This was a very thorough and supportive article. I found several areas that I didn’t know were affected by adult ADD. I think it’s important to remember that all experience with ADD are not equal. While some may have minor issues with simple things like organization, some of us have much more devastating effects to overcome, many of which cause life-long feelings of failure in many arenas. When I was diagnosed, I was desperately trying to succeed at my job so that I would not be fired. Why so desperate? Because I have had the same difficulties succeeding at jobs my entire adult life (and in school as a child). I have two children who rely on me to be their ballast in a storm, not to have me be the storm. ADD affects other family members, too. Thank you for this informative information. Even those already diagnosed still have much to learn about this condition. Published: September 23 ::

Let's be real. ADD a nuisance, it's a disability, it's a pain in the butt, but it is not the end of the world. Actually, it's a lot better to be diagnosed and understand what's going on than to agonize over all the things you've forgotten that are your "fault." I will always lose my keys. I will never be able to beat myself into being "organized" enough not to lose my keys. But I can recognize that and have two sets in easy reach, two more emergency sets, and a final dig-up-the-yard set for when all else fails. I can tell myself it's a legitimate problem and ask for help. I can give more keys to the neighbors, I can hire someone to go through the mail for me. I can concentrate on my skills instead of my weaknesses. Am I easily distracted, or am I creative? As the graduate of two ivy league universities (one graduate, one undergraduate), I can assure you there are lots of smart folks out there with ADD, and lots of them deal with it just fine. Sure, ADD can make life horrendously difficult some days, but so can the weather, the stock market, and rush hour traffic. Recognize problems for what they are. Don't blow them out of proportion. Published: September 10 ::

I am 81 years old, and I have had ADHD since childhood. I have been on Ritalin for 12 years, beginning with 5 mg to 45 mg now. Each year, I discover new benefits from taking this medication. When I had high blood pressure, I would stop taking Ritalin (no problem) and would start again when I realized I was beginning to lose its benefits. There is no doubt it is a miracle drug. My bridge game improved and my golf game improved because I can practice for an hour without being bored. Published: September 10 ::

I am 39 years old. About a month ago, I was conclusively diagnosed with ADHD by my psychiatrist. Now I understand why I have a psychiatrist in the first place. In my childhood, I had "tantrums from hell" as my siblings and parents remember. I didn't do well in school; I was an avid attention seeker. As a teenager, I was rebellious, anxious, depressed, and developed a self-medicating habit of drugs and alcohol. I would run away. I attempted suicide. I was promiscuous. I never felt that I had a place in the world. As an adult, I really hadn't developed life skills or healthy ways to cope with stress. I still abuse drugs and alcohol. I'm in a co-dependant marriage. The choices I have made in my adult life have definitely affected me and my family negatively. The impulse control and lack of decision-making skills will haunt me the rest of my life. ADHD has caused financial ruin, suicide attempts, impulsiveness, boredom, addictive traits, and strained relationships with friends and family. Now that I have been diagnosed, I feel there is hope for me. I definitely understand myself better. I think with medical treatment, I can begin to pick up the pieces of my life. There is hope. Now I understand why I'm the way I am. I have ADHD. ADHD doesn't have me. Published: October 22 ::