Does it ADD up?

I think that I want to get tested for ADHD.

Since I studied Community Counseling for a year, I have access to the DSM-IV-TR which is basically the diagnostic manual for psychological disorders and addiction. There are a number of criteria that must be met to receive a positive diagnosis and I'm pretty sure that I do.

I've always struggled with maintaining focus particularly when working on schoolwork or other intensive projects. Part of me, and I think part of older generations, dealt with the issue by simply forcing myself to focus, learning how to make class and work seem more interesting and by becoming more organized before beginning a task. As hard as it is to say, I strongly feel that my generation and those born after it definitely lack that push to overcome the challenge especially since a "quick fix" has been developed with medications.

Now, don't get me wrong, I absolutely understand that there are individuals with ADHD and other learning disabilities that are severe and that they can be helped significantly through medical assistance and learning strategies. However, I can't help but wonder where the millenial generation would be today without the drastic increase in Ritalin and Adderall usage.

During the summers from 2002-2004, I worked at Camp Stanislaus in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi (and may be returning this summer) as a counselor for 10-12 year old boys. For some, camp was a welcome break from medication as the activities and constant exertion helped to channel their energy throughout the day. Others, despite the full schedule, really-and I mean really- could not afford to be without their daily dosage. One camper in particular spent the first two days of camp medicine-free and was a nightmare; the first day back on his meds and he walked around like the world's most lackluster and non-bloodthirsty zombie. There was no happy medium for him or for his counselors.

While I was in college and expressed my desire to be tested, many warned me against it claiming that doctors would assume that I just wanted study drugs to boost my GPA. Well, after surviving five years of undergrad and a Masters program (and a half), I think it's time to see what they would say, if anything.

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*Note--while writing this post, I've stopped numerous times because of distractions or general interest in other things entirely. Oh, this game doesn't help much either. Nor does this one though it happens to be my distraction of choice lately.