In case you are wondering- I have never been diagnosed with ADD. It could be a complete coincidence that I happen to fit the descriptions of adults with ADD, and score high on the ADD questionnaires and already use many of the coping strategies recommended on the various ADD websites. Or… worse… it could be part of an evil plot by pharmaceutical companies to get people to take their ADD drugs.
This is a common complaint these days. The idea is that these days, descriptions of various disorders and disabilities are so general and so vague that everyone will fit into them. And then everyone will take drugs and the pharmaceutical companies will become rich. Mwahaha. I think there’s some truth in this.
At the same time, I don’t think we should throw the baby out with the bathwater. My personal strategy is- if some coping strategy actively improves my life when I try it out, for whatever reason, then I use it. I personally favour drugs as an immediate ‘crisis situation’ fix, if needed, and then life style changes as a long term solution. I think both have their place.
In fact, along those lines, I quite liked this person’s article (What to Do When Your ADHD Bag of Tricks Comes Up Short). Also, interestingly, the person writing the article is a lawyer and has an interesting take on the drug/coping strategy mix. At one point he writes:
“A trial, like a battle, is a highly fluid situation. Planning is a fantastic tool for preparation, but rigidity in implementation can be the kiss of death. I have tried to appreciate my flexibility and recognize it as a talent. My medication helps me plan better than I used to, but I never take medicine when on trial. I have learned that I need that edge that my ADHD naturally provides. I need to adapt my plan or even create a new one depending on the circumstances. Preparation gives me more confidence during a trial, but I remain free to respond to anything that comes up.”
posted at 14:29 on Tue, 31 May, 2005 |
path: /living
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