My first attempt at college was quite a failure in large part because my ADHD was undiagnosed. They weren't diagnosing ADHD when I was in college. Later in life, having been diagnosed, I was able to complete technical school.

Only recently, after adjusting my meds to a much higher level and receiving coaching do I feel that I could navigate college successfully. After failing college, I first need some successful experiences and some confidence that I have the tools and support I need to succeed before I go back.

For me, it was first things first. I got a coach to help me get the right meds (working with my doctor) and examine my behavior. The right doctor was willing to work with my coach and was willing to try various medications and medication levels. Once those were in place, possibilities started to open rather quickly.

Other doctors I've had simply wanted to write prescriptions. I wasted far too much time with these doctors.

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Dexedrine may not be for you, or the dose is too high. Consult with your doctor.

The school environment is probably the most difficult place to adapt fork someone with ADHD, especially if the H component is off the charts. Sitting at a desk and listening to a lecture is not my cup of tea. I do not know your educational goals, but the best friend for someone with ADHD and school issues has been interactiv elearning over the Internet. Moreover, many subjects can be learned at your own pace and at the times when you are at peak focus.

Keith

http://www.adhd-information-exchange.com

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The earlier posts offer good advice--keep working on your medications, although I know some adults who never really find the right combination. I'll say this about school--I recently completed my second master's degree--a seminary degree that took my five and a half years to complete (working at the same time). I almost went crazy with the unrelenting nature, but managed to just take one semester at a time. My advice on school is to give yourself permission to do things your way. Just because the professor says you have to learn something his/her way, doesn't mean that's going to work for you. Let your professors know about your diagnosis, but don't expect much help. College/university professors are even worse than grade school and high school teachers about understanding this diagnosis--but if you have a diagnosis, they have to give you the things you need--extra time, readers, even different ways of being evaluated are your right. Use auditory learning, computer programs, whatever works for you.

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I'm almost done with my second year of college and it's been a very, very slow process for me because I wasn't diagnosed with ADHD until very recently. I have had "the talk" with my professors and pretty much said, "Hey I'm having trouble in your class, what can I do?" without pretty much saying, "IM GOING CRAZY!" I would always sit in class but could never pay attention. I would reccomend taking some kind of "study skills" classes, or talking to a student support office at your college because they can help students that are feeling overwhelmed, with or without a mental diagnosis. I've had to do a lot of my own searching for aid in helping me finish school. I'm finally on ADHD medication and I can tell my focus and changed dramatically. Just be patient.

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I'm almost done with my second year of college and it's been a very, very slow process for me because I wasn't diagnosed with ADHD until very recently. I have had "the talk" with my professors and pretty much said, "Hey I'm having trouble in your class, what can I do?" without pretty much saying, "IM GOING CRAZY!" I would always sit in class but could never pay attention. I would reccomend taking some kind of "study skills" classes, or talking to a student support office at your college because they can help students that are feeling overwhelmed, with or without a mental diagnosis. I've had to do a lot of my own searching for aid in helping me finish school. I'm finally on ADHD medication and I can tell my focus and changed dramatically. Just be patient.

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A couple of years ago I went back to college (again). I tried to tell myself things would be different this time because I’m an “adult” and can handle the responsibility of college much better than the last few tries. Well, not only did nothing change, but my hyperactivity, inability to focus, etc got worse! I finally realized I’m not in control and can no longer ignore what I had suspected for a long time and found a psychiatrist that specialized in Adult ADD. He prescribed a low dosage of Vyvanse (30mg), which I started 3 days ago.

The impulsive cravings for sweets, fast foods, carbs, and the emotional overeating has practically disappeared. I don’t feel a constant need to get up and move, far less inclined or interested in the stimulation from TV, and my mind is "quiet and calm". It doesn't feel like a high speed motor with the constant daydreaming and wondering off. Energy level, anxiety, and sleep habits have all improved. As far as my problems related to studying, being able to focus and manage my time it’s been better. I can tell that "I'm there" during a class. It doesn’t seem to take as much time or energy to get started on assignments. I’m still keeping an eye on improvement in this area. The affect last about 10-12 hours, and I can tell when it’s wearing off.

Vyvanse definitely seems to be helping, and except for mild dry mouth no other physical side effects. I hope to be able to stay where I am dosage wise and continue to see improvements.

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Hi! I'm 20 and about to finish my second year on medicine school (well actually the 3th but you know ADD). I was diagnosed at 18 when I was falling at two subjects on my first year at school. I never had any problems school related before, except that I talked a lot and had a little difficulty with spelling. But in general my grades used to be very good specially on science. When I started at med school I found out that I couldn't stand the whole classes awake or attentive. And I really was getting awful grades. When the second semester started I asked for an appointment with my school psychiatry. The diagnose was easy and the wrote test laugh at me on my face. It had a question about me reading instructions before starting to answer test... and guess what? I hadn't read the instructions for the test. Anyway I started medication and It's working wonderfully. The worst part is always coming back from vacations or getting my self to study on long weekends or holidays. I can recommend you to search for your best medication on vacations because is when you can experiment without damage to your grades. And always keep trying because the worst part is when you get depressed. I usually go out with some of the other ADD students (never study with them just hang out) or go to them when I need help with a subject (some of them are in higher levels). I really hope you don't give up. If I can help or you need someone to talk to just send me a message (to anyone who like to have a rambling med student as friend too). Bye

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I'm struggling tremendously with it and have been for....well, forever. I'm 33 and started my first semester when I was 18. Since then, I have been in and out repeatedly....the only consistency with college is my inconsistency. I do fabulous for a semester and the next, I screw everything up completely. I thought the pattern was broken, but it apparently is not. The only difference is, this time I am determined to fix things and make it work.

Right now I am SO frustrated and disgusted with myself...I can't believe I did this again. I swore this time would be different. I've grown a lot since my last round of college, but apparently not enough. :-( (I put adults in quotations because I am sooooo not what people think of when they think "adult".)

I'd absolutely love to talk to other people who understand what it's like to spend ...sometimes literally...ten X's the time and energy to accomplish the same tasks as the average student. People who know how it feels when you seem to spend your life running on ice, never quite getting traction.

I take meds, but the problem now is that I never learned the skills I needed to begin with. I cannot organize anything...not time or thoughts or space. Structure is impossible.

One good resource I'd like to share is a book called Learning Outside the Lines. It's probably the most helpful and understanding book I've read on adult ADD. (Now, if only I could start applying what it has taught me!) It really has some useful tips and it's written by 2 guys who somehow managed to graduate from Brown (to both of their surprise).

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