Experiencing ADDvantages

Michael Phelps - Can We Drop the Politically Correct Crap?

I really don't love sports. Never watch the Olympics. Couldn't care less about swimming. In fact, if Michael Phelps didn't have ADD, I really wouldn't care about him at all. But since he is a successful ADDer, he's on my radar, and I feel compelled to comment on the recent media attention he's received over being caught smoking pot.

Everyone seems to be so busy being politically correct and going on record to condemn Michael Phelps' behavior that no one is saying what many of us are thinking. So what?

Michael Phelps smoked pot. So what?

Did you ever smoke pot? I did. Granted, I haven't touched the stuff since college, but I smoked here and there, and I turned out okay. I also drank, smoked cigarettes, and had sex. I made good choices, and I made bad choices. And I turned out alright. In fact, I turned out pretty damn good.

I don't think Michael Phelps is a drug addict. I do think he's made some poor choices. When you're a public figure and viewed as a role model, you certainly want to be careful about what you do and who you do it with. And when you drink, you should NEVER drive a car. (I personally find this inexcusable.) But perhaps Michael Phelps' biggest crime in this pot smoking fiasco is quite simply being guilty of some ADD impulsiveness.

Is Michael Phelps still an ADD role model? Absolutely. His successes cannot be taken away from him. And his recent actions might even provide an excellent opportunity for parents to talk to their kids about drugs and drinking and the consequences of a person's choices and actions.

Need further convincing? See what Saturday Night Live's Seth Myers has to say about it. I couldn't agree more.

Howie Mandel Has ADHD

Howie Mandel "came out of the closet" about having ADHD today! 

Howie teamed up with ADDA, CHADD, ACO, and Shire to create TV and radio Public Service Announcements, along with an informative website, AdultADHDisReal.com.

To see the PSA on TV, tune into the following national TV shows (check your local listings):

• Friday, October 17:  "Live with Regis and Kelly," "Access Hollywood," OK! Magazine, and "ABC News Now"
• Monday, October 27:  "Extra"
• Wednesday, October 29:  "Bonnie Hunt Show"
• Tuesday, February 12, 2009:  "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"

And here's some more info from the official press release:

NEW YORK, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Howie Mandel, host of Deal or No Deal and 2008 Emmy Nominee, is raising awareness about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults through the national multimedia public service announcement campaign Adult ADHD Is Real.  This campaign and its Web site, AdultADHDIsReal.com, have been developed by a coalition of groups dedicated to ADHD education and awareness and made possible by Shire.  As an adult living with ADHD, Howie will spread the word that ADHD is a real and treatable medical disorder and encourage adults who think they may have ADHD to seek diagnosis and evaluation.   

“When I was in high school, my impulsivity led me to all kinds of acts and pranks.  I had trouble sitting still and could hardly focus or pay attention in class.  It wasn’t until I was an adult that I was diagnosed with ADHD,” said Howie.  “I’m involved in the Adult ADHD Is Real campaign because I want adults to know that it’s never too late to seek help for ADHD.  I hope that sharing my story encourages people to seek help.  I didn’t let ADHD prevent me from achieving my goals and neither should anyone else.”

Many people may think of ADHD as a childhood disorder, but up to 65 percent of children with the disorder may still exhibit symptoms into adulthood.  In US adults aged 18 – 44 the disorder affects approximately 4.4 percent of this population based on results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, a nationally representative household survey, which used a lay-administered diagnostic interview to access a wide range of DSM-IV disorders.   When this percentage is extrapolated to the full US adult population, the disorder is estimated to affect approximately 10 million adults throughout the country.

“The symptoms of ADHD impact millions of adults at work, at home, and in relationships. The Adult ADHD Is Real campaign provides a much needed platform to educate people about the disorder,” said Lenard A. Adler, MD, Director of the Adult ADHD Program at NYU Langone Medical Center, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine, and author of Scattered Minds: Hope and Help for Adults with ADHD (G. P. Putnam’s Sons 2006).  “Although there is no cure for ADHD, there are treatment plans available that may help successfully manage ADHD symptoms.  It’s important to speak with a doctor if you think you may have the disorder.”

The multimedia campaign features Howie in television, radio, and print public service announcements.  Howie will also share more of his personal story about living with ADHD through the campaign’s Web site, AdultADHDIsReal.com.  The Web site provides additional information and resources for adults with ADHD, and encourages those who think they may have the disorder to take the adult ADHD self-screener and speak with their doctor.

AdultADHDIsReal.com also offers:

· Information about the symptoms of ADHD in adults and how they manifest differently in adults than in children
· Resources to help people choose a health care professional
· Links to view and listen to the public service announcements
· Links to coalition patient support groups for additional information and assistance in managing ADHD in adults.

The Adult ADHD Is Real campaign is supported by a group of organizations to raise awareness of ADHD in adults and encourage people who think they may have the disorder to take an ADHD self-screener and speak with their doctor.  These patient advocacy groups include the ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO), Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), and Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).  Shire also supports the campaign.

The leaders of the following organizations, ACO, ADDA, and CHADD, have joined together in making the following statement:  “It is imperative for the public to be aware that ADHD is a real disorder for those with ADHD, with potential consequences for adults with ADHD and everyone around them.  We commend Howie for sharing his story and hope that it empowers other adults who think they may have the disorder to seek out more information on ADHD by visiting AdultADHDIsReal.com.”

About The Coalition
The coalition for the Adult ADHD Is Real campaign consists of patient advocacy groups including ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO), Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), and Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).  The coalition is dedicated to raising awareness about ADHD in adults as a real and treatable medical disorder.  Shire also supports the campaign.

Adult ADD: Shame on Martha Stewart

In the first 2 minutes of this clip from her show, Martha Stewart tells Ludacris that he can't have ADD and write good music.

Wow! The "Domestic Diva" is misinformed about adult ADD. Just ask Justin Timberlake.

Stop Shoulding on the Golden Girls

Picture it: Estelle Getty, Sophia from The Golden Girls, died last month. Instead of honoring a beloved actress from a beloved show, the entertainment reporters and gossip bloggers focus on berating the remaining Golden Girls cast--Bea Arthur, Betty White, and Rue McClanahan--for not attending Estelle Getty's funeral.

It seems like everyone is shoulding on The Golden Girls. "It doesn't matter why they didn't go," everyone is saying. "They should have attended Estelle Getty's funeral!"

I hate shoulds. I hate feeling like I should do something. And I really hate it when people tell me what they think I should or shouldn't do. People who feel the need to should others all the time often have very poor self-awareness. They take out their own issues on those around them by shoulding people. I have quite a few Shoulders in my family, so it drives me a little extra nuts.

Each of the Golden Girls had their reasons for not attending the funeral, which they each felt compelled to share after the media barraged them. But who cares? Their reasons don't matter. And neither do their actions...because they live their own lives and we live ours.

If Betty White decides that it's not in her best interest to attend a funeral, then that's that. If Bea Arthur decides not to go to a family wedding, then so be it.

And if Blanch Deveraux (aka Rue McClanahan) decides that she wants to buy condoms in order to be prepared for vacation sex, then more power to her. I just hope that, by now, Blanche and Dorothy know that lambskin condoms aren't the safest form of protection. (And they are actually lamb skin. Ew!) And while were at it, who would have thought that Rose was a little kinky?

ADDers Are Out in Left Field

I came across an article recently that suggested ADD meds are major league baseball's "other drug epidemic." The implication is that baseball players--facing intense scrutiny over illegal steroids--are turning to Ritalin and other ADD meds to help them perform in the game.

I have no idea if this is actually the case, or if there really are more ADDers in baseball than in the general population.

However, I am certain of one thing: If you're an ADDer playing left field, then you sure as hell need something.

I played softball for a few years when I was a teenager. Aside from looking cute and athletic in my uniform and getting structured social time at the field twice a week, softball got real boring real quick.

I occasionally got to play second base (which always seemed like the suckiest infield position but, then again, I sucked at the game.) I could pay attention easily enough in the infield because that's where the action was. It's hard to miss a hit when your position has you staring directly at the batter.

But in the outfield, where I usually got stuck,...forget it. Left field, right field, center field--whatever. I may as well have been in China, because my mind was never on the game when I was playing in the outfield.

It wasn't uncommon for me to be completely unaware of a fly ball coming my way until I heard a chorus of people screaming "Jeeeennnn!" to alert me that if I didn't raise my glove, I might get bonked on the head.

Had I known about my ADD back then, I might have been a much better softball player. Or I might have realized that softball wasn't really my game. Either way, a psychostimulant would have been a welcome contribution to my game...unless you were routing for the opposing team.

Justin Timberlake Joins the Celebrity ADD List

Justin Timberlake recently sat down for an interview with Collider.com and shared some personal information. At the start of the interview, he began rearranging the tape recorders that were placed in front of him.

In response, the reported asked, "Do you have OCD?"

To which Justin answered, "I have OCD mixed with ADD, you try living with that."

Since this news broke a few days ago, I've seen a lot of criticism flung Justin's way. People seem to think that he's another celebrity jumping on the ADD bandwagon...almost as if it's fashionable to have ADD.

Maybe ADD chic is a trend in the millennium, kinda like the lesbian chic of the 90s. I guess possessing both traits makes me one hell of a cool chick. But I ADD-ily digress...

If Justin Timberlake does actually have ADD, then I'm not at all surprised. His creative talent, work in multiple disciplines, and likable, down-to-earth personality are certainly suggestive of positive ADD traits.

And while people have been rolling their eyes at his admission, I don't think Justin should be lumped in with other celebrities who claim to have ADD, like Paris Hilton. Unlike Paris, who used ADD as an excuse for her behavior, Justin is simply declaring that he has ADD. He makes no excuses and no judgments. He's a successful guy who's never gotten himself into any kind of serious trouble. Justin Timberlake could actually be considered an ADD role model.

Welcome aboard, Justin!

For Your Distraction: A Lost Theory

I'm highly distracted today because, well, it's just that kinda day! I've spent the last hour studying this incredible theory of the story that will be revealed on my absolute favorite obsession show, Lost.

Warning, only click through to that link if:

1. You live for Lost.
2. You have an hour to kill. (And I really do mean an hour to kill. If you're procrastinating on something important right now, save this distraction for another day!)
3. You actually want to read what could prove to be a major series spoiler.

If you meet the criteria above, then enjoy!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Josiah Leming Pulled One Over on American Idol

Okay, this has nothing to do with adult ADD, but I feel like blogging about it.

I don't watch American Idol. Sure I might catch some episodes when it gets down to a few people and everybody starts talking about it. But it's not on my regular viewing schedule of shows I tend to obsess over, like Lost (who the hell sent these new people?), The L-Word (yay Bette and Tina!), and Nip/Tuck (last week's episode when Christian "served up" his manhood was priceless).

I did happen to catch one American Idol show this week in which Josiah Leming performed Mika's "Grace Kelly." I instantly loved that kid. He did a great job with the song, had a nice personality, and he was a cutie to boot.

So I was very surprised today when I can across what seemed like a few hundred headlines about Josiah not making it to the final 24 Idol contestants. I decided to look him up and found his MySpace. It is filled with amazing demos of songs he wrote and performed himself. (I particularly enjoy "To Run.") They're really good...which leads me to believe that this kid is a genius.

I'm thinking he had a plan all along. Wow the judges, get lots of air time, and then purposely cause drama and screw up the final performance knowing you'll be booted. Pretend to cry a little, pretend that you'll have to go back to living in a car, and then shock the world when they Google you, find your MySpace, discover you're actually more talented than anyone on American Idol, and get signed to a major label.

American Idol contracts are notorious for screwing the artist, and so many of their careers never get off the ground, so why bother? Why not use the show to get publicity and then cash in with a better deal? Trust me, this kid knew what he was doing...and I love it!

I hope to hear you on the radio soon, Josiah.

Emotional Sensitivity: Heath Ledger's Death

In response to recent post Mama Drama, Donna wrote:

I have really felt a tremendous sadness over Heath's death. It reminds me of your post about the Lifetime movies. I think it's because some of the things I've read about him reminded me of how I have felt in the past.

I also felt sad about Heath Ledger's passing. Whether his death was intentional or accidental, it's always sad to see someone die before their time...especially when that person has a young child.

As highly sensitive ADDers, we have to remember that while it's okay to feel sad about such things, it's not healthy to get caught up in them.

The media focus on this story last week was over the top. You couldn't escape the coverage without turning off the TV...and that's exactly what many of us had to do. When you're sensitive to emotional stimulus, it's sometimes better to filter it out altogether.

As Donna said, sometimes the sadness is sparked by a sense of empathy that reminds us of our own struggles. This might indicate that there are some past issues that still need to be worked through.
Talking or journaling about your feelings can be really helpful. Psychotherapy is also a good option if the feelings persist.

Did YOU find yourself feeling a little too sad or weepy over Heath Ledger's death? How did you handle it?

Dr. Phil Dismisses ADD

Posted by Sharon Howell, ADD Management Group Coach

I know that most people either love or hate Dr. Phil. I like him very much, except for the fact that he apparently feels that ADD either does not exist or it is no big deal.

I was watching his show last week about a woman who could not stop talking and wanted help. As they showed the clips of her talking to people without taking a breath, she acknowledged that she often had conversations that got so much off track that she would forget the original point. Sitting on the stage she seemed ready to burst, while obviously trying very hard not to ramble. I, as a coach, certainly wondered if she has some level of ADD.

Well, as the conversation continued she stated that she did have ADD and Dr. Phil told her that he did not believe that she did! He completely dismissed that she might benefit by looking into her ADD issues to see if she could find any help for her motor mouth.

I am really concerned when someone with his reputation, but obviously little knowledge of ADD, dismisses it on TV.

I would like to write a letter to Dr. Phil about ADD and his attitude, but I have yet to come up with the words that could actually make him stop and think. This is one area where I feel he does not know what he is talking about. Maybe several letters from concerned viewers would make him see the light and change his tune?!

What do you think about Dr. Phil and his attitude on ADD? Please share your thoughts.