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What to Do When Attention Deficit Disorder Interferes with Your Job
One of the most disconcerting ‘diagnoses’ an adult can be given is to suddenly be told that you are suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder, commonly simply referred to as ADD. You were never told as a child you had this disorder, although you did have problems concentrating in class and were often in trouble for not attending to the tasks at hand. Maybe you were often out of your seat or scribbling on paper when others were paying attention to teachers, but somehow the connection was never made. Now as an adult you are having ‘issues’ at work and your doctor believes it is really the result of previously undiagnosed ADD. What can you do now at this late stage in life?
Get Over the Stigma!
Believe it or not, the latest research indicates that as many as 4% of the working population is suffering from ADD but medical experts make a bold statement that this number is not realistic. It is their contention that at least double that amount suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder but because they were not diagnosed with this condition in childhood, it may go undiagnosed in adulthood until such time as serious problems ensue as a result of untreated ADD. This could be you! If you are really shocked that a doctor is saying your inability to concentrate at work and recklessness due to inattentiveness is caused by previously undiagnosed ADD, you have a few options. But there is one option you don’t really have. Don’t ignore what he or she is saying.
Your Options When Given a Surprising Diagnosis
If your job performance is suffering due to symptoms your doctor claims are the result of ADD, don’t ignore what you are told. Your first option is to get a second opinion. Get a third if you don’t trust the first two but never let your option be to just ignore the diagnosis. If your ‘issues’ brought you to the doctor they are severe enough to warrant further examination, so get as many consultations as you need before you are comfortable with your diagnosis, but by all means don’t ignore it.
Now then, once you are assured that you are definitely suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder you can find treatments that will help you cope. There are some very good medications on the market that don’t have nearly the side effects as first and second generation stimulants had so you might want to check with your doctor on such pharmaceuticals as Vyvanse. Yes, many of these are still under trademark protection but there are alternatives when no generics are available. You can often find discounts on name brand medications such as the Vyvanse coupon you can get on this site.
Weighing Possible Side Effects against Very Real Probabilities
Some people believe in homeopathic remedies like herbal teas and increasing your daily caffeine that acts as a central nervous stimulant, but the consensus within the medical community and among those being treated that nothing works as well as medications that were formulated specifically to treat ADD. Your doctor will know if you are on any other pharmaceuticals that would contraindicate the use of stimulants and will also know if you have any health issues preventing you from taking this particular class of drug.
However, do talk to your doctor and get the help you need if your job performance and home life suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder. Many people are afraid of the side effects but remember this. Those are ‘possible’ but one moment’s lack of concentration when driving or operating heavy equipment could be fatal NOW. Talk to your doctor and get the help you need. That’s the bottom line.
