#prescribe me medication for adhd despite my not having an official diagnosis

[opaldisaster]

What Happens to a Diagnosis Deferred?

All week my mind has been running around in circles. After weeks of waiting for a psych eval that would finally confirm and address my theory about being misdiagnosed. I had the realization that I don’t HAVE depression, I AM depressed and what I really have is ADHD. I spent hours and days researching, soul searching and calling therapist offices to see how soon I could get an official diagnosis. I was certain. Then I saw my therapists, back to back, one day after the other and received deeply differing results. The first was a long, tedious venture across SoCal to go see the only doctor covered by my insurance who wasn’t booked until July. I told this man my life’s story, from childhood to more recent trauma, condensed into an hour-long session. All so he could come to the conclusion that “it sounds like you have depression, but your history is too grey to tell”. Apparently I’m too complex for a clear cut diagnosis on the spot. He gives me instructions for a follow up test to look into things further. Inconclusive, disheartening, but a pretty realistic outcome.

Meanwhile, a day later, I talk to another old man who knows very little about me despite prescribing me controlled substances for the past 4 months. From the convenience of my messy bedroom, I talk into a glowing screen for 15 minutes. And after mentioning the phrases “hard to concentrate” and “trouble focusing”, I’m reassured that he will prescribe me with a stimulant once I come off my SSRIs in about a month. Simple, easy, yet requires patience.

So what do I do? Wait a month for an overworked psychiatrist to look at my charts for 5 minutes then prescribe me with a\Adderall. Or mail in a self evaluation changing the answers to make sure I get the right results for a rigged test? Neither is ideal or particularly healthy, but cheating on exams is the only thing that helped me graduate high school during desperate times. And these are definitely desperate times. The system fucked me, so I’m gonna fuck it right back. I definitely know better than these two strangers who have no idea what it’s like to live in my skin. They’re not necessarily quacks, but they certainly aren’t what I’d call experts either. Medical bias is tricky and full of red tape. The only way out is with money or cheating. I choose cheating.

#therapy #mental health #mentalheathawareness

[specialchan]

PLEASE READ - Struggling with Islam - ADHD via /r/islam

PLEASE READ - Struggling with Islam - ADHD

Salaam brothers/ sisters,

This post is about Islam specifically but the issues I describe below were present in almost every aspect of my life since childhood. No TL;DR on this post unfortunately as the full story is important. This will be really long so I don't expect everyone to get through it. Just for context, I'm from the UK so views may differ by location. I'm the middle child of 5 siblings, mainly grew up with the 2 older ones as there is a big gap between us 3 and the younger 2 siblings.

Note: The way my parents/ Madrassa teachers treated me as a child is no reflection on Islam. Islam doesn't teach parents to abuse anyone let alone kids. I do indeed love Islam more than anything despite past struggles. Also, this isn't a post to shit on my parents, they've given up everything for me and my siblings and raised us with love and affection. May they be granted into the highest heavens.

From a young age my parents, may Allah be please with them, always tried to instill Islamic teachings to my siblings and I. We were taught about Salah, Hijab, the Prophets lives etc. and always had an abundance of hadith books in the house which we would read. We were also sent to Madrassa to learn Quran and Islam in more depth.

However, it seemed when compared to my siblings I was the troublesome child. If we couldn't go to the mosque, my dad would lead prayers at home for the family. I would move and look around, make noises and try to distract my siblings. During madrassa lessons I would try to read Quran but always struggled. My Tajweed would often be incorrect and found reading Arabic difficult despite being exposed to it at a young age. The Quran classes were set by age group and compared to the rest of my peers I was falling behind. I was still reading the Juz Amma, they made us read before the rest of the Quran, whilst everyone else was reading other Surahs which dropped me behind.

My parents are from Bangladesh so have a very "traditional" method of parenting. They thought my disobedience and lack of focus during madrassa and prayers were because of Shaytan. I was often beaten as they attempted to "get rid of the devil". This of course never solved my issues and I would continue slacking in Islamic class and acting out during prayers so it was a constant cycle. I also, until about the age of 12, regularly wet the bed so this reinforced their idea of me being possessed. All of this, along with the fact that the Mosque teachers would always shame me for struggling with Quran and point to younger students who surpassed me, unfortunately caused me to resent Islam more and more. My older siblings completed the Quran whilst I was still there trying to finish one juz, the whole experience was humiliating.

Despite all this, I still had an intense fascination with Islam and religion in general. During the classes I was often the first to answer questions regarding Islam, these ranged from those about the Prophets to those regarding Islamic law etc. I would even debate in school with Non-Muslims about religion and consciousness with no hesitation in defending my beliefs. One of the Madrassa teachers was very receptive to my ideas and was the only one who didn't shame me, he would often comment on how he was impressed with my broad Islamic knowledge and this was despite my struggles with Arabic. Unfortunately he left and the hostility I faced from other teachers continued, I started bunking classes and taking walks around the park or anything to kill time. Classes were only 2 hours Mon-Fri so I was never waiting around too long before I could go home.

My parents finally ended my classes when I was 16 as I had to study for school exams. However, as time went by, the negative feelings towards religion grew. My parents would non-stop curse me and compare me to my siblings, even the younger ones could read / pray better than me. I then stopped praying completely, I was too old for my parents to physically beat anymore so there parenting methods stopped working. It's been many years now but Islam remains dear to me and I will practice again properly Inshallah.

Now 21 I was diagnosed with ADHD a few weeks ago, I was overwhelmed with emotion when the psychiatrist gave me his finding. I tried many things before the diagnosis to help me, I changed my diet, exercised, used noortropic supplements but nothing seemed to work. He explained that people with ADHD often struggle with focus, impulsiveness, hyperactivity etc. The frontal lobes in our brain don't work as well as they do in "normal" people, this part of the brain is responsible for things like language, attention, motivation, impulse control etc. We also produce lower levels of norepinephrine which works to increase attention and arousal, lack of this neurotransmitter can lapse in focus. All of this seemed to explain my struggles.

The psychiatrist also mentioned that children who tend to be "more intelligent" (I put quotations as I believe intelligence can't be measured), are often not diagnosed when they are young, they often get diagnosed as adults once they've done their own research. Not to rub my ego too much but this explains my case. Just as with Islamic studies, I also had a broad set of knowledge in normal academic classes. I was always in top set during school and did well in most exams, I took part in philosophy discussions and my teachers would comment positively on my understanding. I would however still get into trouble a lot, I was on report for a couple years and detention was standard after school. But y brain was creative and always though outside the box, this explains why ADHD patients are 6 times likely to start their own business and why so many famous/ successful entrepreneurs have ADHD.

The official diagnosis was bitter sweet, despite finally knowing what caused all my issues, I was angry that everything could've been dealt with better if I was taken to a doctor instead of my parents following backwards parenting techniques. I don't entirely blame them as they are not exactly educated on this topic, as an adult it's up to me to fix everything now.

I've been prescribed some drugs to promote dopamine production in my brain, this helps me focus and reduces restlessness and various other symptoms. It's been 3 weeks and I feel completely different, I now want to try read Quran again. I'll have to re-learn everything as it's been years and I've forgotten tajweed entirely but it would be good to see if it's any easier than my early days.

Please if you have children who are having problems, try to help them instead if beating as I know this is a problem in some of our Muslim communities. Mental health issues are almost entirely dismissed and put down to Shaytan misleading us. Don't push people away from Islam, treat the kids right and get them medical help if needed.

Thank you for taking time to read. All the best!

Submitted August 09, 2020 at 10:32AM by Farhan1900 via reddit https://ift.tt/2PJFqEd

[blockheadbrands]

Cannabis and Mental Health: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Andrew Ward of High Times Reports:

To avoid the side-effects from traditional medications, some ADHD patients are using cannabis.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that can considerably impact one’s daily life. The disorder has the ability to affect attention spans and behavior, as well as trigger bouts of hyperactivity. As such, patients tend to struggle with school, work, relationships, and common tasks and interactions. 

Several causes of ADHD have been identified. They include genetics, developmental issues in the central nervous system, and a person’s environment. Additionally, families with ADHD or other mental health concerns may be at higher risk, as are those exposed to toxins as children. Issues during pregnancy, like premature births or drinking while pregnant, can play a factor as well. 

Coexisting conditions tend to occur alongside ADHD. Accompanying disorders may affect a person’s anxiety, mood or psyche, with learning disabilities also common. 

ADHD contains three subtypes of the disorder, including attention deficit disorder (ADD). Other subtypes include Combined, which affects hyperactivity and inattentiveness, and Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, which states what is affected in its name.

According to 2016 Center for Disease Control data, 9.4% of American children between the ages of two and 17 were diagnosed with ADHD. Of the 6.1 million diagnosed, 3.3 million children were diagnosed between the ages of 12 and 17. 

The disorder is known to affect the sexes differently. Girls with ADHD tend to outperform boys with ADHD in school. Meanwhile, boys tend to suffer in school and act out more. Boys with the condition likely stand out more due to their frequency as well, with triple the amount of diagnoses. 

In both genders, symptoms include being withdrawn, frequent talking, disorganization, and difficulty completing tasks. That said, with symptoms mirroring a person’s everyday struggles, making it difficult for a person to know what they’re dealing with. Experts suggest consulting a physician if you feel that you or your child’s day is disrupted daily. If the occurrence is not a daily burden, it is not likely ADHD.  

Though more frequent in children, ADHD affects 4.4% of adults as well. This percentage may be inaccurate, according to some expert positing. They believe scores of undiagnosed adults may drive the figure higher, though unclear of the number. While possible, the Mayo Clinic points out that adult ADHD diagnoses are difficult. In addition to the previous examples, ADHD also shares similar symptoms with other anxiety or mood disorders, further clouding a diagnosis. 

Like other disorders and mental conditions, some don’t see their ADHD as entirely negative. “ADHD is an absolute blessing and blatant curse depending on the day,” explains Melissa Gumely, an early-30s clothing designer and creative. She offered up examples. “There are days I’m a multitasking, hyper-focused ninja working on and completing task after task. Others, I can’t get out of my head or my bed.”

Officially diagnosed at 17, Gumley recalls her hyperactivity as a problem for teachers as early as age seven. By her senior year in high school, she reported taking AP classes with an inability to focus on a single one. 

“I would finish assignments within 10 minutes and then get sent to go ‘walk it off,’” she said. She switched to a vocational program mid-year, which she said helped. 

She continues to struggle with ADHD today. Her symptoms include feeling overwhelmed and overloaded. “It’s constantly fighting with your executive function because some days your brain and body are working against each other.” She continued, “It’s exhaustion but permanent insomnia.”

Treatment for ADHD

In most cases, adults and children are treated using some combination of medication, psychological therapy and treatment for any coexisting conditions. However, some patients experience less than ideal outcomes with traditional methods. Some of the reported adverse effects include difficulty sleeping, higher blood pressure, head and stomach pain, as well as weight loss. 

As such, cannabis has become an option for many seeking treatment. 

Sarah ElSayed is a public relations executive who was diagnosed with ADD nearly 12 years ago. She explained how cannabis has been part of what she believes is her ideal treatment. “I do believe that cannabis, in addition to probiotics and a reduced sugar diet, helps me maintain my focus without the help of stimulants.”

Medical professionals who spoke to High Times for this article agreed that ADHD treatments are not one-size-fits-all. Brooke Alpert is a licensed cannabis practitioner and founder of Daily Habit. Alpert touched on the correlation between CBD and ADHD. “The studies that focus on ADHD and CBD have shown some conflicting evidence.” 

She added, “I think more research needs to look at what relief people are finding with cannabis so we can have a better picture of how to further recommend CBD and cannabis for those with ADHD.”

Alisa Martin is a writer and researcher for InsuranceProviders.com and holds a B.S. in medical technology. Martin pointed towards a study that found 25% of patients surveyed manage their ADHD with cannabis. The researcher went on to agree that additional studies are required. “More investigation is needed from the medical community, as well as an increased public openness and understanding regarding the benefits,” said Martin. 

The current lack of evidence and the federal legal status in the U.S. leaves medical professionals uncomfortable to prescribe cannabis. As such, patients often self-medicate.

Those who self medicate have some lab findings to confirm their faith in cannabis treatments. They include a 2017 small clinical study that found that a 1:1 CBD/THC medicine reduced ADHD symptoms. Matt Scillitani, a Demographic Researcher for Remedy Review, also cited the study. Scillitani also pointed out that the research did not meet a statistically significant threshold. 

He echoed a similar sentiment about the need for more studies. He also touched on shortcomings in the currently available date. “Additionally, of the few clinical studies that do evaluate cannabinoids and ADHD, most assess the effects of THC or THC/CBD adjunctively.” Scillitani also pointed out that studies typically use only adults and small sample sizes.

Despite the uncertainty in the eyes of science, many are convinced cannabis is their ideal treatment. For the designer Gumley, she claims that cannabis provides everything medications like Adderall, Vyvanse and Ritalin claimed but never did. “It helps bring calm to an otherwise constant anxiety-ridden body,” she explained, highlighting mental and physical relief. 

She added, “Cannabis has changed my life exponentially for the better.”

TO READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE ON HIGH TIMES, CLICK HERE.

https://hightimes.com/health/cannabis-and-mental-health-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/

[cloudrosal]

Update

This is essentially a life update/rant

I'm starting to take some steps to get better despite the fact that it's going to be a really slow process

My parents finally accepted the fact that I didn't feel up for getting a job this summer since I really need to work on myself and take the time to fix problems that have been bothering me for the last four years

I changed therapists and got a psychiatrist instead and I feel like I'm actually getting somewheres now ya know

I finally got an official ADHD diagnosis and I know that my life will get much easier from here on and I think uni will be a lot more manageable now that I have meds

Umm I also spoke a little more with my psychiatrist and I'm prescribed anxiety and depression meds but during my last appointment I ended up taking like an hour of tests and talking a little more and I got diagnosed with bipolar disorder\bpd ( he's not sure yet)

Thing is I haven't told my parents yet and like I got prescribed lamotrigine and went alone to pick up my medication today (I'm kind of proud of myself for it)

My mom in particular is really against medication and doesn't really believe in it so she hasn't been supportive about it

She's also really freaked out because I went from not taking any meds to taking four different meds a day ( without taking into account the new meds that I just got prescribed) and she's been basically trying to convince me and other people that I'm not actually depressed and that I'm faking it lol so I'm obviously not going to talk to her about it anymore

So all this to say I just got diagnosed with bipolar disorder and I haven't told anyone except my best friend who just moved like 1000 miles away for uni (she's literally studying in the Netherlands) and I feel really alone and afraid almost since I never actually thought that I could have a personality disorder and I'm still trying to take everything in without freaking the fuck out because I'm literally from a shithole town and I've never met anyone in real life with any kind of personality disorder so idk what it's like or what I should do now

I have a lot of friends but I don't think that any of them would understand so I'm just keeping it to myself and it's eating me up inside

I feel so fucking alone and confused and I know that I'm going to get better but right now I just really need someone to talk to

#thank you for listening

[blockheadbrands]

Cannabis and Mental Health: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Andrew Ward of High Times Reports:

To avoid the side-effects from traditional medications, some ADHD patients are using cannabis.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that can considerably impact one’s daily life. The disorder has the ability to affect attention spans and behavior, as well as trigger bouts of hyperactivity. As such, patients tend to struggle with school, work, relationships, and common tasks and interactions. 

Several causes of ADHD have been identified. They include genetics, developmental issues in the central nervous system, and a person’s environment. Additionally, families with ADHD or other mental health concerns may be at higher risk, as are those exposed to toxins as children. Issues during pregnancy, like premature births or drinking while pregnant, can play a factor as well. 

Coexisting conditions tend to occur alongside ADHD. Accompanying disorders may affect a person’s anxiety, mood or psyche, with learning disabilities also common. 

ADHD contains three subtypes of the disorder, including attention deficit disorder (ADD). Other subtypes include Combined, which affects hyperactivity and inattentiveness, and Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, which states what is affected in its name.

According to 2016 Center for Disease Control data, 9.4% of American children between the ages of two and 17 were diagnosed with ADHD. Of the 6.1 million diagnosed, 3.3 million children were diagnosed between the ages of 12 and 17. 

The disorder is known to affect the sexes differently. Girls with ADHD tend to outperform boys with ADHD in school. Meanwhile, boys tend to suffer in school and act out more. Boys with the condition likely stand out more due to their frequency as well, with triple the amount of diagnoses. 

In both genders, symptoms include being withdrawn, frequent talking, disorganization, and difficulty completing tasks. That said, with symptoms mirroring a person’s everyday struggles, making it difficult for a person to know what they’re dealing with. Experts suggest consulting a physician if you feel that you or your child’s day is disrupted daily. If the occurrence is not a daily burden, it is not likely ADHD.  

Though more frequent in children, ADHD affects 4.4% of adults as well. This percentage may be inaccurate, according to some expert positing. They believe scores of undiagnosed adults may drive the figure higher, though unclear of the number. While possible, the Mayo Clinic points out that adult ADHD diagnoses are difficult. In addition to the previous examples, ADHD also shares similar symptoms with other anxiety or mood disorders, further clouding a diagnosis. 

Like other disorders and mental conditions, some don’t see their ADHD as entirely negative. “ADHD is an absolute blessing and blatant curse depending on the day,” explains Melissa Gumely, an early-30s clothing designer and creative. She offered up examples. “There are days I’m a multitasking, hyper-focused ninja working on and completing task after task. Others, I can’t get out of my head or my bed.”

Officially diagnosed at 17, Gumley recalls her hyperactivity as a problem for teachers as early as age seven. By her senior year in high school, she reported taking AP classes with an inability to focus on a single one. 

“I would finish assignments within 10 minutes and then get sent to go ‘walk it off,’” she said. She switched to a vocational program mid-year, which she said helped. 

She continues to struggle with ADHD today. Her symptoms include feeling overwhelmed and overloaded. “It’s constantly fighting with your executive function because some days your brain and body are working against each other.” She continued, “It’s exhaustion but permanent insomnia.”

Treatment for ADHD

In most cases, adults and children are treated using some combination of medication, psychological therapy and treatment for any coexisting conditions. However, some patients experience less than ideal outcomes with traditional methods. Some of the reported adverse effects include difficulty sleeping, higher blood pressure, head and stomach pain, as well as weight loss. 

As such, cannabis has become an option for many seeking treatment. 

Sarah ElSayed is a public relations executive who was diagnosed with ADD nearly 12 years ago. She explained how cannabis has been part of what she believes is her ideal treatment. “I do believe that cannabis, in addition to probiotics and a reduced sugar diet, helps me maintain my focus without the help of stimulants.”

Medical professionals who spoke to High Times for this article agreed that ADHD treatments are not one-size-fits-all. Brooke Alpert is a licensed cannabis practitioner and founder of Daily Habit. Alpert touched on the correlation between CBD and ADHD. “The studies that focus on ADHD and CBD have shown some conflicting evidence.” 

She added, “I think more research needs to look at what relief people are finding with cannabis so we can have a better picture of how to further recommend CBD and cannabis for those with ADHD.”

Alisa Martin is a writer and researcher for InsuranceProviders.com and holds a B.S. in medical technology. Martin pointed towards a study that found 25% of patients surveyed manage their ADHD with cannabis. The researcher went on to agree that additional studies are required. “More investigation is needed from the medical community, as well as an increased public openness and understanding regarding the benefits,” said Martin. 

The current lack of evidence and the federal legal status in the U.S. leaves medical professionals uncomfortable to prescribe cannabis. As such, patients often self-medicate.

Those who self medicate have some lab findings to confirm their faith in cannabis treatments. They include a 2017 small clinical study that found that a 1:1 CBD/THC medicine reduced ADHD symptoms. Matt Scillitani, a Demographic Researcher for Remedy Review, also cited the study. Scillitani also pointed out that the research did not meet a statistically significant threshold. 

He echoed a similar sentiment about the need for more studies. He also touched on shortcomings in the currently available date. “Additionally, of the few clinical studies that do evaluate cannabinoids and ADHD, most assess the effects of THC or THC/CBD adjunctively.” Scillitani also pointed out that studies typically use only adults and small sample sizes.

Despite the uncertainty in the eyes of science, many are convinced cannabis is their ideal treatment. For the designer Gumley, she claims that cannabis provides everything medications like Adderall, Vyvanse and Ritalin claimed but never did. “It helps bring calm to an otherwise constant anxiety-ridden body,” she explained, highlighting mental and physical relief. 

She added, “Cannabis has changed my life exponentially for the better.”

TO READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE ON HIGH TIMES, CLICK HERE.

https://hightimes.com/health/cannabis-and-mental-health-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/