcoming about your concerns. If you have ADD, then you can start treating it the minute you get home. And if you are merely a pseudo-ADD, then you can earn how to make the most out of your symptoms so that they help rather than cause you trouble!

By nature, people with Add are born with a temperament that is often intense and very emotional. We react strongly to our environment, and often, we overreact. On the other hand, when the emotions become so overwhelming that we can’t handle them, we may stuff them down. That doesn’t work either because eventually, that stuff comes out, and it usually isn’t pretty!

Your emotions are your emotions – they make up who you are. But there are ways to get a hold of them such that you manage them well while enjoying the human experience of feeling.

Examine your current methods of coping with emotions. Are you expressive about your feelings or do you keep them to yourself? If you don’t know your coping style, pay attention to your emotions and identify them as you feel them. Then watch how you respond to them.

Next, pay very close to your feelings of anger. Adults with ADD often have problems dealing with rage and anger. In fact, we can even become “addicted” to anger because it releases the “feel good” chemicals, neurotransmitters. Just like that runner’s high you’ve heard about, we can get a “buzz” of good feeling. Some call it an adrenaline rush. Whatever you call it, your anger needs to be handled appropriately so that your expression of it will be productive, not destructive.

We ADDers have a tendency to be impulsive and sometimes, we miss those social cues that tell us to behave in certain ways. Thus we end up doing something silly, inappropriate, or just downright stupid! Our typical response to having done these things is to become defensive. Instead, own up to it and move on. It’s much easier than trying to offer a plausible explanation for something you’ve done that didn’t make any sense!

Depending on how we dealt with our ADD as children, there’s a good likelihood that our self-esteem has taken major hits along the way. As adults, this can seriously affect our relationships with others as well as how we do just about everything. If this is you, get busy building a new, more healthy self-esteem. Focus on your strengths. Be grateful for the “good stuff” there is to having ADD.

Many adults with ADD resort to medicating themselves with alcohol or drugs. They will tell you that these substances are the only ways they can “shut off” their brains and get their emotions to lessen. It simply is NOT true! While you may feel a temporary escape for what you feel are uncontrollable feelings, the key word here is temporary. The buzz or the high wears off, and typically, your emotions will feel even stronger and more unmanageable than before. Then you have to use more and more of the substance to get any relief. Don’t get caught in this trap because it is a hard one to dig yourself out of at some point.

ADD adults are prone to depression. If you combine the self-esteem issues, problems with managing emotions, and the energy it takes to keep your ADD brain under control, then you are a sitting duck for having depressive symptoms. Therapy can really help with this as the depression brought on from ADD is typically one that responds well to talking about it and finding alternative ways to deal with your feelings.

ADD and your emotions do not have to ruin your life. You are merely going to have to do more work to keep things under control than the rest of the world. On the other hand, having ADD can be a good thing. Instead of punishing yourself for the ways your ADD hurts you, try focusing on the good things ADD has brought into your life. We are way cooler than we give ourselves credit for!

If you are like most of us, you will have a large list of actions that you are not doing at the moment. So how do you figure out what to do and what not to do, and feel good about your choices?

The answer is at once simple and complex – trust your gut/intuition. If you have worked through the first four steps, then you can use your gut along with your thought processes to make good decisions. The author, David Allen, came up with three models that will help in your decision-making process. And while you won’t be given any answers, you will be able to frame your options more intelligently and practically.

The Four-Criteria Model for Choosing Actions in the Moment

You are sitting at your desk at 9:00 AM trying to figure out how you will choose what to do. There are four criteria you can apply.

1. Context: While some actions can be done anywhere (phone calls, drafting a letter, etc.), there are others that require a specific location (sitting at your computer, etc.). This is the first factor in deciding what you can do now.
2. Time Available: When do you have to do something, or how much time will it take to do it? If you have an action that will require 30 minutes, but you have a meeting in 15 minutes, you won’t be able to do that particular action now.
3. Energy Available: Are you tired? Some actions require more mental and physical effort than others.
4. Priority: Given your responses to the first three criteria, what action will give you the best payoff? This is where your “gut” comes in to play. You have to learn to trust your judgment right now!

The Threefold Model for Evaluating Daily Work

When you are busy getting things done, there are 3 different kinds of activities that you can be engaged in.

1. Doing Predefined Work: This means you are working from your “Next Actions” list. This is the stuff you previously determined need to be done.
2. Doing Work as It Shows Up: We’ve all been there – things pop up without any warning. It’s up to you to decide if you really need to attend to them at that moment or if you can put them off.
3. Defining Your Work: This means you need to clear up your in-basket, emails, voice mails, and breaking down your new projects into actionable steps. You will be defining things that need to be done at some point, but not right now. You are adding to your lists so that they are complete and your ADD brain is free from distractions.

The Six-Level Model for Reviewing Your Own Work

In order to know what your priorities are, you have to know what you must work on. This model helps you decide what your priorities need to be. Allen uses an aerospace analogy.

• 50,000+ feet: Life
• 40,000 feet: 3-5 year vision
• 30,000 feet: 1-2 year goals
• 20,000 feet: Areas of responsibility
• 10,000 feet: Current Projects
• Runway: Current Actions

Runway: Current Actions – This is the entire list of accumulated actions you need to take – calls, errands, emails, social activities, etc. This makes up for a ton of hours, about 300-500 hours worth, if you stopped and began doing everything now.

10,000 Feet: Current Projects - There are probably about 30-100 things you have to do. Most of these things are short-term activities but need to be done now.

20,000 Feet: Areas of Responsibility – Most of the projects or actions that you need to take are because you have certain responsibilities. Your job holds different responsibilities than those of your family, your personal life, etc. Listing and knowing these responsibilities helps you determine what to do now versus later.

30,000 Feet: 1-2 Year Goals – These are things that you either want to do or to get rid of to accomplish your goals.

40,000 Feet: 3-5 Year Vision - These are your even more long-term goals that have the possibility of changing what it is you need to do now.

50,000 Feet: Life – This is your “big picture” view of what you want your life to be like, to stand for, what you ultimately want to accomplish.

Neither of these models is better than the other. It is purely a matter of your choosing what works best for you. It is also a choice of what makes the most sense to you and to your gut.

Now you have the entire plan for getting your ADD brain and life organized and running smoothly. Get out there and get going!

Hopefully by now, you have tried the first three steps to getting your flow of work organized and assembled in such a way that you do not feel so overwhelmed. After the first three steps – collecting, processing, and organizing – comes the fourth of five steps in mastering workflow.

The “review” phase of mastering workflow is an important one for the ADD person. You need to be able to take a look at all of your outstanding projects and any loopholes you may have on a weekly basis. Yes, it’s true – this only needs to be done on a weekly basis. Remember you are trying to stay organized, and you need not waste time on a daily basis on reviewing your “To Do’s!”

So what do you review and when? I am assuming that you have already set up your organizational system as I suggested. If you did, then you should have a “Projects” list, a calendar, a list of “Next Actions,” and a “Waiting” list. These items will need to be checked daily for the most part. Okay, now you are ready to review!

The one thing you will review the most often is your calendar. This gives you a perfect overview of what absolutely must be done “today.” Now this does not mean that those things that must be accomplished today are the “most important.” They are merely things that have to happen today. Check them off as you do them – this will serve as a visual reminder that you are done and will spur you ahead to the next “have to do” item for that day.

Once you have checked your calendar, you will probably want to go over your “Next Actions” lists (i.e., “at home” list; “errands” list; “meeting planning” list, etc.). These lists contain the stuff you could do today if you have time or the desire.

You can review your “Projects” list and “Actions” list daily if you want, but you may find you don’t need to as often. Most people with ADD who know they have issues with organization tend to check theirs more frequently as this will cut down on unnecessary worrying.

Don’t forget that the ADD brain needs to stay uncluttered and focused. You can’t do that if you have all of these lists running rampant in your head! Even if you don’t review all of your lists daily, you must, I repeat, you must do so weekly at a minimum. If you don’t, then your organizational system will break down quickly.

The easiest way to incorporate checking on your stuff that needs to be done is to pick a certain time of the day to do so. Some people prefer to go over everything the first thing in the morning to get an idea of what the day looks like. Others review the night before. It’s purely a matter of preference. However, I have found that people with ADD have a hard time winding down at night anyway, so you might not want to review your next day’s lists then. If you think it will keep you awake while your brain goes over and over something, then your organizational system has failed you! The key is to be able to
turn it over” to your system and let your mind be clear.

In terms of your weekly review, make sure you do the following things:

§ Gather and process all your “stuff

§ Review your system

§ Update your lists as needed

§ Make sure you are as current and complete as possible

Most people do not have a thorough system for managing workflow so they live with a sense that something “needs” to be done, but they can’t quite put their fingers on what it is! Think about how you feel before you leave on a vacation. Most of us have a tendency to want to clean off our desks, finish what is needed to be completed, and know what you are facing upon your return.

Your “review” phase of managing workflow lets you do the same thing, but on a much more frequent basis. It leaves you feeling ready for the next challenge, without all of the anticipation that having an overloaded ADD brain can bring! This system works – but only until you have used it, repeated using it, and see the results will you believe me. So get going and get organized!

Just to review, there are five stages involved in the mastering of your workflow:

- Collecting

- Processing

- Organizing

- Reviewing

- Doing

We have reached the third stage in the process: organizing your “stuff.” If you

have been “working” this program, then you will now have nonactionable and actionable items. You will take these two groups and use the categories below to make up a total system for organizing.

Nonactionable Items Actionable Items

Trash List of projects

Incubation Tools Storage/files for project plans & materials

Reference Storage Calendar

List of reminders of next actions

List of reminders of things you’re waiting for

All of the organizational categories have to be physically contained somehow. A list merely refers to some sort of reviewable reminders. An example would be a list of “To Do” and “Projects List.”

An incubation tool is a file, list, etc., of things that “someday” or “might be” actionable, but not now. It is information that you don’t necessarily want to throw away because it “might” be important later. It can also be a reminder to do something in the future, such as: “After January 1, set up doctors’ appointments for the coming year.” You can probably see where the word “incubating” is appropriate here. This is a particularly good tool for the ADDer since we can become quite scattered and not remember things that need to be done at a later time.

Reference storage is pretty self-explanatory. It contains files, letters, etc., that you can retrieve when required, but no real action is necessary.

A project list is really any desired result that requires more than one action step. So it really isn’t about the total project, but rather it should include all of the steps that you’ll be taking to complete it. The author recommends doing this so that you will have “markers” along the way to remind you there are more left to complete.

Don’t worry that your list isn’t prioritized or has no order to it at all. Remember, we are trying to “empty” the ADD brain onto this list so that you have an idea about what needs to be done.

Storage/Files for project plans and materials is where you keep all the reference materials for your projects. If you are used to keeping computerized files, then I would suggest keeping all of your files that way. If you keep physical files, keep all physical files. It becomes confusing to keep files in different places and in various manners. Also, try to keep your folders out of your sight. The ADD brain has a hard enough time trying to stay on task. It is easy to become distracted by things sitting on your desk. Not seeing them constantly will help you to remain focused.

The Next action category is an important one. This is where you will list every action that needs to be taken “next” on each project. You need not track things that must be done in less than 2-3 minutes. What does need to be listed is every action that needs to be taken and when it should be taken.

A calendar is where you might rack a lot of the “next action” items. There are only three things that go on this calendar:

• Time-specific actions: appointments such as a meeting, lunch planning session, etc.
• Day-specific actions: things that need to be done on a certain day, but not at a certain time such as the completion of a report or the purchase of airline tickets, etc.
• Day-specific information: this is the information you may need to know that doesn’t necessarily require action – information such as directions to the beach, or the name of the new babysitter coming that night

What this does is help you eliminate those “To Do” lists that you may have scribbled everywhere on your calendar. You are streamlining your system and your ADHD brain will thank you!

The Next actions list is where your action reminders go. These are all of the “over 2-3 minute” tasks that you cannot delegate. For example, “call the Jones about dinner on Friday,” or “get with Sarah to brainstorm ideas for sales meeting” are action reminders.

What if you have too many action reminders? Break them into smaller sub-categories such as “calls,” or “errands.”

So get to work – streamline your workflow – and you will begin to see almost immediate results! And you know how anyone with ADHD hates to wait!

Hi,   Jon Bennett here with “3 Steps To
Conquering ADD-ADHD.

I am writing to you today to discuss one
“easy” thing you can do to improve your
Focus/Happy level every day!

1. Did you know that there are over 51 common
conditions that mimick ADD-ADHD symptoms?

…things like allergies and low blood sugar.

One of the biggest cuplrits causing ADD symptoms
is “Low Blood Sugar”

Low blood sugar normally occurs because of a spike
in blood sugar followed by a “crash”

This happens most often when we consume soft drinks
or anything high in refined sugars like sugary cereal.

On page 92 of my book “3 Steps To Conquering ADD”
we discuss the importance of protein for breakfast.

It is actually important for evey meal… but you make
a huge impact on you focus by adding more protein
to you breakfast right away.

Why?

Think of protein as the opposite of refined sugars.

Protein will help you feel full longer and maintain
steady blood sugar levels.

This will help you or your child avoid the mid-
morning “crash”.

Protein is labeled as a  “low glycemic” index food.

BTW (by the way) if you begin to follow any of the
“low glycemic” diets out there you will see huge
improvements in your calm and focus.

There are only a couple more “things” discussed
in my book that IF you do…

you WILL eliminate / cure your
ADD symptoms.

I encourage you to pick up your copy now and
begin a more focused, happy, fulfilled life!

Have a blessed day

Jon Bennett

http://3stepsadd.com

ps -  We have just finished the 6th edition and we are
running a special on the site now for a limited time.

http://3stepsadd.com

We began this series by introducing you to author David Allen’s book that addresses stress-free productivity.  As you recall, there are five stages of mastering your flow of work:  Collect; Process; Organize; Review; and Do.  This article will focus on the second stage – Process.

Remember that your goal is to “empty” your brain of these things you must do if you want to decrease your level of stress.  In order to do that, you must identify and collect those things that are on your mind and then make a plan about how you will handle them.

Why is there so much stuff in your brain?  Simple. 

• You have not determined what you ultimately want the outcome to be
• You have not determined what the very next physical action should be that will move you toward completion
• You have no system for keeping reminders of what needs to be done, when, how, etc.

There are three basic requirements for managing your tasks if you want to be stress-free rather than frazzled, exhausted, and overwhelmed!

1. If it is on your mind, then you can’t clear your mind.  This is where the “collect” stage comes from.  You take what’s on your mind and collect into various categories that you will address at some point.
2. In order to complete a task, you need to clarify what it is you must do.
3. Once you’ve got the decisions made about your plan of action, you will need to develop a system of reminders that you can view on a regular basis – this makes up stage 2 – organize!

The first step in organizing your “stuff” is the ask yourself a simple question:

What do you need to do about each email, voice-mail, memo, or self-generated ideas that are collected?

The answer to this will form the basis for how you organize your work.  So rather than throwing all of your emails, for example, into a pile, you will organize your emails based on the action you have determined to take on each one.  Here’s how you do it.

Let’s say your basket of emails is full.  Take those emails and use as practice to learn the process for organizing.

1.      What is It?

Stupid question?  Not at all!  What is the email about?  Is it a company memo sent via email about the change in dress code?  Maybe it’s an email that outlines the process for using the company insurance.  Take the time to look at each one so that you know what it is.

2.      Is it Actionable?

Obviously, there are two answers:  Yes or No

If no action is required, you’ve got three choices about how to handle that email.

-         Throw it in the trash

-         No action is needed now, but might need it later (incubate)

-         This is useful info that you may need for later (reference)

If action is required, you’ll have to determine two things about each item.

-         What “project” or outcome have you committed to?

-         What’s the next action required?

If it’s about a project, you can start a “Projects” list where it will serve as a reminder that action is required.  The

next action” is the very next physical, visible activity that needs to be done in order to move toward completion.

3.      Do It, Delegate It, or Defer It.

Once you have decided what action needs to be taken, you have three options.

-         Do It:  If your action can be done in less than two minutes, then do it as soon as you make your decision to act.

-         Delegate It:  If your “action” will take longer than two minutes, ask yourself if you really have to be the one to do it?  If someone else can just as easily take the action, delegate it right away.

-         Defer It:  If it may take longer than two minutes, but you are the one who must do the action, you can defer acting upon it until later.  You can put it on your calendar with a specific due date or you can determine that you will do it as soon as you can.

You are well on  your way to getting a handle on your workflow if you begin using the first two stages.  Next time, we will look at organizing your results!

Many supposed disorders are due to factors that influence the social, emotional, and environmental development of children. It is because of these factors that ADD/ADHD landed in the American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) as a psychiatric disorder. In truth, it is likely that ADD/ADHD is not best described as a psychiatric disorder at all, but rather as more of a personality type.

Some experts insist that many conditions which are currently classified as psychiatric disorders shouldn’t even be in the DSM. Certainly, individuals who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD do not feel as if they suffer from a psychiatric condition. And, like many conditions which have been classified as having psychiatric roots, there is no overwhelming evidence that ADD/ADHD falls into the psychiatric category.

Are individuals who suffer from ADD/ADHD just different?

It is obvious that an individual suffering from asthma would not be classified as having a psychiatric condition. It’s also obvious that someone with diabetes would not be classified according to DSM criteria. In the same manner, individuals diagnosed as having ADD/ADHD should avoid a psychiatric diagnosis.

There’s no real evidence to support a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD

In the rush to diagnose and medicate individuals to fit into the mold that society creates for the majority of people, the medical community has labeled an entire generation of children as unmanageable. And in that rush, millions of children are being medicated on a daily basis. But some evidence suggests that the problem is not with those who suffer from ADD/ADHD, but rather the problem is with a society that feels these individuals must be suppressed.

Changes that have been made in parenting, education, and the rules of society may be more responsible for an ADD/ADHD diagnosis than any actual psychiatric disorder. Individuals who have ADD/ADHD often feel that there is nothing wrong with them at all other than the fact that they process, perceive, and react to internal and external stimuli.

Once upon a time, children were allowed to interact with their environment. Children were encouraged to run and jump and play at will. But, increasingly, children are not responding to such restrictions. The demands of conformity along with the stresses of modern life may have a significant effect on people who cannot manage to fit into the mold.

Yet, this is not necessarily the fault of the unruly individual. They may be just wired differently than most other people. Being different doesn’t mean being defective; it merely means that concessions need to be made.

Is ADD/ADHD a warning that something is wrong with parenting, society, and the environment?

It could be that ADD/ADHD, a condition in which individuals just can’t slow down, is a signal to do just that… slow down! Children who were once raised by stay-at-home moms, allowed to sleep in, and encouraged to explore life like a child are now roused from sleep at all hours to be shuffled off to daycare and preschool, fed prepackaged convenience foods for breakfast lunch and dinner by busy parents, and placed in front of the television to revel in the antics of Sponge Bob and Family Guy.

But, before the blame for ADD/ADHD, Autism, Tourette’s, and a host of other psychiatric disorders is placed squarely on the shoulders of mom and dad, it’s important to realize that the problem is with a society that forces people into a position where childcare and education is so expensive that warehousing children is the only affordable option, where a two-income family is no longer a choice but a necessity, and where children are forced into regulated, narrowly focused, and task-oriented behavior far earlier than they once were. Just like the child with asthma is not well-suited for outside play, and the child with diabetes is not well-suited for a “regular” diet, the ADD/ADHD child is just not well-suited to this type of lifestyle.

And before parents ride the waves of a guilt tsunami, they must realize that most people do what they are think is right. There has been nothing, until relatively recently, that encouraged parents to think for themselves when selecting options for their children. The FDA labeled food additives safe and the medical community failed to keep people informed of alternative methods of treating ADD/ADHD and many other disorders and illnesses.

The trend toward natural, non-medicinal, alternatives for treating such health conditions as Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, and even ADD/ADHD indicates that people are beginning to realize that the medical community and the health industry took the wrong path in opting for the quick, pharmaceutical, cure, and that other options are not only available, but preferred.