Attention Deficit Disorder? Anyone?

Sherrill · Post by **Sherrill** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 1:43 pm

I've had panic attacks & depression x 20 yrs..
My psychiatrist thinks I also have ADD without hyperactivity. I read "Driven to Distraction" and it describes me to a "T". Has anyone else experienced ADD, depression & anxiety disorder?
I take Zoloft & Xanax daily. I recently tried Adderall x 2 days and ended up at hospital ER with extreme vertigo/vomiting. My psych. wants me to try it one more time. Any thoughts on this situation? Thanks, Sherrill

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 1:53 pm

I hope you get inputs from the community. Good luck for the rest.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 2:00 pm

I haven't been told I have ADD but I do have trouble concentrating. And its especially bad if I am talking and telling a story or something and someone interrupts me. First of all, thats just rude. But I loose my whole train of thought and get all frustrated. But I don't think that is ADD.

My advice on the pill is that you know your body and if you don't think you can take that again, I wouldn't do it. The doctors are right most of the time but not all of the time. Maybe you should cut the pill in half or even a quarter at first and build yourself up to it? Your body has to have time to adjust to this new foreign substance. Or you could get a second opinion and find an alternative medicine.

Carolyn Dickman · Post by **Carolyn Dickman** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 2:18 pm

I've always wondered if I was younger I may have been diagnosed with ADD. I seemed to have those symptoms when I was young but the teachers would just say I never paid attention and watched the clock. Who knows, I may have been put on heavy meds as a youngster, I feel so bad for all the kids today who are, and the parents who don't seek alternative diets and therapies to improve it.

I strongly encourage looking into diet, regular exercise and herbs or homeopathy to help out. There's a book called "Depression Free For Life" which focuses on dietary changes - your library may have it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 3:22 pm

Originally posted by Sherrill:
I've had panic attacks & depression x 20 yrs..
My psychiatrist thinks I also have ADD without hyperactivity. I read "Driven to Distraction" and it describes me to a "T". Has anyone else experienced ADD, depression & anxiety disorder?
I take Zoloft & Xanax daily. I recently tried Adderall x 2 days and ended up at hospital ER with extreme vertigo/vomiting. My psych. wants me to try it one more time. Any thoughts on this situation? Thanks, Sherrill

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 3:44 pm

Originally posted by Sherrill:
I've had panic attacks & depression x 20 yrs..
My psychiatrist thinks I also have ADD without hyperactivity. I read "Driven to Distraction" and it describes me to a "T". Has anyone else experienced ADD, depression & anxiety disorder?
I take Zoloft & Xanax daily. I recently tried Adderall x 2 days and ended up at hospital ER with extreme vertigo/vomiting. My psych. wants me to try it one more time. Any thoughts on this situation? Thanks, Sherrill

I have been givin a diagnose I am unsure fits the criteria. I did try the medications the Dr. perscribed and I also got sick. I am no longer taking any kind of drug/alchol and have minimized my cafine intake. I feel like a new woman. I am proud once again.(under a positive peer group) I couldn't seem to function with medications and I couldn't seem to think/focus. I spoke to my Dr. and gathered his opinion. He said Dr.'s aren't trying to force medications on people. People talk to their Dr.'s about their symptoms. If you are sure (100%) the side affects don't bother you...then continue as they will help give you your perscription. I personally have gone through so much in my life, I felt the need to try medications. But when I heard the diagnosis, I said no way. and the battle began. The wrong medicine will not be affective. Humans are strong. We can indure a lot. Trust Me. And medicine is not always the best way to deal with most issues. I feel people have become harsh to eachother. Not being able to "deal" with stress, learning disorders, services in our lives that don't benifit us as people. The everyday stuff...is stressful. ADD...Got it...I studdy harder than the average "smart person" but I'm not getting sick, or butterflies, tired...etc. I have/had head trauma also. About half of society thinks I HAVE TO be medicated right??? No. However, I will continue my support group, counceling, and at home therapy.(cd's/dvd's) and keep my phone numbers close to my desk. Do what your heart tells you. The mind is easily decieved these days. Medication is not a game. It is a serious decission. Don't imply you have a disorder and talk with family and friends close to you before making a decission to keep medication as a perminant fixture.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 6:24 pm

Sherrill- "Magnificent Mind at any Age" by Daniel Amen MD talks about the different sub groups of ADD, and has suggestions for natural supplementation if you are interested.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 1:40 pm

Thanks to everyone for your comments regarding the ADD and Adderall. You have all given me some things to think about.
I change my eating and exercise habits and I'm certain that will help some of my problems. I am not interested in trying the Adderall again. I was so sick after the 2nd day on the med. that I don't like the thoughts of possibly getting sick AGAIN just to prove it was from the Adderall. I am also using a lot of organizational techniques from "Driven to Distraction." Thanks again.