'Treatment for adult ADHD has given me the wisdom to work at jobs I can handle — and to avoid those I can’t.'
But it wasn’t really that simple. I had performed well at some jobs and poorly in others, but could not see the reasons why. Given constant supervision, sharply defined goals, and short deadlines, I did fine, but complicated processes defeated me every time.Why didn’t I stick to the jobs I could handle? I always needed money, and complex jobs pay better than simple ones. And my superstar delusions encouraged me to go after jobs that were beyond my abilities.
The specialist was thorough. I had four sessions of testing and interviews over two weeks, and I underwent a complete physical, as well as eye and hearing exams. He interviewed my wife and two friends by phone. Finally, he diagnosed my problem asThe trial-and-error search for the right combination of meds was a grind. Roughly every other week, I visited the psychiatrist for talk therapy and to get prescriptions for different drugs and dosages.
We finally found an effective combination of stimulant and antidepressant. I woke up one morning, swallowed the latest pills, and I knew that the doctor had written the right script. I picked up a newspaper and understood the article I was reading with uncanny clarity. My first thought was that I had attained that brilliance I’d hoped for, but, within hours, I realized I wasn’t brilliant. I was normal.
My family noticed that my bad behaviors went away when I was medicated. I never miss my midday meds when at work, but at home I sometimes forget, and my wife says, “Take a pill!” She prefers that I stay silent in the morning until my wake-up pills have taken effect.Not long after the meds started working, I found a job that matched my abilities and became a valued employee.
Anyone with ADD/ADHD who doesn’t seek treatment is making a terrible mistake. I’m certain that, with determination, anyone can make headway against the condition. Dismissing treatment is as misguided as refusing to wear glasses or to eat sensibly. But, some say, medication puts chemicals in your head. Indeed it does. There are already chemicals in your head, and they’re out of balance. It’s OK to straighten them out.