Jennie, I know exactly what you're talking about. I have 5 grown kids, four of which have ADD or ADHD in one form or another. My second son (now 31,) has severe ADHD, bipolar disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, personality trait disorder, and was borderline suicidal by 9 years old. I also did everything right, breastfeeding, healthy homemade foods, nothing artificial, and consistant discipline. Nothing worked. Several pediatricians, a neurologist, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, therapists, homeopathic allergist, Feingold diet, and a three month hospital stay. He spent his entire senior year of high school in a residential placement. I forgot to mention that he is also academically gifted! No one had a clue what ADD was or what to do about it. We tried a few medications, but there weren't many out there at that time. He's finally realizing that without proper medication and therapy combined, his life goes down the drain. I was exhausted all the time. I went to bed most nights in tears. No one understood. I finally made a good friend when my son was 9. She didn't understand what I was going through, but she never criticized me. She listened and let me vent. It was great to know that I could get it out. She and I are still best friends. Fast forward... I now have four more sons! We have 2 adopted sons age 5 and almost 10, and 2 soon to be adopted sons age 6 and 8. Again I live on a roller coaster. All four of my sons were born with drugs in their system. The 2 middle boys were severely abused and suffer from post traumatic stress syndrome. All four boys have therapists and 3 are on medication. We think the 2 middle boys have ADHD and are on concerta. Although they have many symptoms of ADHD, It may be coming from their emotional issues. Things will get better, but unfortunately, they will most likely get worse first. I love my boys more than life itself. As my 10 year old said, "Momma, you probably saved our lives." I never thought of it like that. In my mind, they gave me a real purpose in life. These kids aren't easy to raise, but once you do, you realize that you are stronger for having done it. Keep on working through this. It is worth it!

I also have ADD and when I'm not on meds, I eat all evening. I also over eat during mealtime. The way I see it is that when I'm on meds, I think before I eat. I can take the time to ask myself if I'm hungry or if I just ne...

I also tried meds before, but like you, I couldn't deal with the side effects. With the Adderall, I only take it once a day and haven't noticed any major side effects. I too, am on Zoloft. Together I'm no longer yelling at...