[swishercutter]

Sometimes I think ADD/ADHD is overdiagnosed on a massive scale...I can get a bit touchy about it sometimes...the author was explaining ways to cope without medication.

I worry for the young geniuses who are currently being dumbed down to the national standard with medication in order to stop them reading ahead in class...I am fortunate to be old enough to have missed it.

Edit: I am not trying to knock anyone that medication has worked for, or saying you are stupid for taking it...just pointing out (my opinion of) what happens when you give it to someone who does not need it.

[MJR]

I've never experienced or read about ADD/ADHD medication having the effect of dumbing down anyone. Normally the medications for ADD fall into the stimulant categories which on the ADD mind have the effect of slowing down thought to allow it to be processed more efficiently rather than having to sort through a mind of racing thoughts. But I do agree that misdiagnosis is easier with ADD because it can be an easy way out.

I have a problem with the word cope, which is often used in these scenarios. I don't want to cope - I want to live, flourish and think. Everyone is different and there is no answer that will cover all situations. But I encourage everyone to explore all the options and make the decision after some trial, before ruling anything out. Especially when we're talking about adults.