Concentration Issues!!

[jillebean]

I was diagnosed with ADD a few years ago, but have been functioning without meds up until now. I'm halfway through my first semester. I have an appointment to get my meds next Saturday.

My problem is this....I have a big test Tuesday, and have found it increasingly difficult to concentrate to study. I just need to make it through one more test without my meds!

Any suggestions on how to stay focused so that I can do my very best on this test?

Thanks in advance :)

[mammac5]

Truly, I would contact the instructor and confide in him/her about the issue you're having right now. Since you've been diagnosed previously and now are basically awaiting a visit to have meds prescribed, you may be surprised to find that you can have an extension on the time to take the test. I think it's worth a meeting and discussion at the very least.

Good luck!!

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

Um I would NOT speak with your instructor. You go directly to whatever part of your college that deals with disability and accommodation settings for those with them.

They will issue instructions for your instructors that contain NO information regarding what your particular reasons for needing quiet room, more time or whatever.

Make the appointment this morning and get an email or letter from your doctor on the way to school. 1 2 3.

I really don't believe in teachers, instructors or fellow students having to know your business. Once you have worked out what you need with the disability advisor at your school/college they will ensure you are treated fairly. If they won't implement anything permanent immediately ask for a temporary accommodation for one or two weeks. Have an idea of what you may want before you go and ask if they can suggest anything else that has helped others in this situation.

Also, even if you went to your instructor, they can't make accommodations without documented reasons -- nor should they. So you will just put them and you in an uncomfortable position.

That is why they have these disability advisors.

I don't have ADD or anything but I did break my wrist and needed all sorts of help with exam taking, extra time for writing with the wrong hand, note taker everything. They were soooooooo great. No fuss no muss.

Good luck!

[drmorton2b]

This may sound silly. But break down the material you have to study. The textbooks are not novels. Have a study calender and break things a part (e.g. read Chapter 1 tonight, half of chapter 2 after lunch, and the rest of chapter 2 on Weds).

Also what works for me sometimes is having a toy car or something, to help me refocus myself while in the home office doing exciting care plans or exciting reading. Use silly things to help remember material.

Your ADD meds will not work instantly. It may take a few weeks for them to fully kick in.

[GeneralJinjur]

Also what works for me sometimes is having a toy car or something, to help me refocus myself while in the home office doing exciting care plans or exciting reading.

I do this, too. I've learned that my best reading is done at the computer with a non-timed game like Bejeweled Twist in front of me. I flip from reading to playing to reading to playing. I retain way more this way than I ever did when I simply studied. When I don't have the computer nearby, I take knitting breaks. It's counter-intuitive to stop reading at least once a page, but it's helped me tremendously.