ADD and the MCAT

[longshot]

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Hey everyone,

I am studying for the August 2006 MCAT right now. I was wondering how any of you who may have any kind of learning disorder deal with it in order to study for this test. Personally I have had some troubles in school although I tend to do well on standardized exams(hopefully this bodes well for the big test). I think I do have an undiagnosed ADD problem.

For those of you with attention and focus problems, how do you settle down? I am experiencing restlessness and just an inability to concentrate when i need to. Its really disconcerting since I want to do well on this exam.

Any suggestions or tips would be welcome.

 

[Kristiyana]

My suggestion to you would be to go see a psychiatrist/clinical psychologist. I myself have ADHD (inattentive type) and take meds for it. My school also provides various resrouces such as access to a learning strategist and ADHD coach. It's difficult to give you any concrete advice, because what works for me may not work for you.

There are quite a few mental disorders that mimic ADHD. That's why it's important to go see someone if you really feel you have a problem. You may have a mental illness that can be treated relatively easily. This would obviously take care of your issues. Good luck!

 

[longshot]

My suggestion to you would be to go see a psychiatrist/clinical psychologist. I myself have ADHD (inattentive type) and take meds for it. My school also provides various resrouces such as access to a learning strategist and ADHD coach. It's difficult to give you any concrete advice, because what works for me may not work for you.

There are quite a few mental disorders that mimic ADHD. That's why it's important to go see someone if you really feel you have a problem. You may have a mental illness that can be treated relatively easily. This would obviously take care of your issues. Good luck!

Great suggestions 👍 I plan on seeing a doctor as soon as I can. Until then I guess I'll just have to deal...

 

[Jacqui3932]

Great suggestions 👍 I plan on seeing a doctor as soon as I can. Until then I guess I'll just have to deal...

In addition, you should note that the test administrators will accomodate learning disabilities (provide time and 1/2 etc) as needed, but you must submit documented need far ahead of test date.

 

[JEV2007]

I as well have ADHD and have been dealing with the implications of the disorder for 14+ years. I have been diagnosed and currently take medication when I have to maintain focus for long periods of time. What helps as well to maintain concentration is to isolate yourslf from computers, people, and anything that may be distracting. MAke a list of what you need to get accomplished and add in 5-10 minute breaks every hour or 2. You must be disciplined and not allow yourself to give up. When I took the MCAT in April, I had meds on hand and just made myself get the test finished. I did not apply for accomidations on the MCAT although in classes at school, professors allow me a little extra time on exams if I need it. You have to go through a lot of paperwork and crap if you want test accomidations on the MCAT. I was able to keep up with everyone else on my practice tests and was able to complete the real test (or at least attempt to answer every question). If you have any other questions let me know (PM me) and I will be happy to offer any extra help. JEV

 

[Gavanshir]

I thought ADD was a myth..?

 

[longshot]

I as well have ADHD and have been dealing with the implications of the disorder for 14+ years. I have been diagnosed and currently take medication when I have to maintain focus for long periods of time. What helps as well to maintain concentration is to isolate yourslf from computers, people, and anything that may be distracting. MAke a list of what you need to get accomplished and add in 5-10 minute breaks every hour or 2. You must be disciplined and not allow yourself to give up. When I took the MCAT in April, I had meds on hand and just made myself get the test finished. I did not apply for accomidations on the MCAT although in classes at school, professors allow me a little extra time on exams if I need it. You have to go through a lot of paperwork and crap if you want test accomidations on the MCAT. I was able to keep up with everyone else on my practice tests and was able to complete the real test (or at least attempt to answer every question). If you have any other questions let me know (PM me) and I will be happy to offer any extra help. JEV

All great suggestions JEV. I usually try to do those things. I just have to find a quiet place to actually study I suppose.

 

[longshot]

I thought ADD was a myth..?

From what I have read, ADD is still a mystery to most researchers and doctors. People diagnosed with the disorder range from really hyperactive to those that quietly concentrate but just can't focus well enough on important tasks that they don't 'want' to do. The symptoms are there but the mechanism is still a puzzle. The research thats going on is directed towards the hormonal balance of people with diagnosed attention deficit problems. I think they are noticing certain trends that correlate with hormone ratios of dopamine/epinephrine and inability to focus.

I can't say for sure and don't want to misinform anyone. This is just info I have gathered from my own personal literature research. All I know is I've had serious problems focusing when I need to do something important during certain situations in life. I've struggled in college and grad school with it but somehow I was able to do relatively well on the entrance exams compared to my peers. I've tried to study 'hard' and put in lots of time but even then I just zone out. I'm sure we all experience this from time to time but its more regular occurence for me. I just blank and can't really focus enough to mentally comprehend what I'm reading.

Thats my take on this issue. Its a very controversial topic still especially since there are legal ramifications to being diagnosed with ADD as it is considered a disability by law. I think a lot of people still don't believe its a disorder but I've experienced these problems to a pathological level where it is affecting my productivity. I don't know how other people in medicine feel about it - my guess is most doctors think its a real biologically based problem but most people outside of medicine think its a myth.

I am still trying to see if I can deal with it by changing my lifestyle accordingly and not get medication.

 

[Gavanshir]

I personally don't know anyone who has an easy time choosing to study over tv-friends-internet-outside-etc. Distractions are everywhere. But then where do factors such as self-discipline and setting priorities come into play?

And "maintaining focus for long periods of time" isn't completely natural either. The only time you should maintain that kind of focus would be during exams. Students without ADD don't usually maintain long periods of focus unless there is a stress factor such as an oncoming exam for example.

 

[Kristiyana]

I personally don't know anyone who has an easy time choosing to study over tv-friends-internet-outside-etc. Distractions are everywhere. But then where do factors such as self-discipline and setting priorities come into play?

And "maintaining focus for long periods of time" isn't completely natural either. The only time you should maintain that kind of focus would be during exams. Students without ADD don't usually maintain long periods of focus unless there is a stress factor such as an oncoming exam for example.

School is just one area of ones life that ADHD affects. I won't go into details because I'm too tired to argue over this ... but I will tell you that I had my driver's licence suspended recently because of severe problems with concention while driving. There are many other difficulties that people with ADHD face. If you really want to know more, pick up a book like Driven to Distraction.

 

[longshot]

School is just one area of ones life that ADHD affects. I won't go into details because I'm too tired to argue over this ... but I will tell you that I had my driver's licence suspended recently because of severe problems with concention while driving. There are many other difficulties that people with ADHD face. If you really want to know more, pick up a book like Driven to Distraction.

Kristiyana, I can back you up with that in my own experience and situations I've been through. I've actually read that Driven to Distraction. By Edward Hallowell, right?

 

[longshot]

I personally don't know anyone who has an easy time choosing to study over tv-friends-internet-outside-etc. Distractions are everywhere. But then where do factors such as self-discipline and setting priorities come into play?

And "maintaining focus for long periods of time" isn't completely natural either. The only time you should maintain that kind of focus would be during exams. Students without ADD don't usually maintain long periods of focus unless there is a stress factor such as an oncoming exam for example.

I have actually been in situations where I have avoided those external distractions such as partying or watching tv to actually sit down and study. the problem comes in when i somehow am not just committed on some level to actually studying the material or completing a task. its almost like trying to hard to concentrate and losing the point of why your trying to study in the first place. i have friends who said i was studying hard but figured i just was too slow. yet my IQ and test scores were on par or superior to theirs. its discrepancies like these that lead me to believe that i may have it after reading about several case studies that are eerily like mine. i am still trying to figure out how to deal with it and maintaining a regular schedule and being disciplined is definetely a part of it. unfortunately sometimes there are other factors at play...

 

[nekrogg]

I have actually been in situations where I have avoided those external distractions such as partying or watching tv to actually sit down and study. the problem comes in when i somehow am not just committed on some level to actually studying the material or completing a task. its almost like trying to hard to concentrate and losing the point of why your trying to study in the first place. i have friends who said i was studying hard but figured i just was too slow. yet my IQ and test scores were on par or superior to theirs. its discrepancies like these that lead me to believe that i may have it after reading about several case studies that are eerily like mine. i am still trying to figure out how to deal with it and maintaining a regular schedule and being disciplined is definetely a part of it. unfortunately sometimes there are other factors at play...

I was diagnosed with adhd "tendencys" when i was younger. when i cant focus i really cant, my mind starts to drift and i completely forget about the task at hand. but when it came to the mcats, i think i scared myself so sh*tless that i focused myself out of fear.

 

[Schaden Freud]

I was diagnosed with adhd "tendencys" when i was younger. when i cant focus i really cant, my mind starts to drift and i completely forget about the task at hand. but when it came to the mcats, i think i scared myself so sh*tless that i focused myself out of fear.

For sake of argument, let's say that ADHD is an organic disorder (like depression, schizophrenia, etc.). In this case, afflicted people may fall into two general camps:
1. those who can be successfully treated
2. those who cannot be successfully treated

If you are #1, then you should be able to take the MCAT under standard conditions. If you are #2 and thus unable to take the MCAT under standard conditions, should you really be allowed the responsibility of caring for patients in a critical setting?

I am asking a serious ethical question, not trying to be mean.

 

[Jacks Mannequin]

You've already started studying? God, I feel like a slacker..

 

[longshot]

For sake of argument, let's say that ADHD is an organic disorder (like depression, schizophrenia, etc.). In this case, afflicted people may fall into two general camps:
1. those who can be successfully treated
2. those who cannot be successfully treated

If you are #1, then you should be able to take the MCAT under standard conditions. If you are #2 and thus unable to take the MCAT under standard conditions, should you really be allowed the responsibility of caring for patients in a critical setting?

I am asking a serious ethical question, not trying to be mean.

Thats fine. I don't mind discussing this matter. There are doctors out there with mental illnesses and other disorders that might interfere with their ability to take the MCAT under standard conditions. Should they not be allowed to practice medicine?

I think what you are getting at is...if you have a hard time concentrating, how would you be able to be a good doctor. I think that someone with certain lifestyle concerns has to learn to cope and pick a medical specialty at which they can excel. Otherwise I really don't see any ethical dilemma here.

 

[longshot]

You've already started studying? God, I feel like a slacker..

Don't feel that way. I just know I need a little bit more time to get into this stuff. I start up slow then heat up. Just gotta get over that hump of activation energy to start the reaction hardy har har

 

[LastOneStanding]

I think that question about ADD is a really relevant one, and one I think hasn't been completely answered in any definate sense by society. It's acceptable for perscription of amphetamine salts for kids or adults now. There was a nice essay in the new york times (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/07/health/07essa.html?ex=1147406400&en=b9b93bdcb6f586cd&ei=5070) talking about how these drugs allow people to sit in offices or study where, evolutionarily speaking, they should be running away from tigers and finding food. Its kind of like a man-made solution to our developed work-society structure. This type of person had an advantage when you had to be constantly attentive to everything going on, but now is disadvantaged in our society where you have to sit and focus on 1 thing 11 hours a day.

but I think in the end the question still is: will you be able to function well as a doctor, and be happy and interested enough to function well for your whole career?

 

[longshot]

I think that question about ADD is a really relevant one, and one I think hasn't been completely answered in any definate sense by society. It's acceptable for perscription of amphetamine salts for kids or adults now. There was a nice essay in the new york times (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/07/health/07essa.html?ex=1147406400&en=b9b93bdcb6f586cd&ei=5070) talking about how these drugs allow people to sit in offices or study where, evolutionarily speaking, they should be running away from tigers and finding food. Its kind of like a man-made solution to our developed work-society structure. This type of person had an advantage when you had to be constantly attentive to everything going on, but now is disadvantaged in our society where you have to sit and focus on 1 thing 11 hours a day.

but I think in the end the question still is: will you be able to function well as a doctor, and be happy and interested enough to function well for your whole career?

Great article. It brings up some valid points. I'm still trying to answer the question you are posing for myself...

 

[Kristiyana]

but I think in the end the question still is: will you be able to function well as a doctor, and be happy and interested enough to function well for your whole career?

I'm sorry, but I don't think ANYONE really knows the answer to that question, ADHD or not. You don't really know how you will respond to a situation until you are actually in it. I think that I will be able to function well, but there are no guarantees. That goes for any other career I might pursue. The fact of the matter is, there ARE successful doctors with ADHD out there ... that proves that those with ADHD (and other mental disorders) are capable of being good doctors. Of course, this doesn't apply to everyone with ADHD ... but then again, those without ADHD won't all be great doctors either.

 

[Medicineman20]

I took the April MCAT with extend time (time and Half), the materials you must send is

1. diagonose documentations of a clinical Psychologist
2. A letter from a teacher( elementary - high school) that explains the your character behavior of ADHD, ie your struggles in paying attention
3. Elementary through high school learning tests ie Iowa State tests results
4. SAT and ACT results
5. GED scores or high school diploma
- It is best send the materials at least two months in advanced, however, I send my materials out in January for the April test date.

 

[girlsporty]

Great article. It brings up some valid points. I'm still trying to answer the question you are posing for myself...

Longshot - all I can really say is that in my early 20's, I finally became the dedicated and high-achieving student that I always wanted to be because of stimulant medication. Once I didn't have to spend all my energy trying to get through the day without interrupting constantly or coming up with "tricks" to accomplish what needed to get done, I had a LOT more available brain power to address school-work. I'm sure it's not for everyone, but it changed my life, immeasurably,for the better.

If you're not going to do that and not get diagnosed, then I would suggest figuring out what distracts you and committing yourself _wholeheartedly_ and _obsessively_ to getting a high score. Try to eat/sleep well and work out. I took Kaplan, and my score went from a 22 on the diagnostic to a 32 by the second full-length test. My highest was a 37. I think Kaplan was worth every penny. I am sure many peoplewill disagree with me, but I had terrific teachers and did my best to "buy in" to all of Kaplan's philosophies. PM me if you want specifics about how I structured my studying within Kaplan's structure.

I moved across the country for five months mostly to get away from any and all distractions. I also had a part-time research project at the local university hospital here. I left friends, family and my relationship to do this.

Why?

Because the MCAT is the single most important thing I could do to improve upon perceived weaknesses in my application. I couldn't make up 7.5 years of college with more coursework... but if I could get a 35 then that sure says something (I'm still not sure what, though! )

So I decided that i could sacrifice a balanced life for four months if it gave me a 35+ score. I took the April MCAT, so we'll see what happens in June, I guess!! I can tell you, though, that I'm glad I took the test timed, and it was practice, practice, practice that got me there.

Good luck!

P.S. (I am editing this in) I'm lucky enough to have friends, familiy AND my relationship to go back to. In terms of minimizing distractions, I'm on the sane side of overly-dedicated, not the psycho side. I think.

 

[Nutmeg]

My advice, as a person with similar issues and who has studied this matter quite a bit (final theses in both molecular neuro and abnormal psych were on this subject):

Stay away from meds. If you have a tendency to do well on standardized tests, I think it's more likely that you're merely a crisis worker who gets bored easily. Get the dietary supplement DMAE and take a bunch of that, along with a B complex, iron if you might be deficient (i'm a vegetarian, so I use this) and just use caffeine for alertness when you need it. If you like coffee, great, and if you don't learn to cultivate a taste for it.

Be wary of psychiatrists. Seriously.

 

[longshot]

Longshot - all I can really say is that in my early 20's, I finally became the dedicated and high-achieving student that I always wanted to be because of stimulant medication. Once I didn't have to spend all my energy trying to get through the day without interrupting constantly or coming up with "tricks" to accomplish what needed to get done, I had a LOT more available brain power to address school-work. I'm sure it's not for everyone, but it changed my life, immeasurably,for the better.

If you're not going to do that and not get diagnosed, then I would suggest figuring out what distracts you and committing yourself _wholeheartedly_ and _obsessively_ to getting a high score. Try to eat/sleep well and work out. I took Kaplan, and my score went from a 22 on the diagnostic to a 32 by the second full-length test. My highest was a 37. I think Kaplan was worth every penny. I am sure many peoplewill disagree with me, but I had terrific teachers and did my best to "buy in" to all of Kaplan's philosophies. PM me if you want specifics about how I structured my studying within Kaplan's structure.

I moved across the country for five months mostly to get away from any and all distractions. I also had a part-time research project at the local university hospital here. I left friends, family and my relationship to do this.

Why?

Because the MCAT is the single most important thing I could do to improve upon perceived weaknesses in my application. I couldn't make up 7.5 years of college with more coursework... but if I could get a 35 then that sure says something (I'm still not sure what, though! )

So I decided that i could sacrifice a balanced life for four months if it gave me a 35+ score. I took the April MCAT, so we'll see what happens in June, I guess!! I can tell you, though, that I'm glad I took the test timed, and it was practice, practice, practice that got me there.

Good luck!

P.S. (I am editing this in) I'm lucky enough to have friends, familiy AND my relationship to go back to. In terms of minimizing distractions, I'm on the sane side of overly-dedicated, not the psycho side. I think.

After reading this and the following post by Nutmeg, I am really intrigued. You two have different viewpoints on medication. However, the lifestyle changes you guys are suggesting are very similar. I think I will try to manage without the medication but still see what my physician has to say about this whole thing. Great advice guys!

Girlsporty, that is incredible! You jumped ten whole points in two consecutive test trials. Thats great. Really...congratulations. LOL what exactly are you taking??? 👍

 

[jqnew23]

Hi all!! Well, this is obviously a problem for some of us, including me. I have done a lot of research on this to prevent taking meds and it has worked wonders on my grades and performance in school and life. This is what I have done and has worked for me. While everyone is different please remember these are general recommendations and I'm not a doctor, yet...

One with ADD/ADHD needs to look at their diet first. You've got to feed your brain and provide it with what it needs. Eliminate trans fats and simple sugars from your diet. Limit caffeine and don't smoke crack take meth...lol. Drink pure, clean water. Get plenty of good carbs which have not been processed or minimally processed. You need to eat every 2.5 to 3.5 hours to keep the flow of energy to your brain. Our brains are working overtime so we need to feed it frequently and with nutrient dense meals. High quality protein including free range chicken, wild oily fish (salmon), eggs, lean beef, turkey, and beans/soy if you are a vegg head. I also make two smoothies a day with a powdered whey protein isolate which helps me take in several servings of fruits and easily absorbed amino acids. Diet is really the key.

Do a cleanse. There are a number of them out there at your local natural foods store. I do a regular total-body cleanse every 6 months. I also highly recommend a heavy metal cleanse. As toxins/metals build up in the body they prevent organs and systems to work at optimum levels. Do one and you will feel such a difference.

Supplements I take are DMAE (precursor to acetylcholine), Phosphatidylserine or PS (phospholipid), ginkgo, B-complex, flax/borage oil complex, and a good multivitamin/multimineral.

Exercise is key but don't over do it. Studies have shown moderate exercise done before a test/studying helps with retention and increases overall concentration.

Try to eliminate distractions. For me I sit in the corner at the library. I know it sounds weird but I'm social and I always bump into someone I know....or a cute girl walking by. Get yourself somewhere quiet and get in the zone to learn.

The last part...you have to want it. Whether it is paying attention in class or studying for the MCAT, you have to have some desire inside you to succeed and conquer your task. It is mind over matter.

Good luck and best wishes.

 

[in4mant]

just take some aderall

problems solved 😉

 

[Kristiyana]

just take some aderall

problems solved 😉

For me, it's dexedrine all the way! 😀

 

[MightyMaïté]

I personally don't know anyone who has an easy time choosing to study over tv-friends-internet-outside-etc. Distractions are everywhere. But then where do factors such as self-discipline and setting priorities come into play?

And "maintaining focus for long periods of time" isn't completely natural either. The only time you should maintain that kind of focus would be during exams. Students without ADD don't usually maintain long periods of focus unless there is a stress factor such as an oncoming exam for example.

I see what you're saying, but as someone with ADD, diagnost for 17y and wasn't medicated till high school, let me give you some insight. I spend 10-15 hours more than the average student studying for exams. my medication dose is 70mg. I choose to study over hanging with friends, partying, and tv. I have to in review things that i already know in depth b/c i am fearful of my ADD and know it will hinder me from properly organizing my mind, killing my structure, when i take an exam. Taking an exam especially under timed conditions (another thing to think about) is a burden to my mind. I study hard knowing that i am competing for second place(91-B). My ADD doesn't have a train of thought, it has multiple trains trying to ride on a single track. Even when my environment has no sound (of course it's worst with noise). People with ADD and other mental problems have to do extra work not just simple mental discipline. You have to get creative. It's hinders reading, reading comprehension, and your ability to reason due to a shower of thoughts. This is why some find studying hard and some find testing hard. Studying for my Mact is seriously the hardest thing I have ever done.

 

[Hospitalized]

I see what you're saying, but as someone with ADD, diagnost for 17y and wasn't medicated till high school, let me give you some insight. I spend 10-15 hours more than the average student studying for exams. my medication dose is 70mg. I choose to study over hanging with friends, partying, and tv. I have to in review things that i already know in depth b/c i am fearful of my ADD and know it will hinder me from properly organizing my mind, killing my structure, when i take an exam. Taking an exam especially under timed conditions (another thing to think about) is a burden to my mind. I study hard knowing that i am competing for second place(91-B). My ADD doesn't have a train of thought, it has multiple trains trying to ride on a single track. Even when my environment has no sound (of course it's worst with noise). People with ADD and other mental problems have to do extra work not just simple mental discipline. You have to get creative. It's hinders reading, reading comprehension, and your ability to reason due to a shower of thoughts. This is why some find studying hard and some find testing hard. Studying for my Mact is seriously the hardest thing I have ever done.

The people in this thread are probably capable of writing your prescription by now

Little late

 

[Abraxas305]

I see what you're saying, but as someone with ADD, diagnost for 17y and wasn't medicated till high school, let me give you some insight. I spend 10-15 hours more than the average student studying for exams. my medication dose is 70mg. I choose to study over hanging with friends, partying, and tv. I have to in review things that i already know in depth b/c i am fearful of my ADD and know it will hinder me from properly organizing my mind, killing my structure, when i take an exam. Taking an exam especially under timed conditions (another thing to think about) is a burden to my mind. I study hard knowing that i am competing for second place(91-B). My ADD doesn't have a train of thought, it has multiple trains trying to ride on a single track. Even when my environment has no sound (of course it's worst with noise). People with ADD and other mental problems have to do extra work not just simple mental discipline. You have to get creative. It's hinders reading, reading comprehension, and your ability to reason due to a shower of thoughts. This is why some find studying hard and some find testing hard. Studying for my Mact is seriously the hardest thing I have ever done.

Damn, you definitely know that you have ADHD if you come across an "ADHD MCAT" thread while searching (probably found on google search), create a new username, type a whole paragraph explaining one's situation and post in a 10 year old thread; quoted poster may or may not realize the cobwebs littered all over this ancient thread.

 

[Bleu]

I see what you're saying, but as someone with ADD, diagnost for 17y and wasn't medicated till high school, let me give you some insight. I spend 10-15 hours more than the average student studying for exams. my medication dose is 70mg. I choose to study over hanging with friends, partying, and tv. I have to in review things that i already know in depth b/c i am fearful of my ADD and know it will hinder me from properly organizing my mind, killing my structure, when i take an exam. Taking an exam especially under timed conditions (another thing to think about) is a burden to my mind. I study hard knowing that i am competing for second place(91-B). My ADD doesn't have a train of thought, it has multiple trains trying to ride on a single track. Even when my environment has no sound (of course it's worst with noise). People with ADD and other mental problems have to do extra work not just simple mental discipline. You have to get creative. It's hinders reading, reading comprehension, and your ability to reason due to a shower of thoughts. This is why some find studying hard and some find testing hard. Studying for my Mact is seriously the hardest thing I have ever done.

70 milligrams! I've never heard of anyone taking more than 60. Where do you go from there?