OK, I think I may have ADD. I was never told of a formal diagnosis, but it was eluded to. The psych that I saw foor biofeedback therapy measured my frontal brain activity. When I first saw him these was almost no activity whatsoever. He though it was due to lack of oxygen when I was born prematurely (my lungs collapsed). Apparently this is know to happen. The activity eventually did improve some after use of the biofeedback.

When I took the ADD test on amenclinics.com it came back with this:

ADD Inattentive Type = Highly Probable
Cingulate System Hyperactivity = Highly Probable
Limbic System Hyperactivity = Highly Probable
Basal Ganglia Hyperactivity = Highly Probable

I've always done very well in school, yet have no ability to study or ever read a book. I'm always kinda scatter-brained and get mildly confused easily. I not very organized. I always get lost when I'm driving. That said, I'm intelligent, do well on reading comp tests and other standardized tests. I'm able to carry on a conversation without being distracted. I supposed this is how I was able to get accepted into physician assistant school. On paper, you'd never know that I can't study, because I'm able to pull off good grades. I'm personable and interviewed very well.

I think ADD would explain much of my anxiety. I'm always worried about being able to get things done, since I kinda wander, I don't always accomplish what I want to get done in a day.

I'm afraid to tell my PA all this at my next appointment because I'm embarassed! He's going to be looking at me thing, there's no way you can make it in this job!

On top of anxiety, I have seasonal depression and dysthimia, which I've never really explained to him. I have a lot of fatigue associated with it that I've never explained to him. I've always required at least one, but usually more naps a day because of this. He's just been treating me for simple insomnia/anxiety. I don't want to drop this bombshell on him!

I've never tried to hide this information from him, but it never came up. I have never had a good grasp on my diagnosises anyhow. I've never had much consistent, serious, or longterm treatment for anything. I'm not sure what to do at this point. Maybe I could just ask about Xanax XR for anxiety for anxiety and Provigil for depression/fatigue. He did prescribe me Klonopin and Adderall at one point for anxiety. It caused depression. I then started Effexor. I didn't respond to it. I've also used Wellbutrin, Buspar, and Paxil. I didn't respond to any, but experienced a lot of weight gain. Provigil is being studied for ADD. I don't want to look like a nutcase! Can ADD meds really make much of an improvement? I'm supposed to start PA school in May!

Jealibeanz, ADD meds do make a difference if you get on the right one at the right dose for you. Provigil has proven to work for some, and others it hasn't. Same with Wellbutrin. I was afraid to admit that I had ADHD for the longest time. It's hard to face that you have it and admit it. It wasn't until my second child was diagnosed with it that I knew they both had gotten it from me. I then resolved myself to getting tested and it all made sense and was actually a relief. I knew deep down it was me and that I had it, I just didn't want to admit it. Doing a lot of reading on it and research makes a big difference. I medicated both of my boys when they were in 1st grade and they have been medicated all through school. One is now a senior in college and making A's and continues to use medication for school and work as it is the only way he can really focus on his work. In High School he tried to go without meds and found that he didn't do so well academically. My other son is a Junior in High School and doesn't go without when it comes to school. I was tested for and diagnosed 10-1/2 years ago. I was first on Ritalin until 1999. It wasn't as effective as Dexedrine for me. Medications are a trial and error thing. My kids have tried most of the ADD meds out there. My younger son has gone back to the the Dexedrine. My older son is on Adderall XR. I also take Wellbutrin to help with the ADD as well. We were fortunate to find a doctor who specialized in ADD (I was actually fortunate enough to work for him too) and who believed in individualizing the doses of the meds which makes a big difference. Everyone does not fit the same dose. If you feel you can go without medication in school without struggling and without stress, then I say go for it. I'm sure PA school has got to be hard and stressful. If you have difficulty staying on task, focusing, concentrating, etc., you may very well benefit from medication to assist with that in getting you through school. My kids would not have made it through school without it. They only take it on school days and take a break from it during the summer and on days off of school. Some may not agree with that method. I take my meds just about every day (an occasional day off). I don't think of having ADD as a bad thing, and neither should you. We all think of it as a blessing and a gift. We have gifts and abilities that most "normals" do not have. My oldest son has the gift of music, my youngest -of art, I happen to have a gift for numbers and helping people. Taking meds doesn't take away from these gifts either, it just enhances them. I'm sorry if I rambled too much and I hope I've helped some. If you have any specific questions that I can help answer, I'll be glad to help. Take care. Laura