Does is really get better?

[Darkestlight]

I have posted here once before, but I am not too experienced in ADD. I am 23 years old. I wasn't even diagnosed with ADD until recently within the last 6 months. I struggled all my life through school. I am very smart. I could do average work without any sort of studying what so ever.
Now I am trying to finish my bachelor's degree after years of going back and forth between colleges. I am determined. I would also like to pursue med school after my bachelor's degree.
My question is this... Do the meds really help? Does it really get better? I can't go on meds till July because I'm pregnant.  I am so scared and discouraged. I want to be able to focus and do things that others can do.

Thanks

[Melissa0116]

I did not find out that I had ADD until I was 20 and the meds have helped but I still struggle daily with concentration.  I am considering using a Life coach since I have heard that they are really instrumental in treating this disease by making you accountable for the procrastination, concentration, and organization issues.  I take adderall but the generic short acting med.  This works good for me so that I can control the ups and downs that this med can cause.  When I took the adderall XR, I felt lethargic and it just did not last long at all.  After 6 hours, I just wanted to sleep.  Now, I take 10 mg 4 times a day and it is really consistent.  It is also very inexpensive.  I only pay $20 for a 3 month supply.  My sons med cost him $120 every 3 months and he takes Vyvanse, which works for him.  

We all need to give support to each other as well.  God Bless

[Jldemers1]

yes the meds help. But don't think that they are a cure all. You Really need to read and understand it. I have had to go see a counselor with my wife together who specializes in ADD in adults and relationships. You really need to get your partner to understand this and help to point out the behaviors that you need to work on. It takes team work and understanding. I have been diagnosed from when I was a child. I am now 33 and I am now in college. I understand your challenges. I am on Adderall XR and that seems to help but it also causes some issues as well. Please read and research you can help yourself the most with knowledge.

[Sandman2]

   The sad thing is that girls with intelligence hardly ever get diagnosed with ADHD, its the boys running around the room that get the help.
   The very short answer is yes - if you have ADHD - medication will help.  It may take some trial and effort to get the medication dosage correct, but it will help your concentration.
   But there is the longer part.  Medication alone won't do it all.  You need to understand what ADHD is and how it affects you.  In short, you need to become an expert in it.  So start reading.  I think you will find it interesting.  Try to find non-biased material.  There are a lot of groups that for religious, cultural, etc. reasons don't believe that this scientifically proven condition exists, and their answers for it could scare you away from what could really help.
  You also should check with your college counselors.  ADHD is reason to get into special education and the college would then have to help you a little (like more time on tests).
  One last thing to think about.  You have gotten this far with out understanding why you were having the problems you had in school.  There is a lot you can do for yourself, now that you know what is going on.  There are study/test taking methods that will help. Use this new knowledge to help you overcome this disability.  By the way, I have seen posts on here from med school students with ADHD.  When you are bored, go back through some of the old posts and see what they have to say.  
   Good Luck.