New member | ADHD Information

Hi all. I just thought I would introduce myself and share were I'm at.

I'm a 30 year old male and currently undergoing testing for ADHD. I just had my second visit yesterday. I brought in my necessary forms/questionnaires etc. Everything scored very high for ADHD BUT he said I scored high for depression and anxiety and thought maybe antidepressants were the way to go. The thing is I had already explained to him that was going to score high because it specifies to answer according to how you've felt the last WEEK ONLY. I had a bad few weeks (car accident, family member diagnosed with terminal cancer, threat of layoffs at work) so I answered accordingly. But I pointed out I don't feel that way most of the time, so its misleading.

So I had too explained it to him again and now he wants me to fill out the form again and bring it back. If its high again, then my ADHD symptoms are the result of me bieng depressed(I think I would know if I've been depressed for the last 30 years) If they are lower then its ADHD and will start me on Ritalin then Dexedrine to see what works better.

Welcome!

Just answer the questions as though you were doing this 6 months ago. You know whether or not you are depressed. I think what would happen is he would take care of the depression and then test you for it again. Skip the step and answer as you normally would. If the depression stays for a while longer and you can't seem to get rid of it, go in then and tell him you have become depressed.(This is just what I would do and I am not any kind of medical person.)

I feel bad for you for all the things you are going through. I hope it gets better.

I think Depression and ADHD work together (or is it against each other) anyway - they both should be treated by therapy anyway.  If someone has a tendancy towards depression ADHD magnifies those feeling.  I believe that when the ADHD is under some control the depression seems to subside a bit (nothing is a full cure).  When you are in your thirties you have learned behavior to help get you to where you are at now - so a lot of that learned behavior is going to be hard to let go.

I am only speaking from being the wife of someone with ADHD - who is also depressed and  Obssesive compulsive - what a joy.  I am digressing - don't just agree to take meds - it sounds like the right route by retesting.

Dis > Welcome to the show . . .ryan is right @ ADD
and Dep{ression} going hand in hand{for many of
us}. Sometimes depression can be like an invisible
cloak{sp} that is around us that we're not aware of
because it's been there so long. Thanks all for the welcome and advice. I'll learn more tomorrow when I go back in with the new(old) form filled out. I'm just going to fill it out according to how I feel at the moment which is how I usually feel, pretty happy go lucky. I do occasionally get down(who doesn't?) but I'm certainly not chronically depressed. 

Distraction,

Welcome, Firstly as barb and oliave have proposed a possible alternative to your current situation, i am going on another track. As you seem to be aware from your experiences and knowledge I throw this at you! The Vast Majority of people diagnosed ADHD who also are Depressed are experiencing what is called Situational Depression. Manage the ADHD and the Depression subsides noticibly. On the Anxiety? that is a toughie and can contribute both to Depression and loss of Self-Esteem. Anxiety is a reality I lived with all my teen and early adult life. Take it a step at a time and do not allow the cold Diagnostic System get to u.

The greatest help to me over the last number of years was comparison with other peoples experience. As I realised that I was Probably ADHD I made solid contact with others (barb is one i have shared with). We are all different in our needs but a bit of effort will also show there are so many common stories that can be a comfort. I finally got Confirmation July 2004. Survival for u right now is being able to unload all your anxieties, asking questions, learning to short circuit the onset of depression by learning the Entry Thoughts that start you off. Good Luck! Distraction. You are doing Excellent! Man just getting this far! Remember That. 

 

Welcome distraction!

I'm glad your MD went the route of trying to work on the ADHD first.  I thought that seemed to be the way to go as well.

After all - depression typically is when you feel sad when there's no real reason to.  Sounds like you have a lot of reasons to feel down - and that once you get the ADHD under control that will fix itself!  People (MDs too) tend to want to avoid the feelings that come with life.  Some things just are meant to feel sad!  Why take an antidepressent, for example, when a family member has passed on if it's just that the person feels sad and is mourning?  I think we have to work through the depression sometimes as long as it isn't totally overwhelming.  This allows the stages of it to pass through you and you feel better afterwards for it.

ADHD on the other hand isn't something you can just work through.  I know that once either the Ritalin or the Dexedrine (what I take) catches on in you, you'll find life not only more bearable but sometimes quite great!

good luck to you - and be sure to keep us posted!

 

- Glen

I agree with everything Glen said. I am glad that you are getting started on dealing with it. Hopefully, your life will get even better now.

UPDATE:

I had my appointment with my doctor today and he seems content with my explanation dealing with the depression/anxiety form that I filled out.

He has given me a trail run of Ritalin, 10 or 20 mg 2x day at my discretion. I go back in 2 weeks for a follow up and to switch to Dexedrine for 2 weeks to see what works better. I'm very relieved to be diagnosed and beginning treatment, its a real weight off my shoulders.
welcome distraction,

a few comorbids associated with adhd.. one being depression, another anxiety, another ocd..

i agree with ryan's statement about managing the adhd and the comorbids seem to subside..

this forum has a wealth of information - its the pandora's box of adhd..
and many members that are more than willing to share their experiences..

please keep us updated on what the doctor has diagnosed..