Please Evaluate

Parents Forum Learning Differences and Challenges - LD, ADHD
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<p>I know that amphetamines bind to the dopamine receptors, and help improve mental concentration/processing speed. </p>

<p>I have always had a problem staying on task, and I usually take longer to complete tasks than others. I also have to spend more time on a subject to learn the material. I am in a competitive magnet high school, which is ranked #21 in the nation. I am not sure if I am just comparing myself to high overachievers, or if it is actually something more serious. </p>

<p>I started playing the game Beatmania IIDX (DJ simulation game), and I noticed that it is realllllly hard for me to follow the notes. I started playing with 5 key + autoscratch, and still had trouble clearing the songs. I went to an arcade with my friend who also plays, and they had a Happy Sky machine there. I was completely amazed at how he can play so well. I don't understand how he can follow the notes so quickly, and it made me start thinking. </p>

<p>I work in a pharmacy, so I grabbed the drug inserts from all the stimulant medication bottles and read them over. There doesn't seem to be a clear way to diagnose, so I'm not sure how to be sure if one has ADD/ADHD. I know that if I go to a psychiatrist, they will just prescribe it and be done with it. </p>

<p>Has anyone experienced the effects with and without a stimulant while playing IIDX or DDR? It seems like a good way to gauge reaction/concentration/processing speed.</p>

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<p>and no, I am not going to steal the medication from work to test the effects.</p>

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<p>If you think you have a learning disability, please get an evaluation by a psychologist. There are simple tests you take that quantify your strengths and weaknesses in many areas. By the end of a comprehensive evaluation that person can probably tell you exactly why you have problems following the notes in that game. If it is ADHD, then they may or may not refer you to someone who can prescribe medication. Not every person with ADHD chooses to be on medication or has it recommended by their doctor.</p>

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<p>I have to disagree with your hypothesis here that ADD/ADHD individuals are more prone to being... well... "crappy" at playing music games (EX: Dance Dance Revolution, Beatmania, Guitar Hero, Para Para, Rock Band, etc.)</p>

<p>I am actually REALLY good at all those games; however, I have ADD/ADHD.</p>

<p>Those games are, I think, better for ADD/ADHD people BECAUSE ADD/ADHD people rely on stimulants for focus. If an ADD/ADHD person is STIMULATED through those games (if they like that song, are under pressure when playing, etc.) they will more than likely perform better than average on them.</p>

<p>Let me also say that those games require PRACTICE!!!! Though I am insanely good at all of them now, I started out looking at all those "INSANE players" who were able to read all the notes and hit them with ease, and thinking that they were at a level that I would never reach.</p>

<p>After a few months of practice (not more than a couple hours a week, few times throughout the day when bored) I got REALLY good. It takes roughly 3-6 months (if you are starting out on the EASIEST difficulty) to reach EXPERT level (or whatever is the hardest). </p>

<p>Once you master, or get really good at one of these music games (for me it was Dance Dance Revolution) all the other games become easier too. Though you start out slow when moving from foot-eye coordination to finger-eye coordination (DDR - Guitar Hero) the game eventually becomes the same but with from a different input from your body.</p>

<p>Let me also say that those games get REALLY fun at the EXPERT level, but can be also really frustrating when you can't get over something.</p>

<p>I'm getting too carried away on this tangent I'm afraid, so let me conclude by saying, just because you suck at those kind of games when you first start at them (everyone does when you start, there is no other way around it) doesn't mean you have ADD. Slower songs, crappy songs, and songs that YOU just don't like, will more than likely yield a lower performance from ADD/ADHD individuals because they are UNINTERESTED in the moment. But the ability to have reflexes, quick reaction time, or hand-eye coordination that is excellent, has NOTHING to do with ADD/ADHD. I feel at times that ADD/ADHD IMPROVES that ability, because they are always on alert of the PRESENT.</p>

<p>P.S. Playing those really hard and fast songs at a lower difficulty first OR playing them at a slower speed (if you own the console version where you have the option to go into practice mode to slow the song down) allows you to get a better rhythm and idea of the song and what you are hitting. Breaking it down into smaller chunks.</p>

<p>Also, being musically inclined (also not necessarily ADD/ADHD related) helps in these kinds of games as well.</p>

<p>I hope this helps!</p>

<p>P.P.S. The best way to know is to get tested. Not from an obscure thought that being sucky at music games means you have ADD.</p>