September 30 2009
ADD? On top of depression, but will any doc take me seriously?
So Since I am taking my son to get diagnosed as ADHD I have noticed in my research, that I meet almost all the criteria for having adult ADD, including the fact that I know I was ADHD as a child, my parents just chose not to get a proper diagnosis. I see a therapist who diagnosed me with severe depression, and she said that I am not ADD, I am the opposite. My dirty little secret is that alot of times I have to take stimulant meds like pseudophed to get anything done, otherwise I feel like I cant concentrate. I have never told a doctor about any of this because I feel like no one will take me seriously, and they will just think that I am a hypo-chondriac. I am currently on Wellbutrin xl, and I firmly believe that the only reason this med is working so well is because its treating both conditions, so it was kind of a fluke, but a good one. So, should I let my therapist and dr. know whats really going on, or should I just drop it since I am on a good medication anyway?
Seriously. read the entire question before answering. I AM SEEING A THERAPIST. My question states that. Duh!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.