ADHD

[Darth]

ADHD diagnosis rates in Western Australia were something like 7x the rest of Australia, so I'm VERY suspicious when people say they have it here.

Link showing us of ADHD medication in Australia in the years 1984-2000
https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2002/177/...tional-and

[Jacob(smooth)]

There was a study done (murica I think) which showed a massively higher do rate in kids with birthdays which fell one end of the school year (youngest in the year)

[Darth]

Canada, but close enough.

Doesn't seem to be a paywall on this one either, Click "full text (PDF)" off to the right

http://www.cmaj.ca/content/early/2012/03/05/cmaj.111619

[Psykhronic]

Another issue is understanding the difference between ADHD and bipolar - the two actually have shared symptoms. But I lived with someone with ADHD. She had so many struggles, with or without her meds. My younger nephew shows distinct signs of ADHD and he is the biggest sweetheart ever and is going for testing soon (he wont take meds until he decides for himself as a teenager). On top of this, I read about the research in a couple of books and have talked to professionals about it. Doctors did not just make this disorder up. They MAY (or almost certainly) overplayed the role of medication, particularly in young children. That is a disaster for those who are misdiagnosed as ADHD and are actually bipolar.

[My imaginary friend is GOD]

I have a "textbook" case of ADHD but I didn't get diagnosed until I hit a crisis point in 6th grade. This was because I was well-behaved in school, and considered "gifted." Teachers tend to see ADHD in problem children, which I was not. I got good grades. Yet I always got comments on my report cards about messy writing, poor time management, and a disorganized desk.

If I had been diagnosed earlier and agreed to medication, 6th grade might not have been so horrible. Instead, I was not medicated until the summer before I started college (Straterra, a relatively new drug). Immediately, there was a noticeable increase in my ability to focus. I made the honor roll both semesters my first year of college.

I wish I had not been so resistant to being medicated up until that point. Things would have been so much easier for me if I had not chosen to struggle against my own mind all those years. When I took my medicine (partially because I was also being treated for depression), I learned what it was to be happy for the first time in my life.

But I'm definitely not going to say Adderall/Ritalin are good for everyone. Despite what physicians will tell you, they're actually really dangerous drugs. I was on Adderall when I had a heat stroke a year and a half ago, and it definitely was a contributing factor. It has also been known to cause symptoms of depression. Yeah, it will increase your ability to concentrate, but is it worth it? Only if you legitimately need it to manage your ADHD. And NOBODY else should be taking this drug, as a test aid or a diet pill. That's just fucking stupid.

[Assimilate]

I was diagnosed with ADD, though I never bought that. I'd get in a lot of trouble when in elementary school, so i guess ritalin was the answer, cause I wouldn't focus while in class. Truth be told, I was an angry child, with a Mom that was mentally unstable and I was a usually a victim for her wrath. Saying that, I think theirs some serious cases about ADHD, I also heard the guy who first diagnosed ADHD said he made it up? I'm guessing this is false though.

[Minimalist]

I have a feeling that lots of harried teachers are looking for some pharmaceutical help in managing their classes. I'll never forget a parent-teacher conference where my son's first grade teacher complained that her class was "so immature." There was an awkward silence and my wife said "they are six."

[max-greece]

If I couldn't concentrate whilst reading this thread does that mean I have it?

Wow - a balloon.....