Possible to be diagnosed with ADD in med school?

[sharklasers]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I honestly think I might have ADD. I have always heard that the more intelligent you are, the more it masks the symptoms of ADD. But while studying, I have a hard time doing more than 10 minutes of work until I have look at my phone, or check facebook, or check my email for the 100th time that day, or something.

I know its hard for anyone to constantly sit and study, but a break every 30 minutes or so is reasonable. If I do happen to make it more than 10-15 minutes without taking a break, I start thinking about it and then need a break anyways lol.

I hate to be that guy to try to get adderall only because it is hard to study, because lets face it, no one is meant to be able to focus constantly for an extended amount of time. And tbh, I have done decently well in school so far too. But that is because I "study" literally all day, but just take so many breaks in between I get less done than most who study more efficiently.

 

[SpecterGT260]

I honestly think I might have ADD. I have always heard that the more intelligent you are, the more it masks the symptoms of ADD. But while studying, I have a hard time doing more than 10 minutes of work until I have look at my phone, or check facebook, or check my email for the 100th time that day, or something.

I know its hard for anyone to constantly sit and study, but a break every 30 minutes or so is reasonable. If I do happen to make it more than 10-15 minutes without taking a break, I start thinking about it and then need a break anyways lol.

I hate to be that guy to try to get adderall only because it is hard to study, because lets face it, no one is meant to be able to focus constantly for an extended amount of time. And tbh, I have done decently well in school so far too. But that is because I "study" literally all day, but just take so many breaks in between I get less done than most who study more efficiently.

Start by seeing a psychiatrist.

We can't help you here

 

[FIREitUP]

I honestly think I might have ADD. I have always heard that the more intelligent you are, the more it masks the symptoms of ADD. But while studying, I have a hard time doing more than 10 minutes of work until I have look at my phone, or check facebook, or check my email for the 100th time that day, or something.

I know its hard for anyone to constantly sit and study, but a break every 30 minutes or so is reasonable. If I do happen to make it more than 10-15 minutes without taking a break, I start thinking about it and then need a break anyways lol.

I hate to be that guy to try to get adderall only because it is hard to study, because lets face it, no one is meant to be able to focus constantly for an extended amount of time. And tbh, I have done decently well in school so far too. But that is because I "study" literally all day, but just take so many breaks in between I get less done than most who study more efficiently.

I highly doubt that if you never experienced symptoms like this before you have all of a sudden manifested ADD. It may be because you don't enjoy the material, find it boring, are sick of it, etc.

 

[peteB]

I honestly think I might have ADD. I have always heard that the more intelligent you are, the more it masks the symptoms of ADD. But while studying, I have a hard time doing more than 10 minutes of work until I have look at my phone, or check facebook, or check my email for the 100th time that day, or something.

I know its hard for anyone to constantly sit and study, but a break every 30 minutes or so is reasonable. If I do happen to make it more than 10-15 minutes without taking a break, I start thinking about it and then need a break anyways lol.

I hate to be that guy to try to get adderall only because it is hard to study, because lets face it, no one is meant to be able to focus constantly for an extended amount of time. And tbh, I have done decently well in school so far too. But that is because I "study" literally all day, but just take so many breaks in between I get less done than most who study more efficiently.

I had the exact same problem 1st and 2nd year. I saw our school psychiatrist and he basically said I was being lazy.

What was really useful was getting rid of all my electronic devices while studying. If you have to use your computer for lecture slides either print them out or shut off your internet while you work. I put a rubber band around my wrist and every time I found myself getting distracted I snapped it to remind myself to get on task.

 

[sharklasers]

I highly doubt that if you never experienced symptoms like this before you have all of a sudden manifested ADD. It may be because you don't enjoy the material, find it boring, are sick of it, etc.

Is it bad that I haven't enjoyed any of the material yet then? lol

But yeah I'm sure it is some part laziness too... it just seems extreme that I literally cannot resist urges to do other things.

 

[mimelim]

Lack of study habits =! ADHD

 

[sylvanthus]

Agreed sounds like you are looking for an easy way out,

 

[ArcGurren]

I know a couple folks who were diagnosed with ADHD WHILE in med school but it wasn't like med school suddenly uncovered their long-suppressed ADHD. It had always been there and the symptoms were always there. Go to the psychiatrist but don't have expectations.

 

[Crim1]

Sounds to me like you just don't have any self discipline and ADD would give you an excuse to say it's not your fault. Sorry for being so blunt. Take responsibility and do what you have to do.

 

[urbanclassic]

You may have it, you may not. Go to a psychologist who can accurately test you and find out. I have ADHD- inattentive type (Not hyperactive), I was not diagnosed until about 5 months ago. I always knew there was something "off" about me. Thankfully I was smart enough to get by and kind of work the system. However I always struggled in standardized test, which is way harder to work.... It started to catch up with me my junior year of college, but I was still not sure what it was. I always kind of thought I had ADHD, but at the same time denied it because my brother who has ADHD- hyperactive type is way different than me, but I realized it partly because, unfortunately. he did not have the same opportunities I had. I knew that medical school would eat me up and chew me out if I didn't find out what it was. So yeah, I had a rigorous test done, and two different psychologist diagnosed me with ADD. I take medication, but it doesn't make you smarter. It does help me with concentration and focus more, but again those are not the same as IQ. If I didn't have the medicine, I'd probably know the same amount of information, it would just be harder to get it out and on tests I'd miss a lot more questions, because I'd misread the questions. Medication is NOT 100% the answer either, trust me even on medication I still have ADD. I still have to do a lot of organizational things to compensate for my ADD. Also, the medication may not even work for you. I took Strattera, Adderall xr and adderral IR and they did not help much. Now I'm on something different, and it helps some, but you have to remember if you have ADHD and you start taken medication, the "high" feeling isn't going to last, but that doesn't mean it's not working. You're not going to have super concentration or super memory and focus... unless you're not ADHD, then you might, but if you have it, it just levels the playing field. Also try to do things that will help with concentration and focus before going to medication. Working out helps A LOT, and there are many studies that show it's effectiveness. Also, coffee, fatty omega 3 and b12 help. I use to work out in HS all the time, and looking back, it helped so much! Sorry I'm babbling on, but yeah, go to good psychologist who can give you a test to see if you have it.

 

[zoner]

Isn't there some medicine students take to stay focused and do well on tests? What's that called?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using SDN Mobile

 

[SpecterGT260]

Isn't there some medicine students take to stay focused and do well on tests? What's that called?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using SDN Mobile

felony without a prescription 👍

Unless you were talking about caffeine

 

[Wordead]

Isn't there some medicine students take to stay focused and do well on tests? What's that called?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using SDN Mobile

Doesnt happen youve been watching too much limitless. We are above reproach.

HOO-AH

 

[bauber]

Lack of study habits =! ADHD

Yeah. S/He just needs to put all the things that cause the distractions away when studying. If it's not there to distract you it won't be a source of distraction.

 

[plsfoldthx]

Ive always had ADHD, but could always get by on minimal amounts of studying. When I was in college I realized I've had ADHD symptoms all the way back to middle school. I didn't want to be on adderall or what not everyday so I never got help for it. It was only after entering medical school I realized i seriously needed to get this fixed and that there were other options besides adderall. I was a smoker and I also realized I was smoking as a way to focus

all it helps me do is sit in a chair for 30 minutes without shaking my legs and walking around the campus because I cant focus

 

[peteB]

Ive always had ADHD, but could always get by on minimal amounts of studying. When I was in college I realized I've had ADHD symptoms all the way back to middle school. I didn't want to be on adderall or what not everyday so I never got help for it. It was only after entering medical school I realized i seriously needed to get this fixed and that there were other options besides adderall. I was a smoker and I also realized I was smoking as a way to focus

all it helps me do is sit in a chair for 30 minutes without shaking my legs and walking around the campus because I cant focus

what other options did you try?

 

[zoner]

felony without a prescription 👍

Unless you were talking about caffeine

No no, I heard that people diagnosed with add takes it and alot of high school kids have ben abusing it for test taking and etc

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using SDN Mobile

 

[SpecterGT260]

No no, I heard that people diagnosed with add takes it and alot of high school kids have ben abusing it for test taking and etc

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using SDN Mobile

what do you think "without a prescription" means? Yes.... people with diagnosed ADHD take various stimulants legally. It is illegal to possess them without a prescription.

 

[peteB]

what do you think "without a prescription" means? Yes.... people with diagnosed ADHD take various stimulants legally. It is illegal to possess them without a prescription.

From what I've heard it's really easy to get diagnosed with ADHD nowadays. Lot of unethical psychiatrists around. Unfortunately I got stuck with an ethical one who just told me to suck it up and stop goofing off 🙂

 

[SpecterGT260]

From what I've heard it's really easy to get diagnosed with ADHD nowadays. Lot of unethical psychiatrists around. Unfortunately I got stuck with an ethical one who just told me to suck it up and stop goofing off 🙂

That is true.
It's still a pretty big deal to get caught with controlled substances (which all ADHD meds are). That was the only point I was making. Zoner seemed to be suggesting to just go out and score some study pills. Lots of people do this. However it will kill your prospects in a hurry in the unlikely event you get caught.

 

[GalenAgas]

Forgive me for not posting the original article as I don't seem to have access from my present location:

Association between Amphetamines and Parkinsons. Odds Ratio ~ 1.6

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110220193013.htm

Correlation does not equal causation but this would definitely stop me from taking any risks with my health.

 

[SpecterGT260]

Forgive me for not posting the original article as I don't seem to have access from my present location:

Association between Amphetamines and Parkinsons. Odds Ratio ~ 1.6

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110220193013.htm

Correlation does not equal causation but this would definitely stop me from taking any risks with my health.

The causation could also be opposite of what is expected. Mild and early cases may be self medicating with stimulants. Many have dopaminergic side effects

 

[GalenAgas]

The causation could also be opposite of what is expected. Mild and early cases may be self medicating with stimulants. Many have dopaminergic side effects

What do you mean?

People with PD are medicating with amphetamines? That is absolutely possible. Alternatively, maybe patients with narcolepsy are predisposed to PD. Maybe people with ADHD are predisposed to PD regardless of amphetamine use. Etc.


That damn paper is impossible to find. If anyone can find it post the text here

Still considering the neurotoxicity of Amphetamines I personally still would not risk it.

 

[SpecterGT260]

What do you mean?

People with PD are medicating with amphetamines? That is absolutely possible. Alternatively, maybe patients with narcolepsy are predisposed to PD. Maybe people with ADHD are predisposed to PD regardless of amphetamine use. Etc.


That damn paper is impossible to find. If anyone can find it post the text here

Still considering the neurotoxicity of Amphetamines I personally still would not risk it.

Do you mean absolutely impossible?


Some stimulants have dopamine releasing effects. Dopaminergic drugs treat Parkinson's. So its not unreasonable for people with early or mild conditions to benefit from the dirty nature of some stimulants.

 

[GalenAgas]

Do you mean absolutely impossible?


Some stimulants have dopamine releasing effects. Dopaminergic drugs treat Parkinson's. So its not unreasonable for people with early or mild conditions to benefit from the dirty nature of some stimulants.

No i meant absolutely possible. Since Amphetamines have been used to treat PD in the past

 

[SpecterGT260]

No i meant absolutely possible. Since Amphetamines have been used to treat PD in the past

Gotcha. I thought you were disagreeing but that part made that idea not make sense 😀

 

[kwel]

ADD is no longer in the DSM-IV, so no, it is not possible to be diagnosed with "ADD" now

 

[thedoctor8706]

I have mixed feelings about this topic... If you don't want the story of my life, skip down to the bottom haha.

I was always one to believe (mostly because my parents pumped the idea in me) that ADHD was just an elementary school teacher not wanting to let a rowdy kid be a kid. I got into trouble all through elementary school and middle school, not for doing anything sketchy, but just because I could never sit down and shut up. It got better in high school when I became busier with things like sports and jazz band, but even still, multiple teachers begged to have me tested for ADHD or some kind of learning disorder. My parents refused every time, saying I was just being myself. My grades weren't that bad, so what was the problem? My grades were decent enough, but that's because (and I hope this doesn't sound arrogant) it was never that hard. I pretty much never studied and seemed to get passing grades, finishing high school with a 3.7. Undergrad was a bit trickier, but was still not that hard to me.

Anyways, coming to med school, I continued the same nonsensical method of study, and typical story, I kept falling more and more behind. I didn't get why I was doing poorly, I eliminated distractions, put my hours in, etc, but I never seemed to make the cut. The school of medicine asked me to get checked for ADHD, and I fought it at first, but finally went in to see someone. A couple interviews and cognitive tests later, not one, but two psychiatrists agreed I should be on adderall. I hated that idea. So I declined. But after putting myself in a rather precarious position as far as grades go, and after further insistence by a faculty mentor, I finally caved.

I still don't like the idea of being on Adderall, but it has made a night and day difference. What people fail to realize though, is that it's NOT a replacement for good sleep and a balanced lifestyle. Nor does it automatically make you a better studier. You still have to make the choice to study and eliminate distractions. I'm not lazy. I'm actually doing really well now. I guess what I don't like is when I hear people abuse the system and are looking for a way to stay up longer at night, or that they need something. This is probably a debate that will go on for a long time, but as for me, it's helped me reach my potential.

 

[thedoctor8706]

A behavioral something that's really helped me study, and this may be old news to some of you, but in order to overcome the problem of sitting at desk for long hours of the day, you have to take advantage of your strengths. I can't sit at a desk for long hours, so what I do is after class, I have all my notes loaded up on an iPad, and I walk all over creation while I talk them out to a friend or myself. I may look crazy pacing around, but hey, it works much better than sitting at a quiet desk all day. Activating those muscles and other senses pounds it in to my brain much quicker. And if it requires memorizing a detailed pathway? Then standing up at a white board helps overcome the attention span issues. Anyways, that was something I had never tried until med school, and though it may seem like common knowledge to most of you guys, if I could pass it along to at least one person, well then, I don't feel as foolish. Haha.

 

[D elegans]

Put all electronic devices away and just get into it. After a while, you'll study so much that the only thing that gives you pleasure in life is mastering obtuse topics for which you never had any interest. It will bode well for Step 1 studying.

 

[Latcatin]

ADD is no longer in the DSM-IV, so no, it is not possible to be diagnosed with "ADD" now

When I was a kid, it was called "being hyperactive." In my first round of college, it was ADD. Now I have ADHD with a hyperactivity component. I think. The name changes, but the problems don't.

 

[TAWS]

You definitely see ADD manifests itself more in med school because schools keeps stuffing the curriculum with useless information and expect you to learn it all. I can't imagine what medical school will be like 10 years from now with all the information that keeps getting added to the curriculum.

 

[cheruka]

Put away the iphone, deactivate facebook. fb is the biggest waste of time.
Don't take Ritalin, no one knows the long terms effects of being on such meds.

 

[SpecterGT260]

.
Don't take Ritalin, no one knows the long terms effects of being on such meds.

🙄

Sent from my DROID RAZR using SDN Mobile

 

[Par4thecourse]

I honestly think I might have ADD. I have always heard that the more intelligent you are, the more it masks the symptoms of ADD. But while studying, I have a hard time doing more than 10 minutes of work until I have look at my phone, or check facebook, or check my email for the 100th time that day, or something.

I know its hard for anyone to constantly sit and study, but a break every 30 minutes or so is reasonable. If I do happen to make it more than 10-15 minutes without taking a break, I start thinking about it and then need a break anyways lol.

I hate to be that guy to try to get adderall only because it is hard to study, because lets face it, no one is meant to be able to focus constantly for an extended amount of time. And tbh, I have done decently well in school so far too. But that is because I "study" literally all day, but just take so many breaks in between I get less done than most who study more efficiently.

Trade ya. 10 or 15 minutes and u get distracted? I'd give my right arm for that level of concentration. Try a tenth to one hundredth of a second.

 

[Anicetus]

Trade ya. 10 or 15 minutes and u get distracted? I'd give my right arm for that level of concentration. Try a tenth to one hundredth of a second.

Why the necro bump?

 

[Seth Joo]

Put away the iphone, deactivate facebook. fb is the biggest waste of time.
Don't take Ritalin, no one knows the long terms effects of being on such meds.

Most millennials practically live and breath on Facebook and their smartphones. The post-millennial generation is even worse.

 

[sloop]

People who say ADD isn't a thing haven't experienced bad ADD.

OP, if you think you have ADD and would benefit from medication, see a psychiatrist and don't listen to the people on here with their puritanical anti-cognitive enhancement pontification. This is a personal decision and nobody else should have a say in it. Your only responsibility is to yourself. Seeking help is not cheating, no matter what some people have to say about it.

I have ADD (inattentive type is my diagnosis, though I guess this technically doesn't exist anymore) and I take Ritalin. I will tell you that you will encounter people who will make comments about how you're at an advantage and you will have to just shrug it off.

People are jealous when they see someone performing better than them and the whole Ritalin-crutch thing lets them preserve their fragile egos. Whatever, I don't care. I'm succeeding and realizing my full potential and that feels great.

 

[Par4thecourse]

tis a hooting and a howling affair

just a shot away

rape murder

 

[Par4thecourse]

When I was a kid, it was called "being hyperactive." In my first round of college, it was ADD. Now I have ADHD with a hyperactivity component. I think. The name changes, but the problems don't.

they keep learning. research is ongoing and fruitful

 

[Par4thecourse]

I have mixed feelings about this topic... If you don't want the story of my life, skip down to the bottom haha.

I was always one to believe (mostly because my parents pumped the idea in me) that ADHD was just an elementary school teacher not wanting to let a rowdy kid be a kid. I got into trouble all through elementary school and middle school, not for doing anything sketchy, but just because I could never sit down and shut up. It got better in high school when I became busier with things like sports and jazz band, but even still, multiple teachers begged to have me tested for ADHD or some kind of learning disorder. My parents refused every time, saying I was just being myself. My grades weren't that bad, so what was the problem? My grades were decent enough, but that's because (and I hope this doesn't sound arrogant) it was never that hard. I pretty much never studied and seemed to get passing grades, finishing high school with a 3.7. Undergrad was a bit trickier, but was still not that hard to me.

Anyways, coming to med school, I continued the same nonsensical method of study, and typical story, I kept falling more and more behind. I didn't get why I was doing poorly, I eliminated distractions, put my hours in, etc, but I never seemed to make the cut. The school of medicine asked me to get checked for ADHD, and I fought it at first, but finally went in to see someone. A couple interviews and cognitive tests later, not one, but two psychiatrists agreed I should be on adderall. I hated that idea. So I declined. But after putting myself in a rather precarious position as far as grades go, and after further insistence by a faculty mentor, I finally caved.

I still don't like the idea of being on Adderall, but it has made a night and day difference. What people fail to realize though, is that it's NOT a replacement for good sleep and a balanced lifestyle. Nor does it automatically make you a better studier. You still have to make the choice to study and eliminate distractions. I'm not lazy. I'm actually doing really well now. I guess what I don't like is when I hear people abuse the system and are looking for a way to stay up longer at night, or that they need something. This is probably a debate that will go on for a long time, but as for me, it's helped me reach my potential.

"...Adderall, but it has made a night and day difference."
hard to describe, ain't? glory

 

[Par4thecourse]

Do you mean absolutely impossible?


Some stimulants have dopamine releasing effects. Dopaminergic drugs treat Parkinson's. So its not unreasonable for people with early or mild conditions to benefit from the dirty nature of some stimulants.

l dopa

L-DOPA crosses the protective blood–brain barrier, whereas dopamine itself cannot. Thus, L-DOPA is used to increase dopamine concentrations in the treatment ofParkinson's disease and dopamine-responsive dystonia. This treatment was made practical and proven clinically by George Cotzias and his coworkers, for which they won the 1969 Lasker Prize.[4][5] Once L-DOPA has entered the central nervous system, it is converted into dopamine by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, also known as DOPA decarboxylase. Pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6) is a required cofactorin this reaction, and may occasionally be administered along with L-DOPA, usually in the form of pyridoxine. wikipedia

 

[Spectre of Ockham]

Since we're on the subject of this horrid disease I'd like to ask how can one get treatment in complete confidentiality ?
My roommate has ADHD - adult diagnosed , he manages it mostly without medication (time management , regular exercise , a bit of meditation) but when it hits him it can rip weeks of productivity out of him. Since every wasted day in med school means a less prestigious post when we graduate it's making him borderline anxious and depressed about exams and the future.

To make things worst methylphenidate has now been put on special narcotics prescription list which means he'll be forever registered as someone who needs mental aid from time to time (a single prescription lasts him usually for a few months). We both know that this can be held against him when applying for a position and this can be a career killer when running for public office (most doctors in a leadership position in my area act as healthcare policy advisors or have a seat in the city or state legislature).

It used to be that methylphenidate was given out on a simple prescription that costed you an arm and a leg but it was all private but now it might be impossible to get treatment without losing your privacy . Is it worth considering using natural supplements ? Or maybe flying to another country to seek treatment without getting permanent record of what the public opinion sees as a mental disease similar to mild ******ation ?

 

[BidingMyTime]

That is true.
It's still a pretty big deal to get caught with controlled substances (which all ADHD meds are).

Since this has already been necrobumped, its worth point out that there are non-controlled med options for ADHD (Strattera for example.)

 

[justabanana]

Don't care enough.

 

[Foot Fetish]

I think it's bull**** to get diagnosed with ADD in medical school...you wouldn't have made it to medical school in the first place if you actually had ADD. You're just lazy and want an unfair advantage. Everyone gets lazy and inattentive sometimes. It's only human. The difference is that most people just man up and force themselves to study through it. It's called discipline. Unless you were diagnosed with ADD as a child, you're just a lazy person who wants to take the easy way out.

 

[Goro]

You go to Student Services or Student Affairs, and ask for their help.

Since we're on the subject of this horrid disease I'd like to ask how can one get treatment in complete confidentiality ?
My roommate has ADHD - adult diagnosed , he manages it mostly without medication (time management , regular exercise , a bit of meditation) but when it hits him it can rip weeks of productivity out of him. Since every wasted day in med school means a less prestigious post when we graduate it's making him borderline anxious and depressed about exams and the future.

To make things worst methylphenidate has now been put on special narcotics prescription list which means he'll be forever registered as someone who needs mental aid from time to time (a single prescription lasts him usually for a few months). We both know that this can be held against him when applying for a position and this can be a career killer when running for public office (most doctors in a leadership position in my area act as healthcare policy advisors or have a seat in the city or state legislature).

It used to be that methylphenidate was given out on a simple prescription that costed you an arm and a leg but it was all private but now it might be impossible to get treatment without losing your privacy . Is it worth considering using natural supplements ? Or maybe flying to another country to seek treatment without getting permanent record of what the public opinion sees as a mental disease similar to mild ******ation ?