Do I (you) have A.D.D.?

[pills_r_good]

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Does anybody else ever sit down to study and just get sidetracked by everything else on your desk? Do you ever sit there and say "I have 6 hours to study," and then two hours after being on SDN, your email, NBA.com, and itunes, say "I have 4 hours to study," only to waste two more on clipping your nails, vacuuming your apartment, and organizing your DVD collection? Do I have ADD? Does anyone else know where I'm coming from? I'm graduating this semester with a 3.1, and I know it could've easily been much higher if it weren't for this problem. Advice please.

p.s. I'm supposed to be studying right now. 😕

 

[ultracet]

yeah
its called procrastination
i'm fantastic at it

that and the lack of desire to study

 

[MissMuffet]

One thing different about ADD and the procrastination you describe is that, with ADD (ADHD/whatever) those things happen even when the things you want to focus on are more appealing than the things that side-track you.

 

[a504n]

Yeah, I always do the same thing. I tell myself, okay... I have the entire day off to do nothing but studying, and then I end up not studying until 11pm that night. I think the only thing that works for me is making myself go to the library and stay there. Usually when I go to the library, I go in a study room by myself, that way I won't be distracted by people walking around the library or what not. When I'm in the study room, I have nothing to do but study. When I'm at home, I have so many distractions, computer, TV, my bed, etc...

As far as studying at times when the library isn't opened, I go to the kitchen and study there, where there is no TV or computer to distract me. When I'm in my room I always go online or sleep, instead of study.

 

[dgroulx]

I try to study, but my attention span is about 10 minutes. I have to force myself to concentrate for that long. If I can read a fiction novel without having to take a break, then why can't I study? Even when reading for enjoyment I need to be secluded with no other distractions, but I can do it for hours at a time.

My best studying is while in the bathtub. I put on the jacuzzi jets to drown out any other noise and read through my notes.

 

[mjroswar]

😱 I'm even AT the library and can't get focused. I'm sitting here trying to ignore the sign that says "computers for academic use only, no games, no chat rooms, no porn" oh well, at least I'm not looking at porn or playing games! I'm going upstairs to study now.... so I'll probably be back here in 15 min or so.. 🙂

 

[highlyfavored]

Does anybody else ever sit down to study and just get sidetracked by everything else on your desk? Do you ever sit there and say "I have 6 hours to study," and then two hours after being on SDN, your email, NBA.com, and itunes, say "I have 4 hours to study," only to waste two more on clipping your nails, vacuuming your apartment, and organizing your DVD collection? Do I have ADD? Does anyone else know where I'm coming from? I'm graduating this semester with a 3.1, and I know it could've easily been much higher if it weren't for this problem. Advice please.

p.s. I'm supposed to be studying right now. 😕

Wow, this sounds just like me! I was late for work one morning and instead of hurrying to get ready, I got side tracked and ended up cleaning the entire bathroom first! 😱 On the weekend, I always plan to study for hrs, but those hrs turn into 1 hr, if I'm lucky. 🙄 This also happens when I'm really interested in whatever it is I'm putting off! Hmmmm, so what's the solution to this problem?

 

[highlyfavored]

Yeah, I always do the same thing. I tell myself, okay... I have the entire day off to do nothing but studying, and then I end up not studying until 11pm that night. I think the only thing that works for me is making myself go to the library and stay there. Usually when I go to the library, I go in a study room by myself, that way I won't be distracted by people walking around the library or what not. When I'm in the study room, I have nothing to do but study. When I'm at home, I have so many distractions, computer, TV, my bed, etc...

As far as studying at times when the library isn't opened, I go to the kitchen and study there, where there is no TV or computer to distract me. When I'm in my room I always go online or sleep, instead of study.

I tried that, but I get sleepy in those rooms by myself. 😳

 

[Genuine]

This is a rather interesting thread, but I wonder if pretty much everyone can relate to this. I love going to Barnes and Nobles or to Borders to study. For some reason I havent studied at starbucks yet... seems a lil too noisy!

Saying that I should prob go somewhere to study... Here at home I'm glued to the computer!!! Or maybe I just wanna be a slacker this semester 😉

--- Maybe this is a sign of ADD: I have studied at starbucks numerous times... what was i thinking??? 😀

 

[sarahjth]

A study recently conducted says that 1 in 3 college kids experience procrastination more than 4 times weekly.




(Not sure if this statistic is true because I procrastinated about looking it up!!!!)

 

[aboveliquidice]

I am ADHD - which is about the same thing as ADD (one is a bit more extreme). It is kind of annoying sometimes, but if you get confortable with studying for 2 or 3 or more subjects at once - it can be very useful.

Some people have to study just one subject at a time, continue until they find a stopping point, and then start a new subject (not that there is anything wrong with that). I really dont care what subject I am studying, I can just drop it and move to the next subject. There is no rhyme or reason to how I study or do hw (or anything for that matter). In the end, I get it all done (even if only I understand it). I think if you have to do an extensive amount of multi-tasking, it is a very useful thing to have.

just my .02

~above~

 

[Can I be Dpharm]

😎 man i understand everything you guys are saying, i did not relieaze that almost everyone goes through this. Anyways you just have to find a way to study, and at least grasp the concept you are studying.

 

[snailman]

best thing to do is get yourself a big pile of adderall or dexedrine and take prn.

-or-

the trick for me is to convince myself into thinking i'm interested in whatever i'm studying. find a way to make the material relevent to your life. if you can do this, you're all set.

 

[RxRob]

Boy, do you have MY number! I've wondered about the ADD myself, if it was a legitimate condition brought on somehow. However, I think it's more a product of burnout and, as classes get harder, your (my) previous study habits no longer working. Used to be you could pull an all-nighter reading the material once or MAYBE twice and test well the next day at recognition level. At higher levels, it's building on all previous classes.

So now, since you HAVE to study for 6 hour stretches, part of you knows this is not enough time anymore to do well. It is FEAR, I believe that causes this and self-doubt. If you're like me, then sitting down to make you study causes immediate drowsiness, the thought that maybe taking a nap first will leave you refreshed enough to get the job done... but basically only leads to sitting in front of the tv to fall asleep when you're no longer drowsy, and if you DO sleep, an hour of "waking up" routine before sitting down again to try.

Anyway, for those of us who are probably NOT clinically eligible for the disorder, I am rationalizing that the only way to get around this in the future is to genuinely study daily for a manageable hour or two. This will eliminate the crunch at the end and allow you to just top off something you at least already understand.

Either way, PLEASE understand that a fantastic short term memory will not serve you all that well in pharmacy school, there's just too much and the very language of the studying is somewhat foreign.

 

[highlyfavored]

Boy, do you have MY number! I've wondered about the ADD myself, if it was a legitimate condition brought on somehow. However, I think it's more a product of burnout and, as classes get harder, your (my) previous study habits no longer working. Used to be you could pull an all-nighter reading the material once or MAYBE twice and test well the next day at recognition level. At higher levels, it's building on all previous classes.

So now, since you HAVE to study for 6 hour stretches, part of you knows this is not enough time anymore to do well. It is FEAR, I believe that causes this and self-doubt. If you're like me, then sitting down to make you study causes immediate drowsiness, the thought that maybe taking a nap first will leave you refreshed enough to get the job done... but basically only leads to sitting in front of the tv to fall asleep when you're no longer drowsy, and if you DO sleep, an hour of "waking up" routine before sitting down again to try.
Anyway, for those of us who are probably NOT clinically eligible for the disorder, I am rationalizing that the only way to get around this in the future is to genuinely study daily for a manageable hour or two. This will eliminate the crunch at the end and allow you to just top off something you at least already understand.

Either way, PLEASE understand that a fantastic short term memory will not serve you all that well in pharmacy school, there's just too much and the very language of the studying is somewhat foreign.

That's me! 😳 It happens everywkend.

 

[Falokis]

ADD is the original 'Restless Leg Syndrom.' It's total bull$hit because everyone has it. It's such a scam. It makes me mad that everything that is minorly annoying that effects every NORMAL person has a pill now.

 

[Undecided12]

This thread is so funny because it also sounds like me. When I am overwhelmed with studying, I get extremely sleepy. I guess it's some type of "study avoidance" mechanism.

Also, when I have a lot of studying, I end of doing other things that I normally would never do, like cleaning. When there's a lot of material to read, all of a sudden the toilet is sparkling clean, my desk is organized, and the tub is spotless! Eventually, I get to the studying, but I have to FORCE myself to do it. Sometimes I feel like I'm imprisoned and I want to escape!

 

[Undecided12]

ADD is the original 'Restless Leg Syndrom.' It's total bull$hit because everyone has it. It's such a scam. It makes me mad that everything that is minorly annoying that effects every NORMAL person has a pill now.

Restless leg? Is that like when someone shakes their leg, like a nervous habit? I actually heard it's a good thing to do this because it helps move lymphatic fluid in the legs.

 

[pinkpnther86]

 

[pinkpnther86]

This thread is so funny because it also sounds like me. When I am overwhelmed with studying, I get extremely sleepy. I guess it's some type of "study avoidance" mechanism.

Also, when I have a lot of studying, I end of doing other things that I normally would never do, like cleaning. When there's a lot of material to read, all of a sudden the toilet is sparkling clean, my desk is organized, and the tub is spotless! Eventually, I get to the studying, but I have to FORCE myself to do it. Sometimes I feel like I'm imprisoned and I want to escape!

I'm the same way! If I'm overwhelmed with work, I find my self getting annoyed at anything that is even the slightest bit disorganized. I'll clean my room, organize my notes, do laundry, organize my closet etc....thinking this will help me focus better on studying somehow...

This thread is funny....good to know I'm not alone in my ADD-ness 😳

 

[RxRob]

yeah I left that out... the cleaning or other projects... I think it's about things you can justify not studying for so you don't feel like a complete loser.

 

[MissMuffet]

Restless leg? Is that like when someone shakes their leg, like a nervous habit? I actually heard it's a good thing to do this because it helps move lymphatic fluid in the legs.

Restless leg syndrome:

http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic509.htm

 

[RockAByBaby]

It makes me mad that everything that is minorly annoying that effects every NORMAL person has a pill now.

but this is why we are in such great demand, and why we will have great jobs in a few years

 

[fenil2005]

well, I know that i cannot sit and study straight for even 1 hour. When i have to study for 6 hours i usually breakdown the material into 30 minute time spans . 80%of the time i study at home because i get distracted when i go to library or any public spot. you know when you see all this beautiful women in tampa you will not be able to focus on the stuff you are supposed to. (DD will give the FF on the exam). Following this pathway for all my classes I have all A's since last summer(org I and II, A&P I and II included). Also, whenever i have to study a lot all i think about is How to make A's in the class? Get my GPA up? and How this will make it easier for me to get into Pharmacy college(lot of competition). I think this is enough to motivate myself to study,work hard for my grades and help me to achieve the goals that i have set for the future.
works for me........ 😀

 

[miamipharmd]

Boy, it's good to know that i'm not alone on this. I guess "ADD" is common among students huh. 😴

 

[Shovingit]

mega-dittos. i am very good at putting things off.

 

[twester]

ADD is the original 'Restless Leg Syndrom.' It's total bull$hit because everyone has it. It's such a scam. It makes me mad that everything that is minorly annoying that effects every NORMAL person has a pill now.

Both Ritalin and Requip have been criticized as being "treatments in search of a disease". I was with my mother one day and an ad for Requip came on. She said, "Oh, I have that." I was, like, oh yeah let's mess with your brain chemistry because you have the disease of the week.

I tried Ritalin for a while about 8 years ago when "adult ADD" became fashionable. It didn't help my attention span, but it sure got me high as a kite - and cranky beyond belief. One day I just forgot to fill the prescription and never looked back.

To all the "ADD" sufferers out there, figure out how to get the studying done and allow yourself time for procrastination (recreation). It's all about self-discipline.

That's not to say that ADD doesn't exist, but ADD sufferers are not high-achievers generally speaking. People with true ADD benefit as much from behavior modification training as they do from Ritalin. The benefit of BMT is that the person's body isn't being polluted with mind-altering chemicals with completely untested long-term effects.

 

[steveysmith54]

Similar problem here, hard for me to study for longer than 45 mins when the material is hard like ochem. I also become tired easily...

 

[pills_r_good]

but this is why we are in such great demand, and why we will have great jobs in a few years

good call

 

[pills_r_good]

well, I know that i cannot sit and study straight for even 1 hour. When i have to study for 6 hours i usually breakdown the material into 30 minute time spans . 80%of the time i study at home because i get distracted when i go to library or any public spot. you know when you see all this beautiful women in tampa you will not be able to focus on the stuff you are supposed to. (DD will give the FF on the exam). Following this pathway for all my classes I have all A's since last summer(org I and II, A&P I and II included). Also, whenever i have to study a lot all i think about is How to make A's in the class? Get my GPA up? and How this will make it easier for me to get into Pharmacy college(lot of competition). I think this is enough to motivate myself to study,work hard for my grades and help me to achieve the goals that i have set for the future.
works for me........ 😀

I can't study in public places for the exact same reason...my eyes wander, I pick up my head at the slightest sign of female movement...I think it's a male instinct. 🙂

 

[pills_r_good]

You're right about messing up your brain chemistry and all. A friend of mine is one of those self diagnosed ADD patients. He works in a pharmacy and knows all about all of the pills, his grades weren't doing so well, so he came up with Adderall as a solution. Two years later, his gpa is exactly the same, and now that he's too old to be on his parent's med insurance plan, he can't afford to get anymore, and he can't think straight when trying to study "unaided." My advice to all of you is not to even consider ADD medication. I started this thread just to see how some of you guys get past the short attention span thing, or procrastination or whatever. It's like younger guys taking viagra...10 years later, your peep doesn't work with or without it!

 

[MeHungryRx]

I can't study in public places for the exact same reason...my eyes wander, I pick up my head at the slightest sign of female movement...I think it's a male instinct. 🙂

I agree. 😀

 

[eeyore spice]

ADD is the original 'Restless Leg Syndrom.' It's total bull$hit because everyone has it. It's such a scam. It makes me mad that everything that is minorly annoying that effects every NORMAL person has a pill now.

ADD is real, but the OP does not have it. Trust me, I've seen real, severe, untreated ADD--these people are not normal.