Posted by banga on December 15, 2004, at 18:23:39
In reply to Re: Adderall, posted by Bill LL on December 15, 2004, at 9:23:38
I have understood that although Adderall can have addictive potential, it is in fact a very very low dose of amphetamines--using the street drug version is a different ballgame.
As always, I feel the truth lies somewhere in between RE: assessment and diagosis of ADHD. It is prudent to do a general assessment and history-taking to get an idea whether ADHD is a plausible diagnosis. BUT there are several problems--not everyone has the classical ADHD symptoms (bad grades, etc). And if you are of average or above average IQ, you learn to compensate quite well--thus the use of testing for adult ADD may not be reliable.
I would say that if the doctor is mindful of the drug's usual uses and risks; and if the patient is mindful in taking it as prescribed and notes any inclinations to abuse the drug, it should be OK.
I myself am in the midst of now considering a diagnosis of ADHD (inattentive type) for the first time of my life---and may be trying Adderall as early as next week. I am scheduled for assessment and testing in several months, but waiting so long for something that may help is not logical. And testing may be compromised for me due to apparent compensation and having administered various IQ and other tests myself (I am almost a psychologist), the reuslts would be of questionable validity.
I have a make it or break it situation with a dissertation--if I dont finish it in the next months, goodbye PhD and goodbye ten years of investment to get to this point.
poster:banga
thread:429706
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041211/msgs/430044.html