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Attention Issues - 6/2/2008 9:46:46 AM   
gypsygrl


Posts: 1471
Joined: 10/8/2005
From: new york state
Status: offline 		As soon as I get a job/health insurance, I'm going to get evaluated for ADD/ADHD.

In the mean time, does anyone have any suggestions for over the counter, natural helps?  Coping skills?

I'm going crazy because I can't sit still and focus on anything involving paperwork or wordsmithing.  I'm better when I'm moving around, though I still flit from task to task, but desk work is next to impossible.


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RE: Attention Issues - 6/2/2008 9:56:04 AM   
servantheart


Posts: 960
Joined: 10/26/2006
From: Houston, TX
Status: offline 		Some people have luck with a combination of St. John's Wort and Ginko Biloba.  This was actually recommended to me by the psychologist who evaluated me.  There are also support groups for ADHDers and those who have to live with us
 
http://www.chadd.org/

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd/complete-publication.shtml#pub8

http://www.healthcentral.com/adhd/

Good luck!
 


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RE: Attention Issues - 6/2/2008 10:09:11 AM   
angelikaJ


Posts: 8641
Joined: 6/22/2007
Status: offline 		Is this something new or a longterm issue?

(in reply to gypsygrl)
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RE: Attention Issues - 6/2/2008 10:17:03 AM   
CalifChick


Posts: 10717
Joined: 10/28/2007
From: California
Status: offline 		Try setting a timer for 20 minutes, telling yourself that you get a reward at the end of 20 minutes.  Sit and do the deskwork/paperwork until the buzzer goes off, then you get your reward (10 or 20 minutes of something you like). You may have to start with 10 minutes at first, but gradually work your time up until you have found your limit.  Most people with attention issues can focus for a short amount of time, and it seems to help by having a defined end point.

If kids have this problem, say doing homework, you can break it down by page... do one page of homework then you get a break and a reward (but not candy or other food items).

Cali


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RE: Attention Issues - 6/2/2008 5:39:27 PM   
xxblushesxx


Posts: 9318
Joined: 11/3/2005
From: Kentucky
Status: offline 		make lists.

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RE: Attention Issues - 6/2/2008 5:48:08 PM   
DesFIP


Posts: 25191
Joined: 11/25/2007
From: Apple County NY
Status: offline 		Caffeine. Recommended by a psychologist. Caffeine hits the same receptors in the brain as Ritalin and Adderol and ADHD/ADD people find they get calmer, not more wired on it. Judging by my kids, Pepsi isn't enough, Mountain Dew amounts work better. Although it will still interfere with sleep so take early and get the most work done in the early hours.

Get a whiteboard and write down the three top things that need to be done. Then do them and check them off. Then wipe the white board (dry erase board) clean and add three more. Don't write up a list of 50 things, it's too overwhelming.

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RE: Attention Issues - 6/2/2008 8:44:43 PM   
DreamyLadySnow


Posts: 359
Joined: 1/23/2005
Status: offline 		Lists..ha ha ha..
Sorry but I've tried that. I lose them. I forget to fill them in. I have wonderful intentions and love to start projects (such as lists)..sigh.
gypsygrl, the thing that helped me the most after I was diagnosed was the acceptance - there is a reason why my house is a mess, my bills are a mess and I blurt stupid things out regularly.
I started setting small goals, not big ones.
If your attention span is 10 minutes, set goals that take ten minutes.
ie: don't set a goal to clean the house, set a goal to do the dishes, and move on from there. Setting goals you can't reach leads to failure and negative reinforcement. Setting goals you can reach lets you feel like you've achieved something.
Remember, people with ADD/ADHD can be really fun to play with..heh heh.
Good luck to you,

Lady Snow

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RE: Attention Issues - 6/2/2008 9:52:18 PM   
Leatherist


Posts: 5149
Joined: 12/11/2007
Status: offline 		I od on caffienne constantly to deal with mine-try to avoid stuff with sugar in it. Consider diapers and vitamin c too-it's going to rob you of vitamins, and you are going to piss like a racehorse. But seeing a shrink and paying for ritalin is mondo expensive.

The one I saw told me caffienne was a lousy stimulant-but I think it's better than shelling out four of five hundred a month on the alternative.

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RE: Attention Issues - 6/2/2008 9:59:59 PM   
CalifChick


Posts: 10717
Joined: 10/28/2007
From: California
Status: offline 		$500 a month on ritalin???  Only on the black market.  Prescribed ritalin is about 25 cents to 50 cents per pill.  That's 1,000 to 2,000 tablets per month if you're shelling out $500. 

Since it's a drug that you only take when you need to (not 24/7), most people on ritalin do NOT take it every day.  Even if you took 3 pills a day every day, that's 90 pills a month, which is about $45.

Cali


_____________________________

AKA "The Undisputed Goddess of Sarcasm", "Big Bad Cali" and "Yum Bum". Advisor to the Subbie Mafia, founding member of the W.A.C. and the Judgmental Bitches Brigade, member of the Clan of the Scarlet O'Hair-a's and Team Troll

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RE: Attention Issues - 6/3/2008 4:49:13 PM   
kiwisub12


Posts: 4742
Joined: 1/11/2006
Status: offline 		When working on the puter - try squeezing a ball.  It may take the place of moving around.
Works in meetings as well.
You  might discuss this with your gp  - mine prescribed meds for my kids .   No need to go to a psychiatrist.

(in reply to CalifChick)
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RE: Attention Issues - 6/3/2008 5:05:07 PM   
windchymes


Posts: 9410
Joined: 4/18/2005
Status: offline 		I keep a lot of Post It notes around for reminders of things I might get too distracted to remember.  If it's critical that I don't forget to take something with me someplace, for example, I'll stick a Post It to the door at eye-level so I don't miss it. 

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RE: Attention Issues - 6/3/2008 5:09:29 PM   
servantheart


Posts: 960
Joined: 10/26/2006
From: Houston, TX
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: windchymes

If it's critical that I don't forget to take something with me someplace, for example, I'll stick a Post It to the door at eye-level so I don't miss it. 


That works wonders for me, too.  Ditto on the timer suggestion.  I also put reminders on my email calendar so I don't forget to do those minor things like pay bills on time .
 


_____________________________

When you really trust someone, you have to be okay with not understanding some things.
~Real Live Preacher, Real Live Preacher weblog, 07-08-04; Anonymous author of RealLivePreacher.com

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RE: Attention Issues - 6/3/2008 5:14:42 PM   
daddysblondie


Posts: 181
Joined: 3/17/2007
Status: offline 		Wow! I'd love to know what pharmacy is only charging 25 to 50 cents per pill for (name brand) ritalin! I'm currently paying closer to $1 per pill buying them 120 at a time. If I was buying a small quantity, the per pill price goes up. Then add into that the fact that I have to actually go in and see either a physician willing to prescribe it (because of the extra complications in doing so with it being a controlled substance) or a psychiatrist EVERY time i need a new scrip (again because of government regulations.) If I was paying cash for all of this, it would run me about $250 every two months. Still quite a bit less than $500 per month though...

To the OP, caffeine is the obvious one. Make lists. (I lose mine ALL the time though). Get your self as organized as possible. Breaking large tasks up into smaller ones is a great idea. I like to have quiet music (or the tv when at home) in the background as well. I find it give my mind something to focus on while I do whatever I need to do. Oh, and I set my clocks a few minutes ahead. (Works most of the time for me... especially in those moments when I glance at the clock and think, oh shit! I need to leave.)

Best of luck finding what works for you. I have found that the coping skills I've developed over the years make it easier for me to take a minimal dose of ritalin.

(in reply to CalifChick)
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RE: Attention Issues - 6/3/2008 6:50:11 PM   
baddog123


Posts: 32
Joined: 5/15/2004
Status: offline 		Might it just be TOO MUCH coffee? lol
feel better! ; )

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Profile   Post #: 14
RE: Attention Issues - 6/3/2008 7:26:13 PM   
Leatherist


Posts: 5149
Joined: 12/11/2007
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: CalifChick

$500 a month on ritalin???  Only on the black market.  Prescribed ritalin is about 25 cents to 50 cents per pill.  That's 1,000 to 2,000 tablets per month if you're shelling out $500. 

Since it's a drug that you only take when you need to (not 24/7), most people on ritalin do NOT take it every day.  Even if you took 3 pills a day every day, that's 90 pills a month, which is about $45.

Cali



By my state laws I had to see the SHRINK at least twice a month to get a scrip. THAT is what cost 400 bucks.

_____________________________

My shop is currently segueing into production mode.

I'm not taking custom orders.

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RE: Attention Issues - 6/3/2008 7:54:27 PM   
BossyShoeBitch


Posts: 3931
Joined: 1/13/2007
From: South Florida
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Leatherist

quote:

ORIGINAL: CalifChick

$500 a month on ritalin???  Only on the black market.  Prescribed ritalin is about 25 cents to 50 cents per pill.  That's 1,000 to 2,000 tablets per month if you're shelling out $500. 

Since it's a drug that you only take when you need to (not 24/7), most people on ritalin do NOT take it every day.  Even if you took 3 pills a day every day, that's 90 pills a month, which is about $45.

Cali



By my state laws I had to see the SHRINK at least twice a month to get a scrip. THAT is what cost 400 bucks.

twice a month?  Federal law states that now your shrink can write you a 30 day Rx, they can write you TWO 30 day Rx's (no refills though) and you only have to go every two months...

~BSB~ who is on 60mg's of Adderal daily and probably needs more...

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A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.

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RE: Attention Issues - 6/4/2008 10:52:33 AM   
DragonDaddy


Posts: 14
Joined: 12/31/2007
Status: offline 		Suggestions for in the meantime? Any long term (at least) weekly event schedule for a set amount of time. Any activity where you are either alone or is a solo activity. In my case it is going to the gym. While there are other people there, I do not talk to them. I am stuck for a set routine for a set amount of time without letting myself speak, I focus on just 1 train of thoughts or one issue. I focus on this issue for the duration of my workout. I do my best not to let my thoughts stray for any reason. Slowly, I began to get better. Now I look forward to my zen moment of the day and it helps my mind from wandering at night, which has in turn, enables me to sleep better. I started with breathing routines and worked my way up to going to the gym.
set aside a set time every day to sit down and do absolutely nothing. It should slow the pace of your day, and give you better insite to your own nature and problems, which tend to cloud your mind throughout the day, adding to your stress levels. If all your issues have been worked out, then the rest of the day can be spent reactionary to new events and thus helping to slow the pace and reducing that claustraphobic effect stress seems to have over time.
Think of it as my ghetto american meditation cure.
Good luck!
- d.

(in reply to BossyShoeBitch)
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RE: Attention Issues - 6/4/2008 10:54:32 AM   
Asherdelampyr


Posts: 9556
Joined: 11/14/2006
From: The Desert
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: gypsygrl

As soon as I get a job/health insurance, I'm going to get evaluated for ADD/ADHD.

In the mean time, does anyone have any suggestions for over the counter, natural helps?  Coping skills?

I'm going crazy because I can't sit still and focus on anything involving paperwork or wordsmithing.  I'm better when I'm moving around, though I still flit from task to task, but desk work is next to impossible.



Here is what I did, it may or may not work for you
I make chain mail... I can do it at my desk, and having something that requires my concentration like that helps me center myself, so I would suggest finding a hobby that can be done at your desk, that you have to concentrate on... like I said, it might help... I had similar issues all my life but am violently allergic to whatever chemical it is tha all the add pills have in common


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RE: Attention Issues - 6/4/2008 12:57:59 PM   
gypsygrl


Posts: 1471
Joined: 10/8/2005
From: new york state
Status: offline
quote:

Is this something new or a longterm issue?


Long term issue.  For a long time I was skeptical about whether or not ADD was a viable diagnosis and was able to work around the symptoms.  I've never been especially hyper or impulsive so didn't have any obvious behavioral problems as a kid.  But, I was an incurable day dreamer and had a hell of a time finishing work up.

My son's been diagnosed and me and my ex started him on the medication on the assumption that if it worked great, and if it doesn't well, we could always take him off it.  It did work and quite noticably.  I know it runs in families.

quote:

Caffeine. Recommended by a psychologist. Caffeine hits the same receptors in the brain as Ritalin and Adderol and ADHD/ADD people find they get calmer, not more wired on it.


I live on espresso.  Every once in a while, I get wired, but more often, it calms me down.

quote:

Get a whiteboard and write down the three top things that need to be done.


Using a white board like that is a good idea.  A lot of times I keep lists on my desk top so I won't lose them.  I have to write everything down, though.  If I leave my apartment to run errands, I have to write down what I'm planning on doing because I'll forget before I get out of the parking lot.

quote:

there is a reason why my house is a mess, my bills are a mess and I blurt stupid things out regularly.


I still tend  to blurt out stupid things, but I've streamlined my life enough that I can keep it in good order.  I have very few bills any more, and I've gotten my living place to the point where it almost takes care of itself.  So long as I remember to hang my purse and keys on the closet door as soon as I walk in the apartment, I'm good.  And, I leave my bills in the mailbox until I'm ready to pay them.  :)

quote:

I od on caffienne constantly to deal with mine-try to avoid stuff with sugar in it. Consider diapers and vitamin c too-it's going to rob you of vitamins, and you are going to piss like a racehorse.


I take alot of vitamins anyway.  I'll think about the diapers.  I think sticking to espresso instead of coffee might prevent their need.  :)

My son's medication was only 169$ a month and his primary care physician wrote the script without having to see him all the time.

quote:

I make chain mail


Knitting and needlework have a real calming effect on me.  I just worry about doing them in front of people.

Thanks everybody for your suggestions. :)





_____________________________

“To be happy is to be able to become aware of oneself without fright.” ~Walter Benjamin


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Profile   Post #: 19
RE: Attention Issues - 6/4/2008 12:59:48 PM   
Asherdelampyr


Posts: 9556
Joined: 11/14/2006
From: The Desert
Status: offline 		as long as you arent making knitted porn (which, I want some if ya do :P) then I wouldnt worry... the people I work with know that I need to keep busy to stay calm, I was just up-front with them about it, and so far they have been cool about it

_____________________________

Pirate King,

The nicest man you'll ever bleed for

Posting Help

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The Rainmaker

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Profile   Post #: 20
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