My daughter was diagnosed with ADD (attention deficit disorder) without the hyperactivity. She was also diagnosed with depression and ODD (oppositional defiance disorder). That is, put in words we can understand, doesn't like taking direction from an adult. We had her on meds for awhile. Most made her sick or just not herself. She went through alot trying to find the right meds. Concerta seemed to work for the ADD. It helped her focus her attention, instead of being "scatter-brained". That was 3 years ago. She has since been off the meds for about 2 years. She was only on them for 1 year. We went to counseling, helped understand what ADD & ADHD means to someone who has it. It's like a radio and someone talking and everything going on at once. And the person can't concentrate because too much is happening inside their head. We eventually weaned her off the meds. She was concerned about taking them too long, and so were we. We now work with behavioral issues. Trying to keep her focused. We have to remind her to do something at least twice, if not 3 times. She has gotten better as she gets older, but it's still hard. We are now at the lying stage. I think this is part of her "diagnosis", but who's to say.
As for how disorders effect the family, it's really stressful for everyone. Being in therapy or counseling has helped tremendously. We are no longer attending, but it has helped. You have to re-learn how to act around each other and not walk on egg shells. You have to re-learn how to speak to these children. In words and ways they can relate to and understand.
it's not an easy road, and sometimes, I want to run away and have "peace of mind" all alone. But I know that will do no good. We have this thing I say at our home, if the kids are calling for me and it has been a hard day, I just want it to end, I respons with "Mommy ran away to join the circus". They say, "No you didn't, your right here". But that's a cue that I have had enough and they calm down a bit. They come by me and sit and cuddle, so what every they wanted has now melted away from their minds. If you every need to talk, my email is ____@____.com
-M.