Dear Dr. Archer,
I have diagnosed myself with ADD. How I discovered this was that I took an ADD/ADHD quiz that popped up on my computer screen. After I took the test it told me to see a doctor. Instead of seeing a doctor, I did my own research and discovered I had almost all the symptoms of ADD.
When I tell people I have ADD they think I'm crazy; they think it's only found in children. I went to the doctor and gave him the list of my symptoms and I was prescribed Vyvanse. It worked wonders!
I then took myself off the medication because I hate taking pills. I'm trying supplements instead so it's not so harsh, although they're not working so well.
I'm back in school, and every time I come across an assignment, I procrastinate because there are so many questions and it gets complicated. Should I continue on Vyvanse?
I don't like anything that harsh damaging my liver or kidneys over time. I wish I could function without the medication, but it's very difficult! Thanks for your time.
Monique
Dear Monique,
ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder, while ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. They are often spoken about interchangeably by both professionals and the public because the only difference between the two is the hyperactivity.
The key to understanding ADHD is quite simply boredom with routine, as I thoroughly discuss in my book.
Being in an office setting for eight hours a day is not the ideal career choice for the typical ADHD individual. More ideal is a fast paced career, even something chaotic yet what you consider exciting.
Police officers, fire fighters, EMTs can be quick paced and you don't know what's around the next corner. Marketing can have different twists and turns, as well as public relations and outside sales. Also, anything with a deadline, is found to be stimulating by many with the ADHD trait.
If you need the Vyvanse to help you through school, which can be monotonous, I see no problem and prefer you take that over supplements.
Once you're through with school and you begin a new chapter in your life, entering what you consider a fun and exciting career, then you can let your doctor know that you want to remove yourself from the meds. BUT, be sure he knows what you're doing. Keep in mind, Monique, that Vyvanse has gone through tough FDA testing, while supplemants have not
As you learn more, you know you will become more aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and sometimes that's half the battle.
There are many very successful individuals who are ADD/ADHD, such as Justin Timberlake, Sir Richard Branson, Will Smith, dancer Karina Smirnoff, 14 gold metal winner Michael Phelps, Jim Carrey and Howie Mandel, just to name a few.
Many of these, Monique, had no idea what was wrong until they were diagnosed in their adult years. Once educated, they learned to channel their energies and focus and almost all opt not to take meds.
The key is to find something that energizes your interest. That may be all that is needed to eliminate the need for medication. Keep in mind that you now have a medication that works that you can fall back on if you need it.
Good luck in your journey, Monique. I wish you much success in whatever career path you choose.
Dr. Archer
