ADD and Organization?!?

I have ADD and have problems getting organized. I am constantly down on myself because I feel like I can't ever get anything done! I'll start to clean the kitchen, find something that belongs in the bedroom, realize I need to do laundry and start that until I need to go to the bathroom, then find something in there to distract me...anyway I don't get anything completely done! I want to buy a book on ADD but who am I kidding? I wouldn't be able to get through a few pages without my mind drifting. Are there books on tape or does anyone have any suggestions for living with ADD? It gets to be overwhelming and very upsetting. I have tried Strattera-it worked a little but no miracles. I am scared of the other options because I have panic attacks and heart palpitations and think stimulants may make them worse. (panic attacks are most often from being upset about ADD) Don't respond with sarcasm-you don't understand ADD unless you have it. I'll report any abusive answers.

I found that keeping a schedule/planner works best for me. I have one main calendar next to the telephone that I keep track of appointments, work schedules, school schedules, etc. And I have a second calendar that I keep in my purse as a reminder for all of the "events". I know that it sounds daunting to think about even remembering to write everything down - but everytime you reach into your purse for your wallet or cell phone you'll see the planner.

I also made up a chart - comparable to a kid's chore chart really - that lists everything that needs to be done. If you sit down and write it out beforehand (and not just 10 minutes before you want to start cleaning), it will be ready for you when you need to start working on a particular room in the house. Set your list out where you can see it and check things off as you complete them. Keep a laundry basket or a Sterlite tote in the room you're working on and when you find something that belongs in the bathroom or the kitchen, set it in the tote until you're finished with your list - only then take the wandering items back to where they belong.

I know that as an adult living with ADD even the simplest tasks seem overwhelming; however, if you're willing to work with your doctor to find the right medication and create a good organizational system that works for you, it can and will get easier! Have patience and take it one step at a time~

The only suggestion I have is to make a list of daily chores, and really stick to it. Having a short deadline can help keep you focused. Lists really help. Make a basic list of what you need to do every day, and a basic timeframe. Also, make a daily to do list, if you have things to do on a certain day. Keep a calandar handy so you can keep track of appointments and bills due. Go ahead and buy a book about it. Once you have a good organizational system in place, you will find it easier to get back on track whenever you get off task. This is the only way I can function. I write EVERYTHING down, so I don't lose the information and forget to take care of things. I know you can do it if I can. A book will really help you because otherwise you'll have to come up with an organizational system by yourself, and that will be a huge task in itself. Don't try to reinvent the wheel. Use a system that works for others.

Oh, you just described my life! I have run the bathtub over so many times, burnt things on the stove, just because I get *distracted.* I'm sure that if you just do a Yahoo search you'll find tons of stuff. Also, try the forum at http:// www.crazymeds.org. There are plenty of young adults there with ADD. I bought myself an electronic timer that hangs on a thin, white rope around my neck to wear in the house. I have to set it when I turn on the bathtub or start cooking something. Believe me, it's a huge help. I found it on Ebay by searching for "electronic timer."

About reading, I'm wondering if books on tape might work for reading novels. You could hook the tape recorder to your belt and they talk pretty fast. You are sort of forced to not let your mind wander.....

Best wishes to you - to both of us! May we never burn the house down while we are distracted!

ask you dr. to slowly increase you STRATTREA dose. if you were starting to get some relief from it then you probably just need to get your dose adjusted. this drug has none wonders for me but it took awhile to get the dosage right. don't give up your almost there. good luck.