I think the message is: don't "abuse" drugs and don't do "illegal" drugs. There are many good, safe drugs and medications that when used properly have been lifesavers for people.

As for curing ADD the natural way.... ADD has to do with a complex chemical reaction in the brain. Without going into too much detail the ADD brain to function properly needs to be stimulated and that is what the meds do. They help with focus, impluse control and hyperactivity and organizing. The brain's pre-frontal cortex is what is impacted by ADD. The meds are safe and don't cause addiction when used as prescribed. It's like taking insulin for diabetes. You can't just naturally treat it to go away in the majority of cases.

You sound very angry and I'm sorry. I know how frustrating ADD can be for you and others around you. I would hope a good therapist could help you find peace with it.

Good luck
TN

Hi Somebody,

I know how tough it can be when meds are dropped into the conversation. I have been there myself. I've also been through the tedium of having to give several different meds a try to find the right one to work.

That said, I think it should be noted that I am on meds, and they are a tremendous help.

Like TN said, when you need meds for something such as ADD (which I have) that means your brain isn't processing a specific chemical. Taking ADD meds balances things out.

Think about it. Would you tell someone with diabetes that meds are a quick fix? That they should try the natural way? Probably not. What about someone wearing glasses? Are they a quick fix?

The reality is that everyone's brains and bodies work differently. Without glasses, I'm nearly blind. With my glasses, I can see as well as everyone else. Someone with diabetes needs insulin for their body to be in the "typical" range. It's the same with psychiatric meds. Without them, some people's brains don't function in the "typical" range. With meds, brain chemistry is balanced and things are a lot lighter!

As an aside, I did the "no meds" thing for a long time. It got to the point where my T and I agreed that getting on meds would help the work that we were doing, because without meds, it was fighting an unfair fight.

Hi Somebody,
I understand where you are coming from. I had the same feelings when my therapist first suggested meds for depression. I fought and fought and fought it b/c I too, wanted to resolve it the natural way. Well, as I eventually learned, depression can be circumstantial or it can be chemical. If it's circumstantial, then it makes sense to try and resolve it without medication. I unfortunatley, have a chemical inbalance in by brain. The meds fix it so that my therapy can be effective. Just as Room2Grow said, you wouldn't expect a diabetic to go without insulin. Its the same way for mental health inbalances. It is nothing to be afraid of or feel badly about. It can help you to feel better so you can function better and feel happier.
Hang in there,

Somebody
As KMay just said so well; if the cause of the
depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain,
as it is in my case also, then the meds are
necessary and allow the natural talking therapy
to work so much better. I couldn't be without
either treatment.
FWIW, my T has the same chemical imbalance in
her brain, and with all of her resources of
inner self help she relies on her meds too.
Its nothing to be afraid of or ashamed of.

(((somebody)))

Don't take them if you don't want to.

It may take some looking (and money) but I'm pretty sure you could find professionals who would be willing to work with you on managing your symptoms without meds if that is your goal.

I have a friend whose son is "diagnosed" ADHD. His symptoms were really out of control, but they are managing them with some strict dietary and lifestyle changes. No sugar, no caffeine, a very calm and consistent environment, drastically limited television and video game consumption, and I don't know what all else. It's taken a lot of effort and commitment, but he is doing much better, and she is pleased.

I know anecdotal second hand evidence from a stranger on the internet is not worth much, but such as I have give I thee.

Not all therapists subscribe to the chemical imbalance theory of causation. Dr. Joseph Burgo, at afterpsychotherapy.com has even said in his opinion ADD is a defense mechanism. You may find it interesting to read some of his posts, especially under the "medicalization of mental health" category.

You probably already know this, but there is no empirical testing or measuring of chemical imbalances for ADD, depression, or other mental health problems. These imbalances are theorized based on knowledge of the relations between brain chemistry and mood and the fact that many people do improve a lot with medication. People are diagnosed based on their symptoms and complaints, so the situation is not quite the same as diabetes or high blood pressure, that have established, reliable, medical testing before diagnosis is made.

I'm not saying this to knock meds or people who choose to take them at all, more just hoping to empower you with the idea that there are other options and perspectives out there that might be worth researching. Maybe you will end up deciding meds are right for you. I just don't like to see people bullied or dismissed into taking them.

I just read over this thread to see what others have to say on the subject. I wondered if my "anxiety/depression" which looking back began around the age of 7 to 9 years old is/has caused what I think is ADD. Now I have a diagnosis as of today of ADHD...without the H and once I get a prescription it will be interesting to gauge the differences with and without medication. Side effects and all. Addiction possibly to the meds. I still wonder if it's simply from having been made to feel "stupid" as a kid that created doubt and self-esteem issues that led/leads me to thinking what this truly is. If I can keep track of feelings now versus feelings then and is it worth it to take meds or keep working at the other stuff? Tradeoffs and such. Well just thinking out loud after reading here and hearing what the T that tested me says about ADHD and all this stuff...it's neurological and all. Will I even care if the meds make enough difference without terrible consequences? I guess I will try to keep track and be my own experiment if I can focus long enough to keep it all straight LOL. Good to be able to read here before venturing off into this because I can consider all sides since everyone had a little to contribute and I guess it will be in experience and which side sways me more to what beliefs I will have. Sorry if I am thinking out loud...a place to go back and read my thoughts and anyone who wishes to discuss it more. Thanks for a place to think out loud.

Hi IrishGirl,
Thanks for responding and sharing your experiences. Currently taking Lexapro and Welbutrin...I'm not sure how things are working with each one lately and what they're helping with so either it's subtle or else I've forgotten how I used to feel. The T that gave me the diagnosis today is going to consult with the P who prescribes for me to change my meds at my next scheduled P appt. so I probably won't know if there's a difference until I change. He will likely suggest to drop the Welbutrin, keep the Lexapro and add Adderall or Ritalin if I understood what I think he was saying. I believe I read about one called Vyvanse or something that one of the members wrote about once and made a difference for them.

I didn't know stimulants were the first anti-depressants but that does make sense in my case though since I do not have the hyperactivity part and I am more the opposite and need a stimulant.

Yeah I do think it's likely to always be a trial and error thing and even then when something seems to work one could become immune to the one they're on and have to go in a different direction.

Thanks for responding...I've learned something new from you.