by Patti Mcquillen

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

On the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) website, www.aap.org, I read, "ADHD is a condition of the brain that makes it difficult for children to control their behavior." This is true for adults with ADHD too. Being one of the thousands of individuals with this disorder, I know what living with ADHD means.

To maintain a focused and structured life, I meet with a therapist one or every two weeks. I also meet with a nurse practioner to discuss medicine options. For these services, I chose Seven Counties, www.sevencounties.org.

Living with ADHD is not easy, nor was the process to identify the presence of it. Before my diagnosis, I felt ashamed of my mistakes, and I worried about my future. I experienced multiple work and school issues. After I received my diagnosis, I felt a roller coaster ride of emotions and feelings, positive and negative. These included relief, stress, hope, anxiety and fatigue.

When I attend college classes, I have to notify a disability resource center of my diagnosis. The director can work with my instructors and professors. I can receive additional time for taking tests and completing work.

Vocational Rehabilitation is a resource I can use to secure employment and maintain it. Having ADHD means I have a harder time with focus, completing work, impatience and excessive energy. My worker can talk with my employer, advocate for me and help my employment continue without the previous issues I faced before my diagnosis.

How did I know I have ADHD? Each time I looked through a magazine and took a self-test, I scored high. I always said yes to a majority of symptoms. It looked like this:

Do you
Have a difficult time staying focused
Leave work unfinished before starting something new
Interrupt others
Feel like you waste time and energy
Have a difficult time sitting still
Daydream when you should be working

After suffering for years, I sought help from a health care professional. She asked me about my heath history and background; observed me; gave me a battery of tests to complete; and I filled out a variety of forms. The entire process took time, patience and endurance. I spent at least one hour each time I met with her. The tests took up to two hours, and once three.

Living with ADHD is better than having it and not understanding what is wrong. I have to accept this as reality and ignore comments from those who do not understand the impact it has on my life. I also have to show a willingness to try different medicines. The stimulants did not work for me. I also tried a variety of other medicines, including Topamax, Wellbutrin, and Trilepital. Lamictal is what I now take.

It works well for me and does not cause weight gain as some of my past medicines did. I do not experience headaches, nausea and fatigue either. It helps me stay focused, calm and since I also have bi-polar, it helps me with that too. ADHD defines me, yet I define how I live with it.

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