My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

ADD / ADHD Community

Includes Expert Content

Reply: Depression

ADHD has a high prevalence in my family; all of my nuclear family has now been diagnosed...

Posted by nischmidt

ADHD has a high prevalence in my family; all of my nuclear family has now been diagnosed with ADHD symptoms, but as of 5 years ago, my younger brother was the only person with disruptive behavior and, as such, at 12 he was the only one diagnosed and medicated. Though this seems positive, the message he received when medicated was, "there is something wrong with you and you need this medicine to fix it." Most 12 year olds do not have the coping skills to deal with this, especially when ADHD intensifies emotions. He is struggling with self-worth issues at the moment, and he is 17.

In contrast, I went through high school with undiagnosed ADHD, and though it was difficult, I never once felt that there was something wrong with me. Different maybe, but not wrong.

Because my self worth was never challenged, I believe, I could push through what were often excruciatingly difficult situations because I thought I could. I graduated in the top 10% of my high school; I went to an incredibly prestigious college, and am now a teaching fellow in a very very competitive program. I have been identified by many as a "high achiever."

I have esteem issues, as most people with disorders do, but the fact that I recognized my difficulties as an adult and sought my own diagnosis and treatment makes medication and therapy empowering. I finally have answers to why many activities were so hard growing up.

I do not think I would have done well if I had been "diagnosed" (or told that I needed medication) when I was younger. Children with ADHD receive messages louder and often in different ways than we may intend to send them.

Teach your child the skills that will lead them to success. Give them organization systems (which I learned from friends when I got to college; during the tough times, I wrote the directions to simple tasks like getting ready in the morning or how to take notes on lists and posted them to the front of doors and folders so I would see them when I did that task). Teach them to use their watch; teach them the purpose for the computer and how it can be beneficial but also very destructive to productivity.

And be honest, many things will be more difficult for them than others, but with ADHD they have an unrestricted flow of creative ideas, something very very few people have. Many successful people are successful because of this disorder including the CEO of JetBlue airlines (he's written many articles on the subject). Many historical artists, including a large quantity of poets, painters and sculptors couldn't have completed what they did without the "hyperfocus" that comes with ADHD.View Thread

Posted bynischmidt

50 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Depression ADHD has a high prevalence in my family; all of my nuclear family has now been diagnosed...

See Related Mental Health Communities

See All Communities

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.

Other ADD/ADHD Information

ADD & ADHD Health Center
Parenting Elementary Ages Member Community Get Support From Members Like You!
Parenting Preteens & Teenagers Member Community Get Support From Members Like You!

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.