You are probably right. Some people are diagnosed very quickly. It's unfortunate.
Also, some people who are prescribed the stimulants don't use them to treat add.
Further, I think that if a medication doesn't work for an adult - they will stop taking it. I agree that it's a little scary that very young children, who can't fully communicate, may be getting medication that doesn't work for them.
Do you question your diagnosis or just the medication (for you)?
When I was originally diagnosed, I questioned it. I think it's better to get a more thorough evaluation - However, it can be kind of expensive.
Beyond medication, imo, the best treatment is counseling. It can make it possible to know yourself, your coping mechanisms, etc better, and then to figure out new ways of dealing with things.
Also, another poster in another thread mentioned considering the likely problems ahead of time - and dealing with them before they come up (finding solutions that will prevent or minimize the problems). Imo, the best place to consider those things initially is through counseling supplemented by journaling.
The best natural treatment that I have found is flax seed oil. However, I think others on the alternative board have been helped by other things.
I have been recently diagnosed with Adult ADD and was given a Adderal. When I started taking the adderral, I felt very distant, and I felt like I was buzzing and VERY irratable. The medicine scared me and I stopped taking it. It seemed like the doctor was real quick to diagnose me with just a few questions and that's it....I couldn't help but wonder if this doctor was just prescribing me this so that I would become a long time patient of his?? The adderral is very addictive and I'm afraid that some people whom might not really have ADD are being medicated. I am truly concerned about the young children that are forced to take this by their parents who think they are doing the right thing, but don't realize the side effects their child may be experiencing. Also, wanted to mention that I went to my primary doctor and got my blood work done and was deficient on vitamin B vitamins that can cause confusion, memory loss, ect... so could it be that I could have been diagnosed to quickly?? That's what scares me!! Especially for those who think what doctors tell you is the gospel.
I have been taking vitamin B for a while now and not sure if that is the actual problem, hopefully it is, but if it's not, does anyone have any advice on what medicine works without all the side effects?
If you have any doubt that your diagnosis is accurate, you should get another dx from a qualified psych. If you really believe that the Vit B deficiency is the cause of your problems rather than ADD, you can always stop the Adderall and wait to see how the Vit treatment works.
Often, there is a lack of nutrients in the system which can cause ADHD symptoms. There are also other conditions which mimic ADHD. If you are in doubt, check them out.
Also, for an adult to have ADHD, you need to be able to see where you had the symptoms in childhood. If the symptoms haven't been present for your entire life to some extent, you probably don't have it. You may not have "hit the wall" and had serious problems until you hit the stress of being an adult, but you should be able to see where you struggled with certain behaviors and issues throughout life.
ADHD meds can be a blessing for someone who has it, but they can be dangerous for someone who doesn't need them. If you seriously question whether you have ADHD, it is important that you do all you can to make sure that you have a proper diagnosis.
Check out the posts in the alternatives section of the boards here. There are articles about conditions that mimic ADHD, plus the different supplements that people have found work for them.