Hi loocymae. Welcome to our board. Might I suggest you fill out your profile so we know a little more about you and your family (only if you feel comfortable, of course..)
Although many of the kids of members in this forum are ADD/ADHD, I'm not sure this is the right forum for you. Most of us are working through drug abuse issues with our children. That's not to say you aren't welcome here (you most certainly are), but you might find that the discussion topics are more pertinent and helpful to you in another forum.
As for me, I'll pass on my own ADD war stories. If your daughter truly has ADD, I wouldn't wait to start trying the medications. They made a world of difference to my son - and to me. The trick is twofold, though: finding the right medications, and finding the right treatment. Many people find that the medications they can take are limited. I, for one, cannot take Adderall without risking a murderous rampage. However, I'm fine on normal Ritalin and Focalin. Others swear by Concerta, Stratera, or other medications.
What I'm trying to say is that at the beginning, it is critically important that you work with a doctor who is qualified to diagnose and treat ADD, someone familiar with the various reactions (good and bad) to the medications, who can help you keep a close eye on your daughter when you first start out.
Don't be surprised if you have to try several different medications, at various doses, before you get something that works. And also, don't be surprised if her behavior gets worse during those times. Once we found medications that worked for us, my son had to get used to feeling "normal" (he didn't know what that was like, and thought something was wrong - but that's another story). So, while I hope it's smoother for you, be sure to find a good doctor - and be prepared for a bit of a roller coaster ride.
Second, don't buy into the "drugs will fix everything" mindset. In many ways, ADD has the same affect as drug use - it stunts the emotional development of the person. While drugs may make things better, don't rule out the fact that some counselling and other therapy may be needed. A lot of ADD kids, when they finally get on the right medications, need help catching up on the skills they never learned (or learned wrong). Again, a good doctor helping you through this period is invaluable. If you don't have one, there are several places you can look for references. Check your school nurse or guidance counsellors. There are also support groups for parents of ADD kids at schools, churches, maybe even the local YMCA. Ask around, and get a good recommendation.
Sorry for the long post, but I know what it's like to be at the beginning of this journey. Take heart - ADD, at least, is something that can be managed with the right help and a lot of patience.
I wish you the best of luck with your daughter. Feel free to hang around here if you wish, but do take some time to look at a few of the other boards as well.
Mikey
