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Subscribe to RSSWhile more boys than girls are treated for ADHD, a new report shows that among adults, the numbers have flipped. Women’s use of medications for the condition has soared in the past decade, surpassing that of men.
From 2001 to 2010, the number of American women ages 20 to 44 who took ADHD drugs skyrocketed more than 250 percent, according to the report from Medco Health Solutions. Researchers analyzed trends in the use of mental health medications among about 2.5 million insured Americans.
Among all 20- to 44-year-olds, about one in 50 took ADHD medications in 2010 — 1.9 percent of women, and 1.8 percent of men, whose use increased more than 150 percent from 2001 to 2010. One factor for the rise in adults taking ADHD drugs might be that all five medications indicated for treating the condition have been approved since 2001.
Since ADHD doesn’t pop up all of a sudden in adulthood, it's likely that women who started taking meds in the past decade flew under the radar until they became adults, says Dr. Lenard Adler, director of the Psychiatry and Neurology Adult ADHD Program at the New York University School of Medicine.
That’s because girls are less likely than boys to exhibit the “H”—for hyperactivity—in ADHD, so boys with the condition are more likely to be noticed, says Adler, who was not involved with the Medco report. But as children grow into adulthood, he says, the “attention deficit” component of ADHD becomes more prominent, because grown-ups have a lot more to keep track of.
The girls whose ADHD had gone unrecognized, chalked up to laziness or lack of motivation in school, grow into women who stumble when they encounter the real world of work and family. They can’t hold jobs, and, because they are so disorganized, they pay their bills late, if at all, lose track of appointments and misplace their kids’ school permission slips.
Parenthood often leads to adults finally getting an ADHD diagnosis, Adler says. “Many times for a parent, what will bring them in to be diagnosed is they have a child who’s been diagnosed.” The parents might recognize that their child’s symptoms are ones they themselves have dealt with for years.
When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, he says, there’s a 30 percent to 40 percent chance that a parent has it, too. Of those parents, the moms are more likely to seek professional help than the dads, explains Russell Barkley, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina who’s long studied ADHD in adults. And in the last couple of years, Barkley says, he’s been interviewed for a number of articles about ADHD in women, which have probably heightened awareness.
Adler says he’s glad the data show more women are seeking treatment, but since 4.5 percent of adults are thought to have ADHD, it's clear that less than half are getting help. “There’s a large group out there still not being treated,” he says.
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It is also convenient that nearly every medication approved for ADHD is an amphetamine, related to the same class as phentermine, of the famous weight-loss combination Fen-Phen.
I would be curious to see a breakdown of the practice specialties of the prescribing physicians. I am willing to bet most are family practice or related, and not psychiatrists or neurologists.
When I practiced in retail pharmacy, which I haven't for about 8 years, I only had one adult female patient who had a diagnosis of ADHD that was on an amphetamine.
All of the others that were on Ritalin, Dexedrine, and the like were taking it for appetite suppression and weight loss (even though not a one was over size 10).
The break down of prescribing physicians is General/Family Practitioner prescribing the majority of psychotropic/related meds with psychiatrists next then pediatricians and finally other. I don't have the exact percentages handy but GP's prescribe approx 45-85% depending on the medication/study.
You'd be right about the women wanting the meds for weight loss but another dirty little secret is that with women making up 65% plus of college students many are now taking ADHD meds to give them an edge in college.
You'd be amazed at how many young female college students list off ADHD symptoms but make straight A's and later in the discussion they ask if it will help on things like the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, etc and they also ask about more time on exams if they get the diagnosis and a letter. Certain physicians are well know in different areas for catering to these groups and if you ask the right college student they'll give you a list of what docs will diagnose/ prescribe in 5 min or less. They also tell you who won't and to avoid.
IMHO for one to be medicated for ADHD or Bipolar she or he should have to see a psychologist or psychiatrist to first be properly diagnosed. I've seen many more claim to have it than actually do.
I've never had a problem with primary care physicians prescribing something like Prozac, which has comparably few side effects (most of which are reversible upon stopping the medication).
Obviously, if you aren't getting better within a few months, a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist would be in order (but is rarely done, due to stigma).
However, most ADHD medications (all of the amphetamines) are Schedule II Controlled Substances - just like Cocaine.
It would be nice if people were prescribed these powerful stimulants by people who have made psycho-active substances their focus in practice.
Huh, what? Did someone say something? I wasn't paying attention.
Mother's little helper
I've noticed that women seem to have a problem paying attention. Hope the meds help.
Carolyn G,
Your attempt at humor is offensive to those of us with children who have ADHD.
May you suffer a nervous breakdown in the very near future. Go to hell.
Lucy relax. I have two children with ADHD and I don't find it offensive at all. My kids joke like this about their condition. Humor can be an excellent coping mechanism.
I just want to reply to really all posts here. I was diagnosed with ADHD at 27 years old. I work for a large, successful cafe chain and noticed I was having a hard time focusing while tackling a new focus on the job. It was only after being sat down and almost fired that I saught help. My pcp was great and sent me to a neorologist. It was only after 4 appts and 2 very long and tedious tests that I was diagnosed. During the visits, we researched my schooling history which showed grea grades ( all A's, 3.6 in college workin 49 hrs per week), but extreme procrastination, numerous dangerous car accidents, and temper tantrums. I thank my doctors whenever I can because the meds I am taking (straterra) have turned my career around and I am now excelling like I used to. Please, think before you judge because for most females adults, its taken something terrible to get them to realize they may have a problem with ADHD.
I was diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive type) as an adult while working on my graduate degree. My sister has ADHD, which she never grew out of, but since I never showed symptoms of hyperactivity, my problems went ignored/unnoticed.
You can get very good grades even with ADHD if you are smart enough that you are able to "coast," because the work isn't very hard. What's happening - what happened to me - is that I hit a wall. There comes a point where smarts isn't enough, and hard work will carry you through. Some people hit that point early, some people hit it late.
If you don't have ADHD the medication will not work. Meds don't fix lazy.
I was on Straterra for about six months, and it was like a miracle. Before, I'd be trying to work on a term paper, and just...couldn't. I know that sounds bizarre, but it's true. I don't know how to describe the inability to focus to someone who doesn't have that problem - even my husband would look at me blankly and ask why I didn't just do it. It brought me to tears on numerous occasions. An adult woman crying over her homework, how sad!
While I was on ADHD medication, my problems with procrastination and follow through disappeared. I went from 8 cans of caffeinated soda a day to one or none (the psychiatrist said I'd been self-medicating and the need went away). I could do activities where I might have to wait for long periods of time without wandering off or getting distracted or getting bored and irritable. I stopped forgetting my purse when I went out. I could write my papers without the overwhelming urge to clean the bathroom/do laundry/go for a walk/ect.
I even stopped being so clumsy. "Distracted walking" can lead to some pretty nasty sprains, let me tell you!
The medication also had the unfortunate side-effect of making me extremely nauseous, even with food, and I eventually stopped taking it. But I'll never forget what it felt like. It felt like waking up.
Eventually I'll have to go back to the doc and try some other medication that won't make me ill. I am reluctant mostly because I did not like my psychologist. The psychiatrist was fine, but I didn't have therapy with him, lol. Fortunately, I'm in a career where I do something different every ten minutes and focus isn't required, so I am doing well enough.
While Americans are fearful of the diseases they think they have, Big Pharma executives wipe their asses with 100 dollar bills.
Is this why the dishes in my house are not getting done?
Nonsense. This is another ad for the pharmaceutical industry. Boys are given Ritalin, a form of speed, instead of recess. Girls are given a form of speed with a different name - Aderall and Concerta. All are hooked on cocaine.
What a crock of @!$%# this story is. The whole world has adhd we might as well start injecting adderal in the water supplies, or at least thats what it seems like these days.
This female ADHD is getting a little old at my house. My wife will talk on the phone, read a little bit of a book, knit, yawn, look at her watch, roll her eyes, and the whole time telling me to "Pay attention and hurry up!" It's not like that every time we have sex but......
Not to undermine those who seek drug therapy for a true ADHD diagnosis, but a common side-effect of these "5 approved drugs" are appetite suppression and weight-loss. I can understand the appeal for some women to take these medications under the guise of ADHD for weight management. As a 39 year-old women I have noticed it getting harder and harder to maintain my weight (currently 5'7", 116 lbs) as I age, even with diet and exercise. Although I don't advertise it, I have used 2 of these drugs, Metadate and Dexedrine, on and off over several years to help maintain my weight. I wonder if the increase in women using these types of drugs may be related to a weight struggle as well? Not scientific by any means, just a thought.
So, you are advertising it now?
Is your vanity really more important to you than your health?
5'7" and 116 lbs. makes you a curveless toothpick, honey. You might want to cut back a little on the drugs and the vanity.
5'7" & 116#? Holy crap. You'll blow away in a high wind.
Ouch! When I stated I don't advertise it, I meant to friends and family. I thought this was an annonymous forum? It would be a blessing if my desire to stay thin was about vanity. Like so many others, I am an over-whelmed, stressed-out mother with 2 austistic children. Being thin makes me feel invisible and gives me a sense of control in my life. In my experience, having protruding bones and no figure or breasts is NOT what others have found to be attractive. I rarely comment on anything. This article, for what ever reason, struck a chord with me. I'm sorry if I offended you with my comment. I'll go back to being invisable now.
@ Jillian- you are visable to me and you are important. PLEASE take time to take care of yourself. If that means getting qualified professional help to deal with the obvious stress in your life then you need to do it! Your children do need you but they need you HEALTHY! I so wish that you had a close friend to help you but honestly...a therapist is much less judgemental and maybe it would feel good to just let it all out. Please take care of yourself and know that you are not alone. HUGS!
Jillian,
The way you describe your feelings as "gives me a sense of control in my life" is a big indicator that you may have an eating disorder, or other disorder related to OCD.
With no offense intended, I do hope that you seek professional help.
I'm a bulimic. I just don't throw up after I binge.
I have to agree w/ Cassivella. Being stressed out mentally, emotionally, & physically is going to end in an ugly blow-out. And what'll happen w/ the kids then? Don't worry so much about being invisible; a lot of people are rather oblivious to anyone or anything not immediately involving them. Actually, by being so thin, you might well be attracting the attention you're trying to evade. Someone out going around w/ portruding bones is definately an oddity in a 1st world nation, where the general population runs generally to the opposite. You actually stand out in the crowd.
For those of us that legitimately struggle with the disorder having people look at us as "lazy", "unmotivated" or looking to lose weight minmize the impact it truely has on our lives. It's easy to make those characterizations when you genuinely were a crummy student or have body image issues and project your behaviors onto everyone else, but when you have trouble organizing a meal, let alone a day, it's practically impossible to successfully manage daily life in our society.
Those that have managed to succeed in spite of themselves most often do so because of extraordinary effort applied toward adaptive coping skills. So much of their lives centers around these adaptive coping skills, whether they are working and whether or not they may have still overlooked something in spite of everything.
Anxiety and depression frequently ends up accompanying ADHD, because of attitudes identified in this article and comment thread. Many adults that struggle with ADHD have significant amounts of anxiety and depression becasue of the constant pressure and expectation to 'be like everyone else'. The fear of disappointing others weighs heavily on these individuals.
My comments were based upon 10 years of practice in pharmacy, in which I hold a Doctorate of Pharmacy.
I'm sorry if you are taking offense, but the fact remains that in that 10 years I only had one adult female patient on a stimulant who was taking the stimulant due to ADHD.
I had at least 20 patients I can think of off hand who were taking Ritalin, Dexedrine, or Adderall for weight management.
As I opposed this, I made sure that for every adult (I consider this to be beyond college-aged) that brought in an amphetamine-like prescription, I phoned the prescribing physician and got the diagnosis.
For male adult patients, I had one guy with narcolepsy and another younger adult guy who was dying slowly and painfully due to a brain tumour, and his doctor prescribed Ritalin so he could try to stay awake while taking his pain medicine so he could spend every last minute he could with his family.
The fact is that no doctor has to prescribe any legal medication for any reason. As long as the medicine is available, a doctor can prescribe it for whatever he/she wants.
So while you may be taking the medication for the reason it is labeled, there's a really great chance that (with perhaps the exception of antibiotics) at least 50% or more of the other people taking that medication aren't.
For every brain tumour patient, there are easily 50 people on worker's compensation taking heavy narcotics for a "back injury", yet still able to go out and water ski every weekend.
As a fellow PharmD, I can't help but be somewhat dismayed by your comments here. What you have done is taken a legitimate medical condition suffered by many women in this country (myself included) and attempted to downplay the legitimacy and seriousness of our struggles while making sweeping statements suggesting that the vast majority of these women are inappropriately using these medications off-label for weight loss. Having worked in a community pharmacy myself, I find it quite difficult to believe that for 10 years, you not only remembered every single female patient who walked through your doors with a prescription for an amphetamine, but that you called the prescriber in every single case, and remember the result of every single conversation you had in those 10 years. And even if, somehow, you were able to do this, it is quite irresponsible to come onto a public space as a health care professional, throw around your qualifications, and attempt to present your own personal experiences as an indisputable truth. You mention 21 female patients in your post. Based on your experience with these 21 women, you make statements that are clearly intended to make the unknowing reader assume that, because you have a Doctorate of Pharmacy, what you are saying must be accurate and reflective of the state of affairs in the entire country. This is grossly irresponsible. Certainly your 21 patients from your one pharmacy in your one corner of the world are not representative of the female population as a whole? Certainly it is possible that, with a pharmacist’s salary, you might live and work in a more well-to-do area where vanity and body image are of utmost importance, and therefore the women in your community seek out medications to help control their weight at a greater rate than rest of the country? If you can not present cold, hard facts instead of statistically and clinically insignificant observations, it is best for you to not say anything at all. So, unless you have results from IRB-approved research, or have constructive counseling and education to provide to the readers of this blog, on the behalf of pharmacists everywhere I ask that next time you just keep your hands off of the keyboard.
MissRn.. I totally agree that those who legitimately need the medications are stigmatized by the system that is filled with those who do not yet get them for various reasons having little to do with attention and concentration. My comment was not intended to perpetuate any stigma but to discuss concerns over misdiagnosis and misuse of the medication.
It's also quite sad when only ADHD meds are prescribed when someome comes in saying they are depressed or anxious and having difficulties attending and concentrating when the issue needing treatment is really depression or anxiety.
That is why I am a full supporter of medications being prescribed when the person has been PROPERLY diagnosed by the appropriate professional and needs them. Unfortunately, that is becoming not the case for many and without change to the system those in real need (similar to real pain patients) may find it more difficult to get the meds they need to function normally.
I am also a strong supporter of proper psychtherapy to assist those diagnosed with ADHD to learn effective coping skills to reduce not only the adhd symptomatology but also reduce the likelihood of developing co-ocurring anxiety and depression.
Best of luck!
To anyone who thinks they might have ADHD please seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment. It can make a huge difference in your life.
I wonder how many women accept an ADHD diagnosis because they are suffering from severe anxiety or panic attacks and will accept anything if it may possibly help.
There are quite a few women in my circle who take antidepressants for panic and fear to stop despite the fact they still have panic attacks -- just not so severe or so frequently as before.
I don't know about ADHA drugs, but I know -- from my own untrained observation only -- that the antidepressants over time cause personality changes, and not for the good. I refer to these women, (privately and completely unscientifically), as becoming mildly autistic. I say that because they become incapable of reading or understanding the emotional reactions of others.
A typical behavior is that they casually insult others quite strongly and are genuinely amazed that offense would be taken, yet can't tolerate the mildest of critical remarks toward themselves, or even their possessions.
I have a STRONG bias bordering on paranoia :) against psychotropic drugs stronger than pot.
"responsible"
When you work at the same location for 10 years, when you live in the same community, and when you only do about 150 prescriptions a day (12 hours), you do actually get to know your patients well.
It was quite rare for any adult to be prescribed an ADHD medication. In fact, while I understand this is not true, I was actually taught that adults could not have ADHD.
Since it was so rare for an adult patient to be on a schedule II ADHD medication, I do remember these cases very well. And I did call each doctor when I was presented a schedule II amphetamine-type drug for an adult. I considered it being responsible, both for saving my butt legally in terms of drug diversion, and to make sure the patient was receiving appropriate therapy. Additionally, as our computer system was not networked with any other systems in the company at the time, our patients were generally only filling prescriptions in one location. We would generally only fill chronic schedule II controlled substances for patients with whom we had an existing relationship; if not, then we would certainly place the prescription and patient under further scrutiny.
While I disagree with using amphetamines for weight loss, I never denied filling valid a prescription for them, even though at the time legally I could deny a patient for any reason, as long as I didn't prevent them from filling the prescription elsewhere.
I made it quite clear that I was speaking solely based upon my experience. If people are unable to understand that what I say may be a statistical outlier, that is really not my fault.
As I have not described any patient details, I have not stated where I practiced or for whom, and no patient could possibly be identified from my comments, there is absolutely nothing irresponsible about my comments.
I certainly have not given medical advice about this subject, either.
I don't believe I have made any derogatory comments about women or adults with ADHD.
People who take controlled substances for reasons other than their intent, for example, women who take amphetamines for weight loss, actually harm people who legitimately have conditions such as ADHD. They make it much harder for a patient to find a doctor who will prescribe the medication, and much harder to find a pharmacy that will fill it.
Many pharmacies I know require a 24-48 hour waiting period for filling most schedule II controlled substances (the exception being small prescriptions for acute conditions).
There is nothing wrong with discussing a problem such as drug diversion, or this pseudo-legal drug diversion with amphetamines. Talking about the problem means that more patients are educated as to why they have problems getting diagnosed, why their doctor is hesitant to prescribe medications, and why they have trouble at the pharmacy.
If the patients have proper expectations about the process, then they will be happier, as opposed to screaming at the pharm tech and looking like a drug addict.
So, "responsible", as you have no clue where I practiced, little clue as to when I practiced, I don't really think you have a legitimate reason for complaint. I made it clear I was talking about my personal experience. For all I know, all the ADHD patients went to CVS across the street. But, as I often saw those pharmacists socially, I know their experience is more similar to mine than not.
Perhaps you should "keep your hands off the keyboard" unless you have something constructive to say.
missrn is absolutely right-At 53 I was not exactly trying to pull an all-nighter trying to cram for finals, I was simply trying to manage my everyday life-and failing miserably, as I had for the past 30 years. I was finally diagnosed with adult ADHD, and honestly thanks to therapy w/psychiatrist (not the gen. practitioner), appropriate meds and careful planning, I am able to manage life and work. I still have my moments-we all do-but I know the steps I need to take to refocus and get back on track. Please don't lump those of us with a legit diagnosis into the group of "charlatans"
Go figure , makes sense to me
Being diagnosed with ADHD at age 35 completely changed my life. I am so thankful for the doctor who looked a little deeper into my anxiety issues and eventually prescribed for me Adderall. If only it had been recognized when I was still in school! I am a different person now, happier, more successful in both my career and my relationships, and no longer wondering "What is WRONG with me?", that I couldn't seem to function like everyone else, no matter how hard I tried. The signs were there all along, but well-behaved little girls who just seem to daydream a lot will fly under the radar. Seriously, Adderall has been the best thing that ever happened to me.
And how many of these women know the long term effects of amphetamine use? One of the most dangerous drugs out there. It's stronger than cocaine and perfectly legal. Is it addictive? Well, that doesn't matter because they are supposed take it every day. In college there was a person who rarely took his aderal, and when exams or finals came around, slews of girls would scoop up lots of the stuff. Barely any guys wanted it! SLOW and STEADY WINS THE RACE
This is nonsense - prescription amphetamines are among the safest medications available for prescription - and they are certainly safer than over the counter medications like Tylenol. They are not "stronger than cocaine" as they are taken in much smaller doses. Research has also found that people with ADHD are not likely to abuse prescription stimulants.
My kid had severe "behavior problems" and got kicked out of 2 private elementary schools before 9 years old. I was a single mother at the time. After a warning from his third elementary school(public) that he would be expelled at the next incident, I finally got him diagnosed with something called "ADHD" and got a prescription to Ritalin. The transformation was remarkable. I didn't tell the teacher at his school that he was on medication and she called me the third day and said he is suddenly changed. I believed she used the term "miracle".
The doctor told me ADHD is hereditary. I decided to try the "miracle"after reading about ADHD in females. As a student I was a heavy day-dreamer and would always tune out the teacher or instructor in college, but always barely passed everything without having to study much. I relied on above average common sense and logic.
For one week, when my kid was on break from school, I took his Ritalin pills and noticed immediately, it seemed to give me super concentration powers at work.
My job entails deciphering and designing complex computer algorithms, and what would take a week, I was completing in hours. The difference was measurable. I also did notice that I did not get hungry at lunch time, and just wanted to work until I had finished the task at hand, sometimes well after 5!
The following week I looked at the work I had done while on the Ritalin and decided I needed to get my own diagnosis. I went to a psychiatrist, who had a large mirror in the waiting room. When I walked in, he told me he had been observing me in the waiting room talking to another person there, and he said he noticed ADHD symptoms immediately. Thinking back to the waiting room, I remembered I was an absolute motor-mouth, jumping from story to story without completing the last, as halfway through every story I switched to another related thread.
My take is that I believe many women who have sons with ADHD have come to realize that they inherited it from their mothers!
It is a well known fact, that these meds are abused as powerful stimulants. A powerful amphetamine effect, without the addictive properties or side effects. This stuff has a significant street value, especially in Colleges. Saying that true cases of ADHD is rising is laughable, this stuff is nearly as abused as Oxycontin. So it is true then to say "Injuries in women are skyrocketing, because more prescriptions of it are being written for them." This study is laughably flawed, and this article is beyond idiotic.
Increased numbers of women being diagnosed is not the same as increased numbers of women who have the condition. It just means more are being diagnosed. It could be that increased awareness and research on the condition has led to doctors considering it as an explanation for symptoms in adult women, where this was never something they considered before.
Sure, increased awareness may also lead to more incorrect diagnoses, and more people faking symptoms just to get the drug. But for those of us who never dreamed that ADHD was the root of our difficulties, having a doctor who was willing to dig deeper is something I will always be thankful for. That doctor changed my life.
Boys get this when taken from their mothers by CPS, etc. Girls can make excuses and stay at home but boys grow to be men and are typically breadwinners of families. The stress children feel from bullying at school and divorce is what causes these developmental delays in children. If children are loved and secure they are not as prone to these developmental delays as much. Not saying this is 100% cure but cuts down a lot. Too bad drug companies have found a helpless bonanza in our children to harvest with their addicting harmful drugs.
Funny, I don't see an MD after your name.
No offense to women, but does this mean women are more gullible than men?
Before passing judgment on those who you think are taking ADHD meds for weight loss, did you ever stop to think that one of the biggest contributors to a weight problem is lack of impulse control. Impulse control is a hallmark symptom of those with ADHD. It's quite possible that these women don't even know that the reason the medication may be helping them lose weight is because it is actually helping their impulse control.
There have been numerous studies linking weight gain to undiagnosed ADHD. Don't be so quick to judge until you've walked in someone else's shoes. You never know what they're dealing with on a day to day basis.
It's not a matter of judging or assuming someone is taking a medication for weight loss.
It's a matter of speaking with the patient and the prescriber and having them tell me that the patient is taking the medication for weight loss.
Frankly, any judging that is involved is judging the prescriber, especially a primary care physician, for making what is probably a poor treatment decision.
If someone has ADHD that is causing weight gain, then the diagnosis provided to me would be ADHD.
Besides, a good pharmacist is going to know what a patient is dealing with day to day because we ask.
If you are a size 4 casino cocktail server who has to meet a certain weight criteria and fit in costume and your doctor prescribes amphetamines for you, I'm probably going to think that is a poor treatment option. But, I'm not judging you as a person. However, I will be counseling you on the short- and long-term side effects, and I will make sure to let you know what it is you are actually taking and its addictive potential, making sure you know to take it only as prescribed.
For the most part, your treatment is between you and your doctor. Unless the prescription is contraindicated with your disease state, lifestyle issues such as smoking, or drug interactions, I'm going to fill your medication.
Presribed stimulants, benzos, and narcotics are not much different than cocaine, alcohol and heroin. They work on the many of the same receptors. People think because their doctor 'prescribes it', that makes it 'okay'.
Most doctors are smart people. They understand that by getting you addicted to a controlled sunstance that you have to come back to the clinic for refills every month. This generates huge profits. They could care less if you abuse it yourself or if you sell it, so long as you keep coming back to them. These medications never 'cure' anything, they just create physiological addiction by making you feel good (high).
I am glad the DEA is finally starting to crack down on prescription drug abuse and starting to go after the drug dealers with MD's who 'prescribe' this stuff.
Wow, it's amazing thre are so many ignorant comments on here from people who obviously have never dealt with this condition. It is very real and can have a very detrimental effect on peoples lives. Getting diagnosed is not easy and I have never met a doctor who writes a prescription just because someone asks for it. In fact my son was diagnosed by a licensed psychologist but the MD we had refused to treat him. It took us three years to find someone who would help us. My son was in trouble since he was pre-school for behaviors he couldn't help. He couldn't concentrate to save his life and had no impulse control. He is now on medication and recieving counseling and it has changed his life for the better. He no longer gets in trouble because he can think before he acts. He couldn't do that before. He can concentrate in school and usually has the top test scores. His teachers enjoy having him in class which has also rarely happened before. Are there people taking this medication who shouldn't be? Sure, but every study done on this subject shows it is not common but rare.
Your son received a label which is all a diagnosis is. A justification for your disaproval of the way he acts and a 'fix' to make him more 'normal'. I have looked at studies. They consistently show that kids who use stimulants (prescribed or otherwise) are much moe likely to deal with substance abuse as they grow up... It reinforces "I am inferior the way I am, I need a pill to make me more "normal"". If your child focuses better with a stimulant and you feel compelled to give him something try counseling and caffeinated coffee. It is much less addictive.
Your physician obviously cares enough to say no and obviously uses evidence based practice. You should listen to them instead of just shopping around till you find someone who agrees with you and will give you what you want.
No, the physician had absolutely no knowledge or training with ADHD. We had tried coffee, diet, alternative parenting and discipline techniques, all to no avail. People with untreated ADHD are more likely to have substance abuse problems, not the ones who are treated. Please get your facts straight. My son was not, nor is he now "normal" I'm fine with that. He has a great quirky personality. The difference is now he can concentrate long enough to finish things. He can control himself and his impulses. He does see a counselor monthly. My daughter, who is 20 was also recently diagnosed. Her first comment about the medication was "I never knew normal peoples brains were so calm". She's very bright but was flunking out of college because she couldn't stay focused to finish anything. When my son forgets his medication, he says his brain feels fuzzy and he stuggles to get through the day.
I said in an earlier post, when I was on ADHD medication it was like waking up. The best analogy I can come up with for how feels to live with ADHD is to be half asleep and dreaming all the time.
For me, it was like going from being in the middle of a tornado to being in the middle of the quietest, most neatly organized library of life. Suddenly I could see what I needed to do, figure out how to do it, and actually get it done before the deadline. Night and day.
Just to point out how off target you are, when you pick up your script from the Dr. every month, there is no charge incurred. Having to pick it up in person is either a DEA or FDA requirement.
Interesting. I wonder how much of that has to do with trying to manage wearing all the hats women do. This is what happens when you try to "have it all."
You forgot to mention wearing the pants too!
Pharmaceutical companies are good at tricking people into thinking they are sick. I know because I do work for many of the companies.
This may be true, and I don't doubt that it is. I work in the medical field myself. Drug companies are out to make money. But that in no way negates the fact that certain conditions do exist, and that sometimes the best way to treat it is with the help of medication.
If you read the article, you would know that this is not a condition that develops in adulthood. It is only diagnosed in adults if there have been symptoms since childhood. Many girls are not diagnosed in childhood because they don't tend to have the behavior problems that boys with it are prone to. And if they also happen to make decent grades, nobody pays attention to the more subtle signs. But adulthood, regardless of career choices, requires the type of organization, responsibility, and focus that people with ADHD struggle with. Stay-at-home moms can struggle just as much as the career women "trying to have it all." Finally being diagnosed and treated in my 30's changed my life. I just wish my mother had paid more attention to all those notes on my report cards years ago..."has trouble paying attention in class", "has trouble following instructions in class", "tends to daydream during class." She thought I was just bored.
I guess this answers the question I had concerning all the articles saying women are better in the workplace than men. SPEED does help I guess.
This report is bunk. Women have started taking ADHD meds for the off label use that contributes to weight loss.
I was extremely reluctant to try ADHD medication. But the stress level from my workload and my overwhelming feeling of failure and impending doom at my job convinced me to speak to my doctor. My son is diagnosed ADHD and has prescribed medication. I don't like how I feel on this particular drug (my dr. put me on Vyvanse), and I hope that in time, I will feel better. I am way more productive at work and less likely to procrastinate or look for other distractions. I have noticed a big reduction in appetite which I thought initially couldn't be a bad thing. But not wanting to eat or just forgetting to eat takes a toll on the energy level. Dry mouth and dry eyes are constant. Even though I take it very early in the day, I still have great difficulty going to sleep at night. I wonder how many of those taking the ADHD meds also ask for sleep aids? Or do they make do with tylenol pm???
You need to talk to your doctor about a different medication. There's no reason to live with bad side effects when there are alternatives out there.
Or maybe the doctor would consider a different dx. I've had/have feelings of failure & impending doom, but I'm medicated for bipolar, & it's made a world of difference for me. But, yeah, at least talk to the doc about other meds.
Thought I noticed this among women over the last 30 years or so...