ADHD Results in Lost Work Hours

Image via WikipediaIn 1845 Dr. Hein rich Hoffman wrote "The story of fidgety Phillip," the story of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), a so called problem for children. What people do not realize is that when these kids grow up, ADHD (Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder)/ADD does not go away - it goes from disrupting class in school to losing nearly a month's worth of work - per year.

Researchers at the Netherlands institute of Mental Health and Addiction, state that the lack of ability to concentrate can take 22 days of work away, which includes 8 additional absent days. One idea is for the employers to not only screen workers, but provide treatment for those who do live with ADHD. It makes sense to help those who are looking for employment.

7,075 people between the ages of 18 to 44 in 10 countries were interviewed by the researchers; the results showed an average of 3.5% were diagnosed as ADHD. In the US alone, research shows 4.5%, resulting in 28.3 days of lost work. While the US rates are high, France has the highest rate at 6.3%; in contrast the lost time was only 20.1 days.

While this may be a reason for lost days of work and lower productivity, what is the best way to “deal” with it? All too often, in this day and age, there are people who look for an excuse to take time off work and a reason for what is in actuality not wanting to work. It’s a tough call, if you do not help them, it’s discrimination – if you do help, and they are lying you are enabling.

Flip a coin and hope you are right.

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The Rationality of Disability

Image via WikipediaOk - well after years of contemplating the idea, my doctor and I decided to submit the paper work for disability. There was do doubt in my mind that it would be approved and I would no longer have to worry about the stress and mood swings that all to often come with trying to hold down a job. I had 3 Psychologists and Psychiatrists behind me who believed wholeheartedly that I could not work.

What I received instead was a letter from the SSI people that - now pay attention - "You have not worked enough to collect Disability." I sat and read the letter again - I have not worked enough? WELL DUH!!!! That was the point!

So, here we find a Catch 22 situation - in order to collect disability I have to work,
but I can not work, so I can not collect disability until I work.

And they think MY mind is confused! Ha!

So what do I do now? Work part=time for a friend of mine who understands my illness and will work with me when I need some time to regroup and get my feet back on "solid ground." It is frustrating and I know I could fight it - my brother-in-law is a lawyer, but do I want to go through all that crap?

I am trying to understand the stupidity of it all.

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Disability - to apply or not to apply?

For anyone faced with this decision it is one that will drive you crazy. I have had doctors tell me for the last 10 years or so that I should apply for disability. My Bipolar does play havoc with me and can make the working world difficult, too many stories to go along with that one.

Well, with my psychiatrists help I took the plunge and put in my paperwork. Well, it was an experience to say the least, and in the end it was denied because........

I have not worked enough to qualify for disability!! OK, explain this one to me - I am going for disability because I am not able to work - but because I am not able to work I can not get disability.

Will we ever understand the mindset of the government? Probably not.

So, what do I do now? Well, I continue writing - it is my passion. I also work with a friend who understands my illness and works with me. If I am having a bad day, no problem, it's OK. I make phone calls and do some computer work for their business.

Can you relate?

Virtual Reality to help PTSD patients

Virtual reality is known more for video games, flight simulators and theme park rides, than treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but virtual reality therapy is becoming a reality.

While PTSD has been a reality for generations, it has been more commonly seen since the Vietnam War, treating those suffering from the disorder would isolate themselves and live in fear of what they see in their dreams.

Now there is hope for those struggling to readapt once they return home – there is thought to be 15-30% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans suffering from PTSD. In light of these statistics, the Office of Naval Research provided $4 million to research the benefits of using virtual reality to treat the soldiers returning to the states. The treatment would consist of an interview where the soldier would share what may have brought on the PTSD symptoms; in turn the virtual reality scenario is tailored specifically for that person, with the capability to add realistic smells, such as gun fire and burning rubber. When put together they heighten the level of realism and help the vet tell their story and face the fear and memories that continue to affect their lives.

In the past treating PTSD consisted of group therapy and/or individual therapy and having the person imagine the experience. BY using virtual reality, the experience is more vivid aiding in the recovery process, without relying completely on drugs.

It’s always good to see advanced technology being use to help those in need.

Disability

What do you think of when you hear the word Disabled? Most people would think of someone who has lost a limb, or other medical condition that would prevent them from working. Why then does my doctor insist on me going on disability. Though I agree with her that working, at least for me, is a nightmare. I usually have only ever lasted maybe 3 or 4 months. The stress comes and, well, it’s not pretty. I refuse to accept it though. I want to prove to the world that a mental illness does not render someone disabled! Why can my dr. not see this? Part of me knows that she is right. I know there are problems when I get stressed, I become overwhelmed and it feels as if the world is going to fall apart around me. Anxiety creeps in and i’m not sure how i’m going to get out. Then it comes, the peace that i’ve looked for. I know it when it comes, I am no longer stressed. I have no one breathing down my neck, and I can go about life as it needs to go. I’m not sure why my brain does not work like anyone else’s, it just is what it is. Disabled? Not in my opinion - but what do I know.