I'm 66 and unsuccessful. Now I learn I might have ADD. What do I do now.?
Question:
Answers:
With the many new treatment options that have been approved by the FDA you have many options in regards to ADD/ADHD. http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2004/604_adhd.html http://add.about.com/cs/othertreatment/
You will need to find a good mental health professional, preferably one who is trained in geriatric issues and who is qualified and experienced at diagnosing and treating this "umbrella" disorder we call ADD/ADHD. You may have to contact your Area Agency on Aging to find professionals specialized to the needs of senior adults. http://www.n4a.org/
After that, you should be in a good position to discover how this disorder is adversely affecting your life and learn to effect positive change. I would like to note, though, I do not believe that people find themself unsuccessful in life based one suspected diagnosis. In any event, this disorder does affect lives and should be addressed.
If you do find that you have this disorder, seek out the best mental health care provider available to you. Not all ADD/ADHD treatments work for everyone. I am a big believer in the least invasive treatments (non-stimulant), especially for someone within your age range. Over time I have come to prefer and appreciate the treatments found under the category of "Complementary and alternative medicine (Cam)." Here is a goverment website for CAM info: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/
A note of caution: There are herbs and supplements that have been shown to help treat the symptoms of ADD. Because herbs, vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the FDA it will require research on your part to find the recommended dosages, contraindications, and adverse side effects etc etc etc before taking them. Check the library at your hospital's Holistic Healing Center, they should have a copy of the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) equivalent for herbs, vitamins, and supplements. Here is one example of a hospital's HH Center: http://www.deaconess.com/body.cfm?id=435
I hope you remember to treasure and embrace in this your sixth decade of life. Cheers to the many adventures ahead of you.
Other Answers:
as long as you are alive, it is never too late. What do you want to do?
Meditate! Do yoga! ADD drugs will make you loopy and sluggish.
I will tell you what not to do and that's give up. Recently I was living in a 1982 Dodge pick-up truck after a very bad separation. I was as low as I could get. Without bogging you down with too many details I'll just say due to perseverance and not surrendering, I now am having a very nice brick home built and will be living in it by fall. People will tell you different things on this subject but I have been there. As simple as it sounds, a positive attitude will get you through anything. And don't worry about the age factor either. I was "too old" to make it according to others. How wrong they were.
If ur unsuccessful then ur unsuccessful. I have A.D.D also but thats no excuse. U just have to try harder, u cant be lazy about it.
See a psychologist or psychiatrist. Seriously. AD/HD, which was called ADD until over a decade ago, is a disorder that must be diagnosed using the criteria in the DSM-IV TR. Unfortunately, general practice physicians are not adept at making a correct diagnosis (4 out of 5 adolescent boys diagnosed with AD/HD do not actually have AD/HD), and the AMA has instructed physicians to stop overdiagnosing AD/HD, so a specialist is in order.
AD/HD and depression have the same symptoms. Since you say you are "unsuccessful," I would suggest being screened, by a psychologist or psychiatrist, for depression. If depression is ruled out, then its possible you may have AD/HD. Here is the criteria for diagnosis. If you meet the criteria, get a referral for a psychologist for diagnosis and treatment. Bear in mind this comes from the DSM-IV, and adult-onset AD/HD is fairly new, so the language applies mostly for school situations.
A. Either (1) or (2)
(1). 6 (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:
Inattention
(a) often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
(b) often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
(c) often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
(d) often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish
schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behaviour or failure to understand instructions)
(e) often has difficulty organising tasks and activities
(f) often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).
(g) often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
(h) is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
(i) is often forgetful in daily activities
(2) 6 (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level
Hyperactivity
(a) often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
(b) often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
(c) often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
(d) often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
(e) is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
(f) often talks excessively
Impulsivity
(g) often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
(h) often has difficulty awaiting turn
(i) often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games)
B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years.
C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school [or work] and at home).
D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder)
314.01 ADHD, Combined Type - if both A1 and A2 for at least 6 months
314.00 ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type
314.01 ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
HEY IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START GETTING WELL, AND BE HAPPY. IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT HAVE ADD YOU NEED TO GET YOURSELF TO A MENTAL HEALTH CENTER OR CLINIC TO BE EVALUATED. TALK TO A DR. ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF STARTING A RELATIVELY NEW DRUG CALLED STRATTERA. THIS DRUG IS STIMULANT FREE AND I HAVE HAD TREMENDOUS RESULTS WITH IT. IF MONEY IS AN ISSUE FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY TO PARTICIPATE IN A FREE PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM ! GOOGLE STRATTERA TO GET INFO, ALSO MANY CLINICS OFFER THEM TOO. GOOD LUCK CHANGING YOUR LIFE.
More Questions and Answers
- I want to be a subject for antidepression research, where do I look?
- Why can't they make a drug that makes you NOT want to do drugs?
- How do you get rid of feelings of guilt?
- HOW to become a stronger person?
- Killing a laugh?
- How was ur day ?
- Future Workaholic?
- im bi polar and prone to violent thoughts (not actions ) and highly intelegent?