My Struggle with ADHD

From an InsideADHD.org subscriber

My experience with ADHD has often been a challenging one. As far back as I can remember, I had problems concentrating and getting my schoolwork done. My teachers always seemed confused by why my grades were so poor even though I was fairly intelligent for my age. Whether it was distracting others by shouting out loud during class, jiggling my legs under my desk, or distracting myself by doodling on my desk or in my books, lack of concentration became a huge problem.

My struggles with disruptive behavior and inability to focus continued through high school and actually even became worse. My parents and I were called in to meet with the school psychiatrist during my junior year to discuss my issues. After some testing, the diagnosis was that I had ADHD. She suggested to us that I begin medication. I was reluctant to take it and my parents were not sure it was a good idea, since they knew very little about both the medication and ADHD. We made a decision to try to treat the ADHD with the help of a psychologist, by using behavioral modification, before trying medication. During my senior year, we got to the point where I could do my schoolwork with little or no distractions and my grades greatly improved.

As I approach my mid thirties, I still struggle with inattentiveness from time to time, but I try my best to use the skills I learned from the therapist all those years ago. I still fill a notepad every two weeks with doodles but I am able to get my work done and even have a job where paying attention to details is critical.