ADD In Adults and Child- and Not So Hot Memory

Before I take any type of natural products I always make certain I either contact the manufacturer of the product or my psychiatrist because you never know. One thing can affect you totally different then someone else. Good luck!

J.,

The natural stuff does not work, but you might get a placebo effect for a while. It is likely that if you go to a psychiatrist and have an evaluation for ADHD (inatentive type-formerly ADD) you will no be offered depakote at all, but many other medication options, none of which will cause weight gain and will give your brain the kind of assistance it needs to keep electrical impulses (thoughts) moving accross the tiny space between brain cells (the synaps) and ehnances your response to the neurotransmitters (the electrochemicals that carry thoughts) so that you do not loose track so often. There are non stimulant medications, and many other options that will be helpful, and if you have a knowlegable prescriber, they will work with you and be very mindful of side effects.

I am an educational advocate, and I have many parents contact me after they have tried these kinds of natural plans, usually they say the same things, that they saw improvement at first, but that in reality, they are no better off (and are further behind academically) than they were before they tried this. Meications are a tool that enhance the effectiveness of the rest of the treatment for ADHD, therapy, educational intervention, and really hard work! While you probably do not need education any more, the rest is probably just as effective, so look into a comprehensive plan in standard care, because it is very effective and well tested and safe.

You might even invest in a short neurophychological evaluation, one that measures your processing skills, which will show you exactly where your issues lay, and you can work on them specificically. (my guess is that your issues are working memory, processing speed, and overall deficits in executive function.)

Good luck, you are sure not alone, and you can function at a much higher level, get stuff done, and complete your projects!

M.

haha vitamins and natural stuff doesn't work. i mean, if they did, then there'd be way less people afflicted with it, don't you think? i have severe adhd. they don't treat it with anti-depressants or anti-psychotics unless you are comorbid with something else (witht he exception for wellbutrin). i am very curious why they'd give you depakote...that's for bipolar and seizures....anyhow, with adhd meds, you LOSE weight because they are stimulants (i.e. adderall xr (which i am on), ritalin, focalin....

I have ADHD and have had it all my life. it's gotten better as i have gotten older but it still takes it's toll. i can't focus on chores alot of times( it takes forever to clean my room because i walk of and start another task or just stare off in space). it bothers the hell out of me. i recently called a number on tv about adult ADHD/ADD because i just can't take it anymore, i get bored with jobs easily, school EVERYTHING! i'm waiting on the packet now. so please don't believe you are alone because you are not!!!! if you find out some remedies or meds let me know. and when i can't my info i will let you know. it's embarrsing to let others now that as an adult you suffer from an affliction that most associate with children, and since most people don't understand how hard this is to deal with they brush you off or look at you funny and get to assuming that you are just lazy, or have a mental problem. who wants to deal with this!!!!! you are in my prayers.

You may just want to check with your physician. You could just be having a "mommy moment", we all have them where we just cannot remember anything or get our minds in order.. Especially when we are tired or stressed..

The other thing you will discover is that as we mature we start to have these moments also..

ADHD children grow up to be ADD adults. You do not grow out of it. My husband (I have known him since he was 13) is ADHD as he has gotten older his ADHD is becomes more apparent when he is tired and stressed. He has had coping skills and of course I am there to help, but I know he has times when he is really stressed and he just has no memory of certain things.

I haven't really done the suppliments as much other than fish oil and multivitamins.

I would like to suggest a book for you "Understanding Women with AD/HD" It is a great book to understand things with ADD in women (which has different issues than males with add). The reason I say it is b/c I also have ADD and the medications that are available now don't always have the same side effects or weight gain as those in the past. Also something I learned is that Depression can be apart of ADD in women, as well as anxiety and such. This book gives suggestions for coping techniques if you decide to go without medication.

Good Luck

There are a few things going on really. LOL. 1) moms have memory issues after having kids. it just happens. When our bodies are so swollen with extra fluid during pregnancy, it actually puts pressure on the brain and damages it a little, hence the memory issues, or, what i call "mommy brain" lol. As far as just wanting to help little memory, energy, and fighting depression, i would check out http://www.HealthySafeAndClean.com they are a non-profit team that works with naturally based products and have a lot to offer in terms of natural relief for things like that just by limiting chemical exposure and also with natural vitamin supplements. just fill out and information request and include in it that you are wanting options for memory and depression so they know exactly how to help! i was introduced to them over the end of last summer and i started taking a vitamin and natural supplement for anxiety and it has helped me tremendously.