ADD and nursing/schooling???

[Cryssi]

Hi all..

I was wondering if there are any nurses or nursing students out there with adult onset ADD and is taking medication for it? I'm curious as to how you found out you had this, and any change-positive or negative-that being on medication for this has had on you.

Does being medicated for this condition help how you study for this profession? Does it help your focus and concentration in the classroom and/or work environment? I ask this because though I have not yet seen my dr. on this matter yet, from what I have heard about this condition, it makes me wonder if I have it...it is hard for me to concentrate, my thoughts are often scattered and racing.

If I am to go into the nursing or any other medical profession, I seriously need some help. I don't think I can do well in my studies when I do go back to school, or be able to fully concentrate at work if and when I do land my dream job in a hospital, if I remain "wired" the way that I am. Just want to know that if anyone out there is being treated for this and how it works for you and your lives. Thanks.

Cryssi

[nancynurz]

For a diagnosis of ADHD to be made, the at least some of the symptoms must be present from before age 7 (from the DSM). It sounds like your symptoms started after you began taking Zoloft; if this is the case, talk to the doctor who prescribed it for you. These Sx could be a side effect. If you haven't seen a psychiatrist, I highly recommend it-- the problem could be misdiagnosed . . . hypothyroidism is one illness that mimics depression. I think depression is overdiagnosed-- I was treated for it off and on for over 15 years and it did turn out to be ADHD. Check out the site http://www.addmirablewomen.com. It focus on the difference in symptoms for women vs men . . . I'm no expert but having gone through this myself, I know that most doctors want everything else ruled out first.

[RN-BamaStudent]

Thanks babynurse 2b! I appreciate the time you took to look into this. He's doing better in school now, he has always made good grades, but the moving and talking has given him problems in conduct. Sometimes he just reacts, without thinking, when he's upset. I always want to put everything off on being a kid, with very strong streak, but teacher's have wanted him tested in the past. This year, he seems to have improved, and his teacher isn't complaining. If they learn to control themselves without medication, would that be better in the long run, or will they have problems later because it wasn't treated? Just asking for any opinions. Thanks!

[Dave ARNP]

YOU CAN DO IT!

I have adult onset ADHD and it never ONCE has caused a problem with my career. I completed a MSN in ACNP and did a post masters as FNP.

Being a NP and having ADHD CAN go hand in had. As can being a RN, LPN, CNA, Janitor. Lets not forget there are more than a few MD's with ADHD.

As far as meds go, I took Adderall for several years. I have been off it more than a year now, and physicall I FEEL better, but I really have to watch myself sometimes. Since going off of it, my spelling has gotten to be MUCH worse, but other than that I've not seen any noticeable difference. Being off of the medication has also allowed me to multi-task better, as on the meds I use to focus on one thing and had to complete it before I could move on. This didn't effect me in the clinic, but when you're seeing 20 patients in the ER, being off the meds has certainly helped.

Don't get me wrong, I am ALL FOR the meds. They just have to be done RIGHT :)

Dave

[Cryssi]

Hi Nancynurse, I read your post, and need to clarify a few things. Actually I am hypothyroid, since 1997 when I had a thyroidectomy. I have been on synthroid/levothyroid since then; and I have been on Zoloft since spring of 2003; due to some personal setbacks and situations that got me down to the point to where I was never happy and cried all of the time, was when I started taking the zoloft. Things are much better now, so I am considering getting off the zoloft.

The ADD type symptoms I have been experiencing have begun WAY before the zoloft or hypothyroidism...I would have to say I can (as far as I remember) recall the onset of such symptoms as far back as into my mid-teens (I am 36 now).

It's just really weird, seeing some of the signs given for this, many of the things that I would have to say wasn't in my nature...I used to be so organized and meticulous (I used to be a very detail oriented proofreader,for cryin' out loud!), now I'm not. I used to be neat, now I'm not. Heck, I used to be the type of person that would be 15-20 minutes early for work or for an appointment, now it's more like 15-20 min. late, and I'm driving like a bat out of hell, because I "think I could make it."

I have so may half finished projects around here that I am so gung-ho for in the beginning, but run out of steam soon after; I used to love to read, now have so many books around here with bookmarks in various places, unfinished. If I am reading, I will skip over sections because I want to get to the nitty gritty. My thoughts are so scattered...it is just so frustrating, because these things are so out of character for me. It just feels like a relief that this isn't just a figment of my imagination

Sorry for my ramblings...just wanted to state a couple of things (the hypothyroid/zoloft), and that what I have been experiencing has been going on long before those things. Keep the helpful posts coming guys!

Cryssi

[Cryssi]

Thanks, Dave for your input. I really feel confident now, that help is on the horizon! Now all I have to do is wait for my broken ankle to be fully healed, then I'll be able to drive again (yay!!), then I'll take my butt to see my dr.

While I'm at it, about my ankle...I broke it on Fri., Jan 2, had a splint put on it, had to wait til the following Tues. to see an ortho doc, got a walking cast put on. I go to see him (ortho doc) next Tues,(to check progress of healing(?). What is average time for a broken ankle to heal? It doesn't hurt, I have some achiness at times,but not the downright excruciating pain that I had in the beginning. Thanks.

Cryssi (Crystal)

[slimwoman]

This may just help you in this case! HAHAHA

Seriously, my husband has it, is very successful as a systems management professional. He was in video production for 20 years is the most creative person I know and does NOT take meds. He used to, but it turned him into somebody else. I almost never knew he was on it, but by his personality.

However if you think you can study with it better, I'd go and see about it. My kids all inherited it from him, but are taking Ritilin.

[NCScrubgirl]

You should definately see a doctor. I am a ST/nursing student and have been on meds for a similar condition for 4 years. At first you might have to get used to the medication, but trust me-it is well worth it if you truly have ADHD or something else. The meds control racing thoughts and other symptoms. You doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist who will do testing and prescribe meds. My school counselor worked with me on study tips and I am on the dean's list-so it can be done! Go for it!

Good Luck!