ADD? On top of depression, but will any doc take me seriously?
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It depends on the type of relationship you have with your doctor. I would probably just talk to your doctor, as he/she will probably be more understanding than your therapist. If the medications are really helping, then maybe you don't really need to say much, but you may need another medication for the AD/HD. I use to self-medicate and I shared this with my doctor and he was very understanding; however, every doctor is different. It is really up to you and the relationship you have with your doc.
Best of luck to you.
keep your child's health separate from you own. speak to your doctor about your concerns. remember that meds don't always solve a problem, so seek counseling, too.
You should ALWAYS let your therapist know what other drugs you are taking, especially since they can interact with the prescription drugs. Plus, your doctors need to know how you are self medicating to cope with your symptoms. If they can understand what you get out of taking the pseudo ephedrine, they can come to a better conclusion about what is going on. I advise you to let your docs know as soon as possible. They keep it private and will not turn you in to police or anything. Also, if they do give you a hard time, find another doc. It is not their job to judge, but to diagnose and treat. Remember that. Good luck.
You should see your Doctor ASAP!...any Doctor worth his salt would take your case as seriously as you do yourself. It is at best foolhardy to continue taking unprescribed medications that are simply dealing with the symptoms while the CURE remains unfound. It is clear by your question that you wish to know exactly what it is that you suffer from, Without a complete diagnosis or assessment of your problem that answer will always elude you.
Take good care and be well, C.J.
If you don't think your therapist is taking your concerns seriously, you might try getting a second opinion. I took a battery of tests to determine whether or not I was had ADD. One was on a computer. I clicked a button every time a square came on the screen, and they were able to look at my response times to help reach a diagnosis.
Firstly, I am very glad that you are taking a medication that is working for you. I hope that this help continues for a long time. Next, I would share everything with my therapist and medical doctor so they have more knowledge about you and your condition. I have learned through experience that even if the information you give isn't accepted as you expect it to be, the therapist and doctor will put it into a back burner for later use. You must not withhold pertinent information (even if you regard it as a secret) from people who are genuinely trying to help you.
Depression can look very much like ADHD as symptoms overlap or both could be present. Depression can also happen as a result of untreated ADHD as a child. Although you don't have an official diagnosis, the meds your taking are working to manage your symptoms. If your doctor is well versed on ADHD, he will take you seriously because ADHD and depression sometimes go hand in hand and if he doesn't then he knows nothing about ADHD.. Also, ADHD is highly genetic so your very wise to get your son tested.
See ADD/ADHD, and depression, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris... on pages 22 - 25, and 2.
If it's a good therapist she would take any suggestions you had seriously. And if you don't want to change your medication- tell her that straight. YOU should be in control of your treatment.
I have depression & very mild ADD. ADD can be harder to diagnose in women because it often doesn't show in the "classic" ways people thing of when they think of the disorder.
Good luck!
Here we go, I don't know what age you are but let me try various avenues:
Menopause and ADD Meds
Q: "On some days, my stimulant medication works wonders. On others, it has almost no effect. Could this have anything to do with the fact that I'm going through menopause?"
If you don't fall in this catogory, then just skip it.
You must remember that having depression is not only the symtoms of one particular disorder.
From high to low. From euphoria to depression. From recklessness to listlessness. These are the extremes associated with bipolar disorder, which can be a serious and disabling mental illness. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression or manic-depressive illness — manic behavior is one extreme of this disorder and depression is the other.
Bipolar disorder often begins in adolescence or early adulthood and may persist throughout life. The causes of bipolar disorder are elusive, and there's no cure.
The flares of bipolar disorder may last for weeks or months, causing great disturbances in the lives of those affected, their friends and their families. Left untreated, the condition usually worsens. But bipolar disorder can be managed with medications and other therapies.
Signs and symptoms
Bipolar disorder is characterized by an alternating pattern of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). The intensity of the associated signs and symptoms varies. Bipolar disorder can range from a mild condition to a severe condition, and there may be periods of normal behavior.
Manic phase
For many people, signs and symptoms in the manic phase may include:
Feelings of euphoria, extreme optimism and inflated self-esteem
Rapid speech, racing thoughts, agitation and increased physical activity
Poor judgment
Recklessness or taking chances not normally taken
Difficulty sleeping
Tendency to be easily distracted
Inability to concentrate
Aggressive behavior
Depressive phase
In the depressive phase, signs and symptoms include:
Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt or hopelessness
Disturbances in sleep and appetite
Fatigue and loss of interest in daily activities
Problems concentrating
Irritability
Chronic pain without a known cause
Recurring thoughts of suicide
Your doctor may ask you or a family member who has accompanied you about your signs and symptoms and to describe apparent episodes of mania and depression. Diagnosis also involves ruling out other mental health conditions that may produce some symptoms similar to bipolar disorder. These may include other mood disorders, sometimes schizophrenia, attention-deficit/hyperactivit... disorder or borderline personality disorder.
You may also undergo tests to see if your mood swings are due to physical causes, such as:
Substance abuse. Abuse of alcohol, marijuana and cocaine may affect your moods.
Thyroid disorders. A blood test for thyroid function can determine whether you have a thyroid disorder, such as an underactive thyroid.
Your doctor may also ask about your use of medications, alcohol and recreational drugs and about your diet. Certain medications including corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and medications used to treat depression, anxiety and Parkinson's disease can cause mood swings. Abuse of alcohol and recreational drugs also can cause mood swings. Deficiency of vitamin B-12 may alter moods as well.
A: Fluctuating hormones sometimes affect the action of ADHD meds. That may be the case if the variable effect of your medication seems to follow a monthly pattern. Otherwise, you might simply be taking too low a dose. Consult your doctor.
It is my honest opinion that you need to seek a second opinion regarding your prognosis.
Take care
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