posted January 28, 2009 09:00 PM         

To my question- Someone once told me that I should get checked to see if I have ADHD because of several reasons and bc my insurance is a little wacky right now I thought of you!!! Can you tell me if i do or don't? Or I might?

I don't want to post my chart until i know exactly what you need so let me know if you need astroids or for me to stand on my head and count to ten or something

posted January 28, 2009 11:38 PM           

Do you have those symptoms?

Is your ability to focus and stay on task impared in some way?

What I mean to say, is do you have difficulty with that to the point it is effecting your life, work ect...

posted January 29, 2009 12:09 AM           

just make an appointment with a good pyschiatrist and they will be able to test you and put you on the appropiate medications.

Your insurance should have no problems with you going to a mental health professional.

If insurance is a problem the local Health dept will has mental health professionals that can help you and the cost is reasonable.

However, watch the meds they put you on
insurance covers some but the cost for this type of med can be expensive.

posted January 29, 2009 01:49 AM         

I don't believe that ADHD is really a disorder that needs to be medicated. I really stressed this a lot. That's one of my purposes of being a neurodiversity advocate to help raise awareness of not only neurodivergent conditions but that they also have strengths and it's not just about weaknesses. I am very bothered by all the children that are being medicated because they don't fit inside the box. That could have been me if I was a child in the 1990's/2000's.

Also ADHD is not necessarily an attention deficit. It's an attention inconsistency. That's what the authors of DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION,Psychiatrists Dr. John Ratey and Ed HallOwell said. They both have ADHD. It's like the person with ADHD has problems with paying attention to things that he/she doesn't like, but he/she can hyperfocus on things that he/she do like. ADHDers are said to pay attention to everything around them. They can be highly distractible in that way. Psychiatrists said that it has something to do with unusual Dopamine levels. Also ADHDers tend to be rightbrain oriented,and so they are nonlinear type thinkers that might even be picture thinkers especially if they have Dyslexia. ADHD and Dyslexia tend to have high comorbidity with each other. That's the same with Dyspraxia. They share Omega 3 fatty acid deficiencies in common, and so fish oil/cod liver oil can be used to help minimize ADHD,Dyslexia,Dyspraxia issues....especially if there is hypersensitivity. Sensory integration issues are common in neurodivergent conditions in general. They are said to extremely sensitive to environmental influences. Therefore, flourescent lights are actually bad for neurodivergent people.

There is a novelty seeking gene called DRD4 7R,and it is found to be connected to approximately half of ADHD cases. It is said to be a gene dated back between 10,000 and 40,000 years ago thate helped humans thrive and survive in hunting-gathering societies. ADHD traits and Hunter traits are pretty much one and and the same. These same traits are liabilities in mainstream educational institutions that tend to focus on auditory sequential teaching methods which aren't suitable for the ADHD/Hunter type. Waldorf and Montessori type school settings are more appropriate with their emphasis on multisensory teaching methods,encouraging the use of creative and artistic strengths,and independent thought.

New Agers tend to see ADHD in a metaphysical way,and call it Indigo. I have read the book about the Indigos. From all I read, there is nothing that separates Indigos from neurodivergents except for the metaphysical abilities that many neurodivergents would keep to themselves. Many neurodivergents are metaphysically regardless of their age.

I have a neurodiversity blog to help raise awareness about neurodivergence.
here is some stuff on ADHD http://people.tribe.net/4b0cf8c4-1fc3-4171-92d3-b0915985bf95/blog/fc67cc cf-5577-446f-98be-4672bc9fdf0e
http://people.tribe.net/4b0cf8c4-1fc3-4171-92d3-b0915985bf95/blog/55f12a ef-1155-479f-b680-fd574736dfee

Tomorrow, I am starting ASTROLOGY OF NEURODIVERGENTS (AKA INDIGO,CRYSTAL) tribe. This will be a community for neurodivergents and people who have loved ones that are neurodivergents. There will be topics that are related to neurodivergence. Charts of neurodivergents will be discussed with the exploration of possible neurodivergent indicators. There will be information,resources given. People will get help including getting their charts read for insights into their neurodivergence...not just their weaknesses but their strengths.

I have a neurodivergent astrological indicator layout plan http://astronuts.tribe.net/thread/11fbfaad-8989-4af3-8737-954abe7c4704

My Jan 31 lunar return ended,and my current lunar return period started today. Therefore,I have returned.

posted January 29, 2009 05:30 AM         

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Related To Advantageous Gene

ScienceDaily (Jan. 9, 2002) — Irvine, Calif., Jan. 8, 2002 -- A variant form of a gene associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) indicates that the disorder is a recent affliction and may once have helped humans thrive and survive, according to a UCI College of Medicine study. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/01/020109074512.htm

ScienceDaily (June 10, 2008) — A propensity for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might be beneficial to a group of Kenyan nomads, according to new research. Scientists have shown that an ADHD-associated version of the gene DRD4 is associated with better health in nomadic tribesmen, and yet may cause malnourishment in their settled cousins. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080609195604.htm http://www.slate.com/id/2193472/

The gene that wouldn't sit still
Classroom fidgets and epic migrations may share a common genetic root http://www.usnews.com/usnews/culture/articles/020819/archive_022328.htm

Strengths of ADHD http://www.ehow.com/video_4400844_adult-adhd-strengths.html

Positive Aspects of AD/HD

The Positive Aspects of AD/HD

Most descriptions of AD/HD focus on the negative aspects and neglect to mention the advantages to having AD/HD. They include:

* Creativity
* High Energy
* Intuitiveness
* Resourcefulness
* Tenacity
* Warm-heartedness
* Trusting Attitude (sometimes too much so)
* Forgiving attitude (sometimes too much so)
* Sensitivity
* Ability to take risks (sometimes too risky)
* Flexibility
* Loyalty
* Good sense of humor

Not all persons with AD/HD have all these traits, but to the extent that there is such a thing as the AD/HD personality this list of positive qualities describes the advantageous side of the AD/HD personality. It should be noted that the problems AD/HD causes can be so severe that these positive qualities never gain full expression or recognition. http://www.drhallowell.com/resources/articles/positive_aspects.html

Gifts of ADHD http://add.about.com/od/livingwithadhd/a/celebrateADHD.htm

Here is stuff about 50 conditions that mimic ADHD http://www.incrediblehorizons.com/mimic-adhd.htm

Here is stuff on Indigo/Crystal http://www.newagejournal.com/indigo-crystal-children.htm http://www.indigochildrennow.com/about_indigo.html

Here is a critical view of Indigo/Crystal. I actually agree with a lot of it. I don't think that Indigo/Crystal label is necessary. I actually prefer the DRD4 7R gene and the hunter-gatherer view of ADHD which seems to be very logical and science supports it. Dr. Ned Hallowell listed positive traits of AD/HD too. Therefore,it's not only New Agers that view ADHD as having positive characteristics.

http://www.skepticreport.com/newage/indigoblues.htm http://www.cinemind.com/atwater/IndigoFF.html

posted January 29, 2009 10:09 AM           

If we had not put our son on medication he would have failed school.

He cannot focus and stay on task

The actual purpose of the medication is to only help the child, adult to focus and stay on task until they are able to accomplish those abilities on thier own without medication.

posted January 29, 2009 02:22 PM         

I don't see us as being disordered.

The findings of DRD4 7R gene seem to contradict ADHD as a disorder. I think that it really depends on how ADHD is used and the environment that the ADHDer is in. The same trait was useful for hunting,gathering,traveling,exploring,inventing,art,
creativity,sports,

it's more about the nonlinear nonconformist that don't fit with auditory sequential teachings,linear,routine things

The mainstream classrooms aren't suitable for us. Montessori,Waldorf Schools which focus on multisensory teaching methods are suitable for us. Homeschool is another option. Thomas Edison was homeschooled by his mother after being kicked out of school.

flouresent lights aren't good for us neurodivergents that tend to be extremely sensitive to environment. Those types of lights are pretty much in every mainstream building....especially in schools and offices. I was in the navy,and I hated those lights on the ships.

Thom Hartmann believes that ADHD well suits a person to live in a hunting-gathering world, but that it puts them at a disadvantage in a farming or industrial world. He wrote "For the first two hundred thousand years of human history, ADHDers ruled the world, but now that over 98 percent of the world's population lives in an industrial or developing industrial world, ADHD has become a disadvantage --- unless you're one of those who has learned how reinvent your life to work with,instead of against, your neurological difference."

He believed that ADHDers and Hunters are one and the same. He believes that ADHD traits are hunter-gatherer traits. He believe that the "normal" people who are good with routine,order,obedience,conventional are the farmer types.

A New View of ADHD,
Not as a Disorder but as a natural adaptive trait page 73 from Thom Hartmann's Complete Guide to ADHD

1.Trait As It Appears In the Disorder View
2. How It Appears In The Hunter View
3. Opposite Farmer Trait

1. Distractible
2.Constantly monitoring their environment
3. Not easily distracted from the task at hand

1. Attention span is short,but can become intensely focused for long periods of time
2. Able to throw themselves into the chase on a moment's notice
3. Able to sustain a steady, dependable effort

1. Poor planner: disorganized and impulsive (makes snap decisions)
2. Flexible;ready to change strategy quickly.
3. Organized,purposeful. They have a long-term strategy and they stick to it.

1. Distorted sense of time: unaware of how long it will take to do something
2. Tireless: capable of sustained drives,but only when hot on the trail of some goal.
3. Conscious of time and timing. They get things done in time,pace themselves,have good staying power.

1. Impatient
2. Results oriented. Acutely aware of whether the goal is getting closer now.
3. Patient. Aware that good things take time; willing to wait.

1. Doesn't convert words into concepts adeptly, and vice versa. May or may not have a reading disability.
2. Visual/concrete thinker, clearly seeing a tangible goal even if there are no words for it.
3. Much better able to seek goals that aren't easy to see at the moment.

1. Has difficulty following directions.
2. Independent.
3. Team player.

1. Daydreamer.
2. Bored by mundane tasks; enjoys new ideas, excitement, the hunt, being hot on the trail.
3. Focused. Good at follow-through, tending to details,taking care of business.

1. Acts without considering the consequences.
2. Willing and able to take risks and face danger.
3. Careful, look before you leap.

1. Lacking in the social graces.
2. No time for niceties when there are decisions to be made!
3. Nurturing; creates and supports community values; attuned to whetheer something will last.

Thom Hartmann's views have been confirmed by the discovery of the DRD4 7R Gene too. It is a novelty seeking gene connected approximately half of ADD cases. It is an advantageous gene dated back between 10,000 to 40,000 years ago that helped humans thrive and survive.

I don't believe in medication for something that I don't believe is a disorder but is a variation of the human condition just like I believe the same about Dyslexia,Dyspraxia,Aspergers,and Autism. That's why I believe in and support the neurodiversity movement. I don't believe my fellow Dyslexics,Dypraxics,ADHDers nor do I believe that Aspergers nor Autistics are disordered.
I had severe Dyslexia,Dyspraxia in early childhood to the point that I was misplaced in a special education class with the mentally retarded in 1st grade. If it wasn't for auditory therapy,speech therapy,phonics,and motor skills therapy, I'd still be autistic-like. I don't see myself as defective nor do many other neurodivergents. That's why we believe in the concept of neurodiversity.

There are other ways to treat ADHD in regards to its weaknesses

Nutrition is a big one

Physiological Risk Factores of ADHD with Authors of Published Articles
from the book, ADD and ADHD Complementary Medicine Solutions by Charles Gant MD, PhD

1. Food and Additive Allergies and Sensitivities
2. Heavy and Toxic Metal Toxicity
3. Low-Protein,High-Carbohydrate Diet
4. Mineral Imbalances
5. Essential Fatty Acid and Phospholid Deficiencies
6. Amino Acid Deficiencies
7. Thyroid Disorders
8. B Vitamin Deficiencies

Better nutrition can help decrease ADHD weaknesses..especially. Omega 3 fatty acids can be used like Cod liver oil/fish oil, and Essential Fatty acids is listed.
I take a multivitamin with strong Vitamin B complex and cod liver/fish oil. Cutting down on sugar can decrease ADHD weaknesses. Sugar is a carbohydrates,and high carbohydrates and low protein is listed. I cut down on sugar quite a bit,and I dropped junkfood/sweets,sodas. The result of all those things help me be less hypersensitive with a less hyperactive mind.

Creativity/Artistic outlet,Sports/Physical Activity can be good outlet for ADHD.

Meditation can be good for ADHD as it helps calm the hyperactive mind. http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/health&id=4104956

Biofeedback,Neurofeedback has helped with ADHD. http://www.eeginfo.com/neurofeedback-videos-media.htm
I have a biofeedback game called Journey to Wild Divine http://www.wilddivine.com/biofeedback-meditation-products.html

audo-visual stimulator machines can be good too. I have one called The Proteus. http://www.mindmodulations.com/prodprot.html

even music can be good. I cut down listening to techno and other fast tempo type music. I listen mainly to New Age,meditation,classical music...in the morning and at night.

There are herbs that have been used for ADHD too:
Ginkgo Biloba, Scuttelaria (also known as Skullcap), German Chamomile, Gotu Kola, Avena Sativa (Oatstraw), Rooibos, Lemon Balm, Valerian, Lobelia, and Hawthorn. http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/ADHD.html

Discipline and structure are of course ways to deal with ADHD too.

Ronald D. Davis,writer of GIFT OF DYSLEXIA and founder of international Davis Dyslexia Organization. He has a drug free approach to treat ADHD issues and he recognizes ADHD strengths http://davisdyslexia.com/add-adhd.html

So there are many ways to deal with ADHD....how effective they are really depends on the person. ADHDers can have other things that make their ADHD more complexed like other neurodivergences like Dyslexia,Dyspraxia,Aspergers,Autism as well as mental illness like Bipolar,Depression,and Anxiety.

I wish neurotypical people would stop seeing us neurodivergent people as disordered,defective,and need to be fixed because that's not us. Homosexuals used to be thought of as disordered,defective,and need to be fixed. Homosexuality was listed as a disorder in the Diagnostic Statistical Manuals at one time,and it's not listed in the DSM now. Homosexuality is not a disorder. It's variation of the human condition. I believe the same about neurodivergence. I am starting to feel that way about sex hormonal divergence. I am sex hormonal divergent myself in that I have high levels of estrogen and lower levels of testosterone. It's prenatal forI have the very feminine finger ratios of index fingers longer than ring fingers. For awhile,I thought it was something wrong. Now I realized that it's not. My strong feminine traits are a plus in that I feel that it helps me relate and get along with females,very sensitive,and believe in gender equality and women's rights,and be a feminist. Because I have been mistaken for gay and giving a hard time like being called gay slurs, it help me believe in sexual orientation equality and gay rights.

Also research studies show that many male scientists actually have long index fingers high estrogen levels which lead to strong visual spatial skills can can be used for science.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-10/bis-aft102004.php

any ways.....I don't believe that ADHD nor any other of the other neurodivergent conditions are disorders. I will be glad that society will believe that too. That's why I am a neurodiversity advocate.

I even believe that my Dyslexia,Dyspraxia,ADHD strengths are strongly linked to my overall gifts in Astrology,massage, swimming,running,poetry,creative writing,and dancing as well as psychology,mythology. Special education therapies gave me the tools to help develop my gifts. My special education experiences taught me humility,to believe in equality/diversity,and most of all treat others like I want to be treated - a fellow human being with a soul.

I have an uncle named Eddie,and he is 11 years older than me. He's 48 years old. My stepgrandmother told me that he was recommended to put him on medication because of his hyperactivity. She refused because she didn't want the drugs to mess up his brain. She said that she's hyperactive,and so was my grandfather. Therefore,she didn't believe that he should be medicated. My uncle is an accountant.

The medications have side effects. There is news release about hallucinations can be connected to ADHD medications http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20090127/hl_hsn/hallucinationsareraresideeffectsofadh dmedications

posted January 29, 2009 04:34 PM         

I didn't get to read all of your last post and follow your links (but will soon) but holy french toast did those lists ring true. I have always hated florescent lights, they give me a headache within five minutes in a room with them. Lighting really affects me, for example I need a lot of it, i especially like natural lights and have always been a fan of large windows. When studying or reading or even at the comp I need a lot of light or at least need to take frequent breaks if at the computer.

Until it was brought to my attention I realized that I can not sit or stand still. I need to always move.

Same with school. I can read and write well, actually I was usually more advanced there than other students (thats the only bill I don't fit) but it was always because i was interested in learning (which i have learned is a part of how my mercury is aspected). I can focus for long periods of time when reading a book and get so involved i shut the world around me off. Like you said, Glaucus, with things I'm interested in. I almost got kicked out of college because i failed class in which i wasn't interested in or at least as interested as I thought. I went back and took classes I wanted and ignored what my parents told me i should do and did a 180. I got three A-'s and a B+ which I am very proud of because I now know I am not a lost cause lol.

In regards to the 3 things above I realized that being in situations where those aren't being met I can get severely depressed.

I also daydream a lot and always sit next to a window on the bus or train, in fact I'm sitting on next to one now.

And my intention of knowing whether or not I had ADHD was not to get medication, I already know a few natural ways to alleviate my inattentiveness, like the Omega-3 like you mentioned, it was more of a need for self-knowledge. How can I be happy and healthy if I don't know myself?

If you feel like offering more insight and would like to look at my chart feel free to ask and tell me what you need.

and Thank You very much for being back...I've been waiting to ask this.

posted January 29, 2009 07:00 PM         

There are 3 books that I recommend
2 of them are books by Thom Hartmann that discusses ADHD as an adaptive hunter-gatherer trait. Reading Thom Hartmann's books are the main reason that I don't believe ADHD is a disorder that needs to be medicated,and I never looked back on that.
I never believed in the Indigo concept which is the metaphysical view of ADHD. Both are views that have to do with ADHD can be a gift and not a disorder.
Thom Hartmann's view is validated by scientific discoveries unlike the Indigo concept. I feel more comfortable with his views than I do with New Ager views. I am open to the New Age views,and I see their points. I just don't believe that the Indigo concept applies to a certain generation.

I bought and have his 2 books on ADHD.

Here is ADHD Education part of Thom Hartmann's site http://www.thomhartmann.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=87&Itemid=49

Thom Hartmann's Complete Guide to ADHD

Published in August, 2000, this book contains a comprehensive recap of Thom's most important concepts, as well as dramatic new material on how our schools came about, how they wound our children, and how we can fix them.

The Complete Guide also contains several chapters on how to make relationships work in ADHD homes, as well as the entire text of Thom's out-of-print book "Focus Your Energy," reprinted here as the "At Work" section of this book.

For fans of Thom's work, or those looking for a readable but complete overview of his perspective on ADHD - with real world solutions - this book is great. http://www.thomhartmann.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=170&Itemid=85

The Edison Gene

Finally!! The latest science proves ADHD is an evolutionary advantage, and Thom tells how to help Edison Gene children achieve success in school, how to best parent them, and how to help them understand and use their unique gifts and challenges.

From Publishers Weekly
In his new work, the author, a former psychotherapist who has written previously on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perspective), recommends techniques for raising children diagnosed with this condition... According to Hartmann, ADHD is a trait (referred to here as the Edison gene, because the inventor Thomas Edison is believed to have had the trait) rather than a disorder, because it once provided useful skills for functioning in a hunter-gatherer society. The hunter abilities contrasted sharply with the farmer trait, which carried the skills required in farming societies. For example, hunter children have a short attention span, beneficial in a dangerous world where the environment had to be constantly monitored. The innovative but impatient hunter child is usually placed in special ed classes and is looked on as a disciplinary problem; but Hartman believes that ADHD children should be thought of separately. He provides specific guidelines for parents, partly based on the work of Alfred Adler, which encourage mutual respect between parent and child. Hartmann is not an advocate of drug therapy, and he argues for educational reform and alternative schools or home schooling as better learning situations for ADHD children. Hartmann believes that creative outside-the-box thinking, characteristic of those with ADHD, is a real asset to solving many of the world's serious problems. http://www.thomhartmann.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=177&Itemid=85

Care and Feeding of the Indigo Child by Doreen Virtue.

I recommend this book and not because of the New Age material. It lists information about ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions as well as treatments,therapies,and nutrition. There is a lot of useful information. I just don't like the New Age stuff in it. I bought and have the book. http://www.amazon.com/Care-Feeding-Indigo-Children/dp/1561708461

I wrote a post about Indigo and how it's a new age label for neurodivergence http://people.tribe.net/4b0cf8c4-1fc3-4171-92d3-b0915985bf95/blog/cfba5f e9-246d-4845-aee1-23890b5ad04a

I also wrote a post about Fine Line Between Neurological Disorders,Neurodivergence and Mystical Perceptions,Schizophrenia....it includes things about the mind's eye,visualization, disorientation/confusion and correcting it by refocusing the mind's eye http://people.tribe.net/4b0cf8c4-1fc3-4171-92d3-b0915985bf95/blog/7d08c8 98-0c59-4922-88d6-12e20f4e4788

Here is my post about Neurodivergent Empathy Program http://people.tribe.net/4b0cf8c4-1fc3-4171-92d3-b0915985bf95/blog/45c762 ec-0487-4cc0-9b5c-be54e41ecf2d

After you read some of my posts, you will get a good idea how I think outside of Astrology.

my aspects involving Mercury,3rd house:

Mercury-Venus in Scorpio in 3rd square Mars in Aquarius in 6th (this might factor into the impulsiveness,hyperfocusing)

T-square of opposition of Jupiter-Neptune in Sagittarius in 3rd and Saturn in Gemini being square to Moon in Pisces in 3rd
(I believe that this factors strongly in my neurodivergence....with the Moon being associated with the brain, the Neptune in 3rd - the nonlinear,sensitive mind, Saturn in Gemini - the restrictions,delays in communications in hard aspect to each other include significant difficulties)

Saturn contraparallel Mercury-Venus-Neptune
(this adds to the case of my t-square)

Mercury square kuiper belt dwarf planet,Makemake - 2'01
(a kuiper belt object involved, mind is metaphysically oriented,nonconforming that involves challenges,difficulty)

Mercury biquintile kuiper belt dwarf planet,Eris - '05
(a kuiper belt object involved,metaphysically oriented,nonconformist type that is creative...factors into the neurodivergent strengths)

Mercury-Saturn-Uranus-Sedna 11th harmonic isosceles trapezoid -all aspects within 30 minutes of the mind
(the mind/communications,linear/practical,innovativeness,otherworldliness in an unconventional/social conscious connection...factors into the neurodivergence)

My Mercury aspects smaller kuiper belt objects less than 1 degree, with their forming a t-square with my Mercury. That would seem to factor into my neurodivergence. Rhadamanthus is named after a son of Zeus,and he's one of the judges of the Underworld in Greek mythology. Ceto is named after a sea monster in Greek mythology.

Mercury oppose Ceto - '37
Positive: potent imagination, adventure oriented, confident, healthy choices of life style.
Negative: fearful, sociopathic (telling tales about horrible woes for pity), insecure, weak willed

Mercury square Rhadamanthus - '48
Positive - sanctions second chances, latitude giving, open minded, fair, non-judgmental, seeing the larger picture
Negative - critical, judgmental and damning, feels persecuted and persecutes

keywords from Philip Sedgwick http://www.philipsedgwick.com/

I strongly believe that kuiper belt objects factor strongly into neurodivergence (ADHD,Dyslexia,Dyspraxia,other Learning Differences,Aspergers,Autism,Sensory Integration Differences,and Tourette's Syndrome). I believe that people with strong kuiper belt energy can be so metaphysical that there can be problems that manifest on the physical plane. Just like Donna Cunningham said about outer planets are hard to handle, the kuiper belt objects are even harder to handle.....especially if they are involved in hard aspects.

I'd use no more than 3 degree orb for big kuiper belt objects and no more than 1 degree orb for smaller kuiper belt objects.

posted January 29, 2009 08:34 PM         

As a Special Ed teacher, I have always agreed with much of what your posts are saying. My approach is to work with the strengths that my kids have, rather than just focusing on their weaknesses. I have seen first hand what happens when one tries to "drug" a disorder out of a child: it's a disaster (i.e. a very passive child turns violent very quickly.)