Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are considered developmental disorders, and remains a controversial topic. I just learned that ADD is now known as ADHD: Predominately Inattentive Type.
Symptoms that can occur with the Predominately Inattentive Type include:
· Difficulty following conversations
· Trouble finishing projects that have already been started
· Avoidance of projects
· Misplaces things at home and at work
· Trouble starting single projects because of the many already started
I can attest to having all of these symptoms described above. I can have many things I want to do or read but find it so difficult to get started on any one thing. So, often I am sitting helplessly in my chair or pacing around in my efficiency apartment. Sometimes I become so frustrated that I’ll just lay on my bed, ball my fist up and pound away on the pillow.
My doctor started me on Ritalin last summer, and the first time I took it, I had such a great feeling of calmness surrounding me. I could actually read a paragraph. I’ve been on Ritalin since, but the effects wear down over time. I would try a timed-release version, but it’s too expensive, and even if I did have insurance, the companies wouldn’t pay because of my age.
One thing I have noted, however, is that since being on Ritalin, I’ve noticed my OCD quieting. Just a bit, but it does seem to help. When I told my doctor that, he admitted to me that that is a fairly common finding. Hey, I’ll take the benefits.
