Other Problems with ADHD

My latest reading from “Delivered from Distraction” (the best book on ADD)

40% of ADD drink too much
20% take other drugs
50% can’t quit smoking
15% have AntiSocial Personality Disorder
Most suffer PTSD

Not sure about PTSD, perhaps, but I did manage to quit smoking awhile ago and just have a few too many glasses once in awhile.  Guess I got a better handle on things since my 20’s (for the most part).  I can see these other issues around a lot in people with ADHD-like symptoms though.

Mental Testing

Got lots of mental tests on Sat.  Things like testing working memory, maths, common knowledge, all sorts of odds and ends.  Did ok on some, not as well as I liked on others.  Kicking myself over a couple mistakes, but we all make silly mistales once in awhile.  Perhaps more mental gymnastics next weekend.  Not sure.

ADD/ADHD Self Education

I’m one of the lucky ones that can manage reading a book. Not easy. Aside from technical refs, haven’t found an interesting book for 15 years. Just newspapers and mags. When I feel I must learn something, I research the best books and this was about me, and worked very well. I’m very pragmatic.

The book that gave me my initial (needed) hug on the subject was:

You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy. I got what I needed 30% of the way through.

Then the book that took it one step further and showed how far the strengths could be taken and how thankful I am for those strengths:

The DaVinci Method by Garret Loporto

And THEN, after reading ALL that book in no time at all since it’s impossible to put down, I also bought a couple copies for other friends struggling and hope they will get as much from it as I did. I could give you book forum addresses:

Ah yes, just checked tjhose addresses. They seem so commercial I was put off initially also. But I read the book and have bought two for friends and will continue to buy copies for people as appropriate. It is THAT good. Don’t be put off by them wanting their $20 for the book. Pysychologically, it hits the mark.

www.DaVinciMethod.com/extras/hero

www.DaVinciMethod.com/extras/feedback

http://www.areYouaDaVinci.com

THEN I wanted a book to give me the actual clinical info. Perhaps I should have read this first? I don’t know. I personally preferred the touchy feely way of putting this into contecxt first. BUT, if you’re not a lunatic multiple book buyer like me and just want “the best book” abgout ADD/ADHD then buy:

Delivered from Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D (without doubt, has the most practical and detailed info, and “the” book if you get none other)

The problem is getting people to read the info because around 7 to 10% of the population have this condition and no one has ever mentioned it to them before. They tend to just think they are nervous (or worrying) types (for example). It is a travesty. Up to 7 to 10% of the human race who feel insecure or anxious or an outcast can be treated and don’t realise it! Now I know what’s going on, I can’t keep quiet. It would be different iof it was 1 in 100.

My second psychiatric interview (25th June 07)

This was when I had to bring in all my report cards and answers from my mother.

Do you have any idea what my report cards look like?  C’s and D’s.  “Under potential”
I had almost all my report cards, all of which said I under-performed compared to ability, which I have been doing my entire life.

I thought the emails from my mother said more than I asked her to say, but that, it itself was telling.

The thing about ADD is that it’s mostly inherited. As my Dr. Barry said:

“You can get apples from apple trees, walnuts from walnut trees, but NEVER peaches from walnut trees”.

Ooooh.. that has been an underlying thought between my mother and I who.. well..are probably both ADD.

So I DID dig up almost all my report cards, which all said the same underlying thing.

Now I got handed off to a psychologist for a few weeks, Roger, who is cool. Who will write a 40 page report about me which will go back to my psychiatrist Dr. Barry.

I know what it will say. It will say, yea, this guy is ADD. But it’ll also go durther. I have three more appointment, 21/7, 28/7, 11/8, and then Roger writes a big report about me and I go back to see Dr. Barry on 23/8 who takes that long report, and IF that long report and his analysis suggests I should be on medication, THEN I have a probvisional appointment on the 3/9 to see how te meds are working (which, trust me, will all happen).