Stories of an ADD Adult

Dedicated to those with ADD or ADHD

I was an undiagnosed ADD or ADHD child. I thought my concentration would get better as I grew up, but it remained as bad as always. So I got a diagnosis and treatment, and I'm doing much better.

Adult ADD or ADHD is an illness surrounded by a great deal of stigma. Part of the reason for it is that many people who can already concentrate normally get an ADD/ADHD diagnosis just so they can get the stimulant meds. It creates a lot of misunderstanding, and it makes everyone pass unnecessary judgment on those of us who actually do have ADD or ADHD.

So I'm writing to try and clear up some of the misunderstandings and stereotypes surrounding ADD and ADHD. I struggle with the illness every day, and if you are an ADD or ADHD sufferer too, then this is written especially for you.

Tired of the Media

May 12th, 2005

I am tired of reading news stories about college kids staying up all night on ADHD drugs. I am sick of hearing about it on TV as well.

There is so much attention given to the abuse of stimulant medication. The media just loves these types of stories. They love scandals, and they love being the heroes who expose the wrongs of our society.

Unfortunately, most people listen to these types of news stories without really understanding the full issue. People think of medications such as Ritalin and Adderall as overprescribed drugs that are abused by college students, rather than as real medications that actually do help so many college students pay attention in lectures and maintain good enough grades to graduate.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 12th, 2005 at 10:38 pm and is filed under College, Medication, Ritalin, Adderall, Abuse, Stigma, Stimulant, Media.

My name is Cassandra, and I am an adult with ADD. I hope to share my stories about growing up undiagnosed and discovering hope for my concentration problems.

Dedicated to those with ADD or ADHD

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