They Have a Pill for That

A while back I wrote a post about ADD and why I think I have a form of the disorder. About a month and a half ago I (finally) made an appointment to speak to a counselor about my suspicions. I made my case:

• Easily distracted
• Difficulty finishing projects
• Reluctance starting projects due to above
• Social awkwardness
• Difficulty sustaining focus for extended periods of time

I explained that I would like to maximize my potential. The counselor listened to my case, agreed that I have a degree of ADD, observed that I've done a pretty good job managing ADD (I have accomplished a few difficult things), and made an appointment for me to see a psychiatrist.

Today, I saw the doctor. After reviewing my case she prescribed a medication. I'll be taking a small dose of Concerta everyday. After two weeks I go back to evaluate the effects. So far, I don't feel very different. But then I've only taken it once.

I suspect that Concerta is a placebo "for patients who believe they are suffering from ADD."

I wonder how I will know if it's having an effect. Will everything become organized in my brain. Will I discover I can have a sustained conversation with another person and not bore them or myself to tears. Will I suddenly be able to have an appropriate amount of focus on a given task.

I don't know, but I'm curious to find out.