<p>Would this be a good or bad idea? (I know I should post this in the ADD/Learning differences forum but...) Lately I've noticed that I'm having a lot of trouble with concentrating on my schoolwork and just generally focusing on tasks. I can't sit down doing something without getting up for at least 15 mins, and I've noticed that this is starting to affect my studies (like taking more time than normal to study/finish homework). But the thing is that I don't want to be put on meds, and be labeled "crazy" and whatnot. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>No one can “put” you on meds unless you want to take them, but if you do have ADHD, they could be a godsend to you. And no one considers anyone with ADHD to be “crazy”, nor need anyone even know about your diagnosis, if any, except you and your family and, if you need accommodations, your school’s disability office. In any case, your symptoms could be attributable to many things besides ADHD, including depression. You shouldn’t hesitate to seek medical attention to sort this out.</p>
<p>Often times its a matter of changing where you study. I’ve had to face the same reality as you. For example I’ve realized that I need no absolute distractions and the only ways I can do this is by waiting til about 1am to study or locking yourself in a place where there can’t be distractions like in your car or at a library.</p>
<p>One of my daughters is like that, takes many breaks and this year noticed it made her work much harder, since she had 3 AP classes. Her doctor said he never forced a patient to take drugs, but if after trying all the other ways of concentrating, he would suggest a small amount of a ADD drug, when she wasn’t in school to see if it helps. Her brother was similar but had less distractions and managed without it.
She found using his room when he’s away at college helps a great deal, but the focusing issue is still there. She also finds staying up late helps, maybe it’s the complete quiet, and then she naps when she gets home. The focusing also showed on the SAT, although normal exams at school (1-1/2 hours) are fine.
I don’t like the idea of drugs either, but they do help many people and can be adjusted or changed if side effects are too much. He stressed for many students, they only need them for school or exams, they are able to function other times without it. You shouldn’t be afraid to talk to your doctor and see what he/she says.</p>
<p>For a formal diagnosis of ADHD, you need to have your doctor give you surveys for your teachers and parents to fill out (important for diagnosis but also monitoring improvement when treated).</p>
<p>Other criteria for a diagnosis includes that the disorder and behaviors are disruptive of your studies - as in your grades are affected…if you’re getting only A’s and B’s, most pediatricians would hesitate to label that as “disrupted”. Also, you had to have shown at least some of the behaviors (and they had to be disruptive) before 7 years of age (but you can’t be diagnosed until AFTER you turn 7). </p>
<p>Now, from what you’ve said in your very brief post, I (as a pediatric resident) think it’s probably unlikely you would get a formal diagnosis. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have something going on, your difficulties are very real. What it means, at least how I would treat you if you were my patient, is that I’d look at a variety of alternatives before putting you on medications. </p>
<p>I think your first order of business is to look at what sort of stress you’re under, and also to see if you’re possible depressed (decreased concentration is a symptom of depression). After that, when and where you study, and if there are any changes that could be made fairly easily. Might you benefit from a study skills course? Are you sitting at the kitchen table “studying” while your parents make dinner, are you playing loud music, etc…</p>
<p>Basically, there are a lot of options from simple to complex. I think it’d be a great idea to talk to your doctor, letting them know you don’t want to be on meds (it’s always important to let your doctors know information like this), and see what type of suggestions you can get from them.</p>
<p>^^ hugely agree. I have been in the “world” of ADD since my now 24 year old was about 8 or 9. In that time, I too was diagnosed (after extensive - and $$$ – study and tests). It bother me immensely when people think that they aren’t getting straight A’s or having a little concentration issue to say they have ADHD (and the DMV lists it all as ADHD with or without hyperactivity). </p>
<p>I agree with the above that it sounds far more stress related and perhaps indicative of slight depression. Of course, a good medication might be wellbutrin which is often given to people with ADHD for anxiety (which is often a co-morbid symptom).</p>
<p>But here’s the thing: No one on any kind of website can diagnosis you. And while you can certainly probably find some doctor to confirm a dx and give you an RX, it may possibly not be the right diagnosis. It’s more than a simple questionairre.</p>