Since I was a little boy, I have always been characterized as being hyperactive. When younger, my parents were told by the doctor to limit my intake of sugar and that would alleviate the issue. My perception was that it did not help a bit. I believe that they have proven that sugar has little or no effect on the activity levels of kids.
As an adult, I've noticed that they have begun to label just about every human behavior as a medical ailment. A large percentage of the population is on medication for anxiety, myself included. The times when someone was just down for a couple days has waned to us now taking medication to treat every aspect of how we feel both emotionally and physically. I'm trying to think back to when the shoe dropped and we started prescribing medical solutions to the things that folks just used to have to deal with and go on with life.
My continuing challenge has been my inability to stay focused on things. I am very easily distracted. Is this a result of my career choice of technology, where you need to stay up to the minute on every new product and solution that the industry produces. Now we have phones that deliver email instantly, allow us to reach anyone, anywhere, at any time, whether it be via text or voice communications. Many of us are electronically tethered to our jobs, even when on vacation or while attending family events.
A couple of years ago, I started wondering if I had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I also move my leg constantly and have trouble sitting still. They now describe an ailment called Restless Leg Syndrome that is pretty much an exact description of what I experience. So I'm wondering, when I was told to calm down as a kid, and told to stop shaking my leg, were those requests in vain?
I was told by my doctor that to be diagnosed as having ADHD, I would need to visit a psychiatrist for an evaluation. I called several, but I couldn't reach a human being and had to leave a message. None of them returned calls. So I stopped the search for that diagnosis temporarily and will pursue it once again soon. I do not like taking medication for things that I can control. I hate taking Advil or some other pain reliever for headaches and sore joints. Typically, I just deal with it. However, I'm wondering if there is something out there that will help me improve my focus in both my personal life and career.
Do you have experiences with ADHD, Restless Leg Syndrome, Anxiety, or other behaviors that you cannot control without medical intervention? I'm interested in hearing your comments and experiences.
