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Suggest Treatment For Adult ADD

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Posted on Fri, 27 Jun 2014
Question: Hello, I was diagnosed with ADD in my early 20's (I'm 34 now) and was prescribed adderall and ritalin by my doctor. I stopped using the medication when I finished college as I did not feel it was needed anymore. At the present, I am working full time, I'm studying for a Psy.D. In Clinical Psychology, and I am a single parent with 4 children. I have tried to make appointments but have not been able to take time off from work. I am having serious difficulties with managing my symptoms of ADD, and would like some assistance from a doctor online, as this would be much more feasible considering my busy schedule. Any help or direction in dealing with this is much appreciated.

Thank you,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
ritalin and lifestyle changes will help

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You have been diagnosed of adhd earlier and drugs must have been helpful. As you stopped them altogether - there is difficulty in managing tasks( as there is much greater responsibility on you)..of work and family. Your concentration difficulty is likely to be the main reason behind all the issues creeping up.

Apart from adhd, the fact that you have four kids to look after single handedly is also one factor which creates troubles..as it is not a easy easy task for anyone..

You should start taking treatment for adhd again, this will help you in becoming more organised/ peaceful.. Drug like - ritalin should be sufficient. This is considered the best med in managing adhd. You may talk to your doctor about it and can proceed further. Preffrably take it only in daytime as it might interfere sleep and try to maintain meal timings.

Also get your blood test- ECG, Complete blood counts, liver function tests, TSH.

Apart from drug, few more things can help you-
1. try to make out a list of important task for the day or a week ahead and carry that list. Try to focus on it without distraction.
2. if possible, take help of someone close and responsible for few hours of the day, when you can do your other works and he/ she can take care of kids.
3. you may make the kids join some classes- this will give you some free time for yourself and they will also learn something new.
4. junk the junk food habit..it helps in adhd. Also cut down on tea and coffee. Instead drink milk or eat fruits and salads.

Hope the reply is useful for you.
Please ask more quetions for clarification.
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychaitry
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Manisha Gopal

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 947 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Adult ADD

Brief Answer: ritalin and lifestyle changes will help Detailed Answer: Hello, You have been diagnosed of adhd earlier and drugs must have been helpful. As you stopped them altogether - there is difficulty in managing tasks( as there is much greater responsibility on you)..of work and family. Your concentration difficulty is likely to be the main reason behind all the issues creeping up. Apart from adhd, the fact that you have four kids to look after single handedly is also one factor which creates troubles..as it is not a easy easy task for anyone.. You should start taking treatment for adhd again, this will help you in becoming more organised/ peaceful.. Drug like - ritalin should be sufficient. This is considered the best med in managing adhd. You may talk to your doctor about it and can proceed further. Preffrably take it only in daytime as it might interfere sleep and try to maintain meal timings. Also get your blood test- ECG, Complete blood counts, liver function tests, TSH. Apart from drug, few more things can help you- 1. try to make out a list of important task for the day or a week ahead and carry that list. Try to focus on it without distraction. 2. if possible, take help of someone close and responsible for few hours of the day, when you can do your other works and he/ she can take care of kids. 3. you may make the kids join some classes- this will give you some free time for yourself and they will also learn something new. 4. junk the junk food habit..it helps in adhd. Also cut down on tea and coffee. Instead drink milk or eat fruits and salads. Hope the reply is useful for you. Please ask more quetions for clarification. Dr. Manisha Gopal MD Neuropsychaitry