This is long, but I think its an important discovery. Please read!

My daughter is slightly ADD. (Attention Deficit Disorder). She took a huge series of tests to determine this and was referred to a psychiatrist to begin a type of Ritalin. While we were at the psychiatrists office, she was given a short test for ADD to determine how severe (thank God, it is mild, not behavioral). I was sitting right beside her and noticed that MANY of the questions I could answer "yes" to. I made an appointment with him later to take the test myself. Turns out, I test positive for both ADD and depression. I have been treated in the past for depression, but am not now exhibiting the same type of symptoms. He told me sometimes ADD can mimic some depression symptoms and suggested that I give Ritalin a try. I was on for a couple weeks, went off while I was sick, and am now back on. Guess what? WHile I am on, I lose weight! It does have some appetite suppressing qualities, and gives you a slight "boost", not speed-like, but brighter, more awake. I went to him and asked what this was doing, is it safe, what is really going on, etc. He explained that nerve impulses are like a plug and a socket. If they work right, it is plugged in correctly. People with ADD have it only partly plugged in. Ritalin helps all the nerves plug in correctly. What a significant difference this is making in my life with normal daily activities and I feel it is helping me lose weight! I'm wondering: Is eating disorders a type of ADD? Not only do I eat much better, I can stay focused and on plan much better. There used to be days when I would FORGET that I was on a diet!!! I have a fairly high IQ and have compensated for my ADD in my life, but this is QUITE a revelation!

I'm open to comments, particularly if anyone has any experience with this.

Wow Joni, this is totally intersting!! I have often wondered just what the problem is..because we all know it isnt just that we want to eat too much and want to look like this, you know what I mean? I know for myself, when I was exercising optimally my depression lifted and everything in my life became easier, from making decisions to coping with stress...but then, why cant I keep it up?? Thank you so much for sharing this and please continue to keep us updated ast to how you are doing..

[ 03-25-2001: Message edited by: sooz ]

Joni, me too, mee too. It is so similar a story, just amazing. Our son was diagnosed with ADHD (ADD, with hyperactivity). In his case, he seems to have conquered the hyper part yet is still challenged with concentration. He too is on Ritalin which helps him during school hours.
I too saw myself in many of the questions the doctor had asked in order to diagnose him.
A year or so has since passed and I've learned that ADD has a genetic link. People can be brilliant and still have it. Many overweight people have some sort of disorder and yes, I would agree that there seems to be a high percentage of overweight parents who also have ADD kids - This from my own observation at an O.A. meeting when a member was sharing about her ADD child and about a third of the members pitched in that they too had ADD kids.
As successful adults, we have probably learned to cope and compensate. Many articles written about ADD state that being self employed is a good option for a career -in that it offers the flexibility needed by those who don't necessarily fit into a standard 9-5 highly structured job situation.
There are lots of positives associated with good old ADD, including heightened creativity, sensitivity to others, a wacky sense of humour and more.
If you want a list of books to read about the subject, let me know.
xxxxx Mer

Hmmmm. Maybe THAT'S my problem!!

My goodness, but aren't we complex beings? Who knew? What a wonderful thing that you were alert enough to see the connection and take positive action!

I go back to the psych next month with this theory and I'll keep you all posted as to his response. This would make a great study for someone...maybe me!

[ 03-26-2001: Message edited by: discomama ]