Recently diagnosed ADD...

<p>So my therapist was doing a routine check in with me (I have GAD), and asked if I had ever been tested for ADD. I was taken aback, as I had never even considered having an attention disorder. However, they decided that as I am getting anxiety medication I should also be prescribed an ADD medication as well.</p>

<p>I feel as if the school system has almost let me down; how could no one have noticed it? ... I'm an A- student, but I barely try, only study for 30 minutes for a test, and never do my homework. I've always found my classes extremely easy, but have never been able to try as hard as the other kids around me. I can barely focus in class, and I feel so naive, so stupid for not having noticed this before...</p>

<p>But, I can't change what's happened. So, before I go on medication in a few days, I was wondering what I could do in school to improve my attentiveness. I've been going through hell dealing with this in school (knowing I have ADD has brought my inattentiveness to my attention and no matter how hard I try, I can't fix it and minutes feel like hours). Any suggestions to help?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>This sounds like a job for InquilineKea</p>

<p>Well, any advice from anyone would help.</p>

<p><a href=“knowing%20I%20have%20ADD%20has%20brought%20my%20inattentiveness%20to%20my%20attention%20and%20no%20matter%20how%20hard%20I%20try,%20I%20can’t%20fix%20it%20and%20minutes%20feel%20like%20hours”>quote</a>

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<p>Well it seems the first thing you could do would be to stop thinking about the diagnoses. Remember - you haven’t changed, you’ve only been given certain information about yourself (information which could be incorrect).</p>

<p>I’d seriously suggest reading Delivered by Distraction with a very open mind (and by this I mean, don’t convince yourself you have any of the symptoms he speaks of, try to act on any of the symptoms). [Amazon.com:</a> Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder (9780345442314): Edward M. Hallowell, John J. Ratey: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Delivered-Distraction-Getting-Attention-Disorder/dp/0345442318]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Delivered-Distraction-Getting-Attention-Disorder/dp/0345442318) While most times I support most ADHD diagnosis and trust them, you seem a bit iffy to me for some reason. I don’t know you. I don’t know anything more than you told us, so I don’t know why I’m questioning. But I give the advice of, do not focus on it and let it hurt you. ADHD diagnoses are not supposed to inhibit. They’re supposed to empower and allow you to better understand how your mind works. I suggest a massive amount of studying on the condition within the next few days before you begin medication. Read everything you can get your hands on that seems legit. Make sure you know fully as much as you can about ADHD and see if you think it fits you. And make sure you know the positives of having ADHD, not just the obvious negatives. That is essential in accepting the diagnosis you were given.</p>