Attention deficit disorder. (Opinions)?!

Attention deficit disorder. (Opinions)?

I am thirteen, and I was diagnosed with ADD in seventh grade.
Even in kindergarten, my mother noticed that I showed all of the symptoms of the disorder. Recently, I have been reading a lot about it, and I have heard several people claiming it isn't real. Now, I am confused, because I don't know what to believe. Is there any proof that it is real? That it isn't?

I'm really not a bad student, and I certainly don't lack discipline. I try my hardest to pay attention, but it takes me a few minutes to realize when I am not. I have a hard time with directions, and often have to ask my teachers to repeat them, which annoys them like nothing else. I am not ignorant or slow. In the last week of math class, when we had to solve confusing word problems, I finished before everyone in my class every single time; we tried about eight problems. However, when I have to follow specific directions, like with square roots, I get messed up. I believe this is because children with ADD have an alternative (but equal) way of approaching things.

What are your experiences/opinions about ADD? Why is it portrayed negatively? It has its good sides, so I don't really consider it a disorder.

Also, is there an alternative to Adderall? Before you ask, I don't consume a lot of sugar. Honestly, I don't consume a lot of anything anymore. Adderall has made me lose twenty pounds, and more every week.

Opinions? Ideas?

Terrific question! It's so loaded and I want to give you a really "whole" answer! You are very eloquent for your age and for someone who has been diagnosed with ADD, rightly so, you should have all the pertinent information re: the "disorder" or affliction or for some of us, as you put it, an alternative way. I am not too far off from being 30 yrs. old and I am a psych major (grad school) and I suffer from ADHD. Your questions really hit home with me and if it's okay, may I email you or you sent an email my way (if interested). I have a lot of research to back up both sides of the issue and I just don't know how much info you actually want. I absolutely will share with you anything I know and have access to, though.

All I can tell you is that you are JUST FINE! and nobody should tell you otherwise. People only wish they could write and think as clearly as your do (or so it comes across that way) :)