

all 35 comments

[–]Acekitty 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Are there any good resources for teaching young children good habits if you suspect they have ADD? I have ADHD-PI, and I'm afraid my 5-year-old does too.

[–]thespaztazticADHD-C 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Elementary teacher here. Is you're child school aged? If so, he/she doesn't have to be identified ADHD in order for you to schedule a meeting with your school's special education department (some schools refer to them as the "resource department" now, funnily enough). Most SPED teachers would be more than willing to meet with you and provide you with the information/resources/contacts you're looking for.

[–]livinginacircle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Make him chore sheet (look for online tutorials) to keep track of chores (that includes stuff like brushing teeth and getting dressed, as well as any actual chores he might have). This is a very nice and simple tool and will cut down on fights between the two of you. It will make it easier for him to have an overview of the day. Make one with pictures, and make sure to separate the chores visually into "before preschool" and "after preschool".

Also, having a rhythm in the day really helps. By this I mean for example having a set bedtime routine with things done in the same order everyday (for example cleaning up the toys, then dinner, then brushing teeth, then putting on pyjamas, then storytime, then bedtime -- always exactly in that order). Or a weekly rhythm for certain things, for example friday is icecream day. Such a rhythm gives the kid security (he always knows what comes next), and minimises fights. My 5-year old's kindergarden really works with daily and weekly rhythms, and it really helps him to always know what will happen next. Things just flow smoother.

Also: he should not have too much stuff in his room or he will get overwhelmed. Open bins with labels (pictures) are great, so that he knows where to find what, and where to put it away. If he has too much stuff, consider putting part in the cellar and rotating it weekly.

[–]catntree 1 point2 points  (2 children)

I've been on strattera for a little over 2 weeks now (18mg the first week, 25mg since). So far I haven't noticed any positive effects but some annoying side effects. If stratteras still not working after a month of use, would it be okay to ask to switch meds? Would it be likely my nurse practitioner would switch me anyways?

Whenever I'm in a bad mood and not highly interested in something, I can't concentrate on anything besides internet and videos. Is this common for people with adhd or is it a sign that I'm also struggling with depression? I've been like this more often then not for the last 5 months. It's getting pretty old. Which is why I'd really like to just be put on proper medication. I'm so tired of struggling to do things with my life.

[–]Acekitty 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Well, that behavior sounds like typical ADHD, but if it's only been going on for the past 5 months (as opposed to your whole life) that could indicate something else is indeed going on. Really the best thing is probably to talk to the nurse practitioner about your concerns.

[–]catntree 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well it's been like that my whole life. Just I can usually find other things to be interested in and focus on more often. Lately, I can't keep myself interested in much of anything.

[–]KingRaider 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Probably not ADHD related, but I feel more awake and clearheaded when I sleep around 5 or 6 hours. I'll sleep 7 or 8 hours and am tired. Anybody else?

[–]Mshell[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you accedently interupt a part of your sleep cycle than it can cause this.

It normally takes me an hour or 2 to accutually fall asleep, if the same thing happens with you then the first sleep cycle would end after 5-6 hours and at the end of that you would start the next cycle but be unable to finish it. I find that I am at my best if I have either 5-6 or 10 hours sleep.

[–]boringoldcookie 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Can I use the concept of neuroplasticity, behaviour modifications, as well as the use of medications to make a permanent change in my brain that reduces/"cures" ADHD?

[–]thespaztazticADHD-C 0 points1 point  (1 child)

There is no real way to permanently reduce/"cure" ADHD. What we can do is use medications, therapies, coping mechanisms, and life-style changes to act as interventions for our symptoms. We can also find the positives in our ADHD and harness them to make the most out of what we have.

Also, while the research on ADHD/Autism/SPD/ODD/Mania/Bipolar and similar neurologically centered disorders is still growing everyday, it is unlikely that "cures" will ever be a real thing for us. Prevention in pregnant women is looking very promising lately though!

I highly suggest reading Delivered from Distraction if you're looking for the best way to approach long-term "solutions" for your ADHD.

[–]boringoldcookie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Delivered from Distraction

Thank you for the suggestion!

I just keep hoping I can somehow create new neural connections...somehow get my brain to produce the right chemicals in the right proportions.. something. It is probably about time I accept it and try to work with the ADHD instead of fighting against it.


Did some searching around earlier and got a few tips on how to keep myself on-task when studying. Came across a few book recommendations which I've added to my wish list and cool study tips like the 10/2 rule. I've also been considering fish oil.

I can't afford a trip to the therapist or the medications as I don't have insurance. Keeping that in mind, are there any other tips you guys might have for someone struggling with ADHD? What multivitamin would you guys recommend? Does extra exercise help?

[–]filletetue 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Could you share some of those tips? I've always struggles with studying.

Also, exercise definitely would help keep your mind working and active. I know moving around helps keep my ADD at bay (I have the inattentive form)


I'd be interested to know too!


Exercise helps me immensely - running especially.

Use caution with exercise though. If you are extremely hyperactive, you might over exert yourself to the point of injury. Find a proven plan (like Couch to 5K) and stick to it rather than running like a maniac until your leg bones crack.

[–]thespaztazticADHD-C 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exercise and healthy eating are really fantastic ways to gain some semi-permanent stamina to your levels of attention and focus with/or without being medicated.

For a more short term solution, bursts of physical activity can be a good way to readjust levels of focus when you find yourself wandering. Losing track in the middle of sentences and having to reread them? Do some push-ups. Forget the answer that was just in your head? Jumping jacks. etc. etc.

[–]KingRaider 0 points1 point  (5 children)

ADHD and depression seem to go hand in hand. So my question is, after starting medication did you get away from your depression?

[–]filletetue 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Depends what's causing your depression. If it's feelings of failure from ADD-related mistakes, possibly.

[–]boringoldcookie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me, no. I had to use three concurrent antidepressants to get out of the big hole of depression and into the little one. The adderall doesn't seem to make a difference on my depressive symptoms.

[–]-dont-panic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, the answer is mostly yes, but it took some time to dig myself out of the various holes I'd allowed myself to fall into. In this chicken or the egg scenario, the attention problems came first, caused me to be unable to achieve what I felt like I was capable of, and then led to depression. It's still a battle with myself to try not to be self deprecating, but I'm slowly getting better at it. I like to try to tally up the little victories and remind myself of them when I feel like a loser.

[–]Acekitty 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Medication definitely helped, to a point. I still feel some depression but I'm functional.


A comorbid diagnosis of ADHD and depression occurs in approximately 20% to 30% of patients, and ADHD and anxiety in more than 25% of patients. A whooping 40% of patients aged 10-21 have a comorbid diagnosis of ADHD and SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder).

However, in each of the above 3 cases it is important to treat all comorbidities as separate because their treatments are different. Medications for ADHD are not and should never be considered as a treatment for depression, anxiety, or sensory processing disorder.

[–]ZombieinmyHeadParent 0 points1 point  (8 children)

My son is six and on Vyvanse. The medication is great and he is thriving on it, but we are having real issues with getting him to eat enough to gain weight, and when we upped his dose, he had a loss his doctor is concerned about.

We have tried:

  • Open pantry access to pretty much anything he wants to eat whenever

  • Ensure shakes

  • Pop Tarts. Those suckers are pretty high in calories.

  • High-calorie Pudding

  • High-calorie juice drinks (Like Boost Breeze)

  • Reminders to have snacks

  • Praise for eating

  • Explaining that the medicine is lying to his body, and that even though he doesn't feel hungry, he really is and needs food.

  • Not giving him his meds on weekends

If he doesn't start gaining weight soon, then he is going to have to go off his medication. This is not ideal. Is there anything that any of you have done either for your kids or for yourselves that helps?

[–]takitesi 1 point2 points  (6 children)

The reason he won't eat is because it literally makes him feel sick to his stomach. At least that's how it is for me. I don't want to eat because it makes me feel sick to eat, not because I don't have the hungry feeling, even though my hungry feeling is often suppressed by the medication. I've heard from friends that Vyvanse is tougher to eat on, but YMMV as it likely differs from person to person. I tend to get a bit of dry mouth with my meds, and when I'm eating, depending on the food, it will just soak up all the moisture in my mouth and become quite a hassle to get down, which really turns me off from eating. I think the high-calorie pudding is a great idea for issues like that. How are you timing the meals with the meds? If you can get him to eat larger meals in the morning and at night (presumably when the meds have lost their effect), that might be a good place to start - lunch is always the toughest for me. I don't know much about Ensure shakes, but I'm assuming they're akin to the 6-year-old version of muscle milk?

[–]I_Cut_ShoesADHD-C 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Huh. Is this a side effect for concerta too? My stomach hurts every time I eat, but I just thought it was because I have a weak stomach. Food is yummy though, so I'll just deal with the pain later...

[–]takitesi 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Not sure about concerta. I've only taken Adderall. However, I think it is widely regarded that these medications in general are appetite suppressants. It's a combination of nausea and unease for me, not just a pure gut-wrenching feeling.

[–]I_Cut_ShoesADHD-C 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Yeah, it's the same for me. Could just be a weak stomach though. Is it so bad that you can't eat? I feel like crap afterwards but being hungry is worse.

[–]takitesi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've learned to eat with it. It really depends on the food. I find salads very hard to stuff down because it takes forever to chew with a dry mouth. Cold chili is probably the easiest and tastiest for me. I find cold leftovers to be the easiest to get down. There's usually an inflection point while I'm eating where I just stop because it becomes such a task to get the food down. Putting food into an uneasy stomach isn't too hard at the beginning of the meal, but then when my uneasy stomach starts going to work on that food, and I'm only in the middle of my meal, food starts to become very unappealing.

[–]ZombieinmyHeadParent 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Thanks for the perspective! It's really helpful, and I will try to have some more foods around that are gentle on the stomach, like crackers. For meals, we have given up on lunch. We pack him things in case he gets hungry, and he gets one of the high-calorie juice drinks, which he will drink part of. In the morning, he gets pop tarts or cereal and whole milk. He goes in spurts about what he likes. Sometimes he will be hungry at dinner, and sometimes he won't, and it is not always based on what it is, so I know he is not pulling a fast one.

The Ensure and the pudding both taste kind of vitaminy, but otherwise taste like chocolate drink and pudding. He likes the juice drink, but I don't want to push it so much that he gets sick of it.

I will keep the dry mouth in mind. Adding more sauce and more butter/oil is a good way to add calories as well as get food to go down.

[–]JustALittleOodADHD-C 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Will he drink hot chocolate in the morning before school or in the evenings? If you make it using a packet of instant breakfast, whole milk or ensure and a packet of hot chocolate mix it's super high calorie. You can also do the same with milkshakes. Whole milk or ensure and ice cream etc. Good luck!

[–]gorckat 0 points1 point  (2 children)

My family doc said my story sounds like ADD, but will not prescribe typical stimulants from her office for it to adults.

She wants to start with a low dose of paxil to see if taking the anxiety edge off helps (she treated me for depression/anxiety ~12 years ago, been off meds ~10, ADD was not on our radar back then).

She suggested testing if i want to explore direct medication for it and would help maintain whatever rx came from a psych at that point.

On the one hand, i agree that reducing anxiety brought on by feeling like i can only work well in crisis mode brought on by poor focus and time mgmt could help, i am a little skeptical that is all i will need. Her concerns about long term stimulant use sound reasonable.

I guess i wonder if the choice is raise risk of early death by stimulants or always floundering a little bit.

[–]LittleDevotionalxADHD-C 0 points1 point  (1 child)

My family doc wasn't able to prescribe it to me and told me because she didn't specialize in the topic (or wasn't trained), and she told me to see a psychiatrist. I wasn't playing around so I went right away! I'm now taking Cymbalta, Adderall, and Xanax.

It's not the case for all GP's, though.

[–]HunterofSquirrelsADHD-C 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cymbalta, Adderall, and Xanax.

Copy cat :-P

[–][deleted]  (1 child)


    [–]LittleDevotionalxADHD-C 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    I believe they grouped both terms together and now there are subcategories for the different versions. So basically you can have ADHD and not be hyperactive.


    I can't feel the effects of my medication much anymore, besides the crash. I need a stimulant to stay awake longer than 8 hours (normally exhausted by 6 hours). Ritalin makes me grey and depressed. Adderall's crash brings me to an emotional state and my current prescription, Vyvanse, is starting to do the same after a few weeks of being on it. Also, I have begun having extreme headaches during the crash.

    Thinking of setting up an appointment with a psychiatrist, but what's left after Ritalin, Adderall, and Vyvanse?