New: Originally diagnosed with bipolar... | ADHD Information

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welcome,

 

I was diagnosed years ago and started adhd meds about 2 weeks ago and I feel sooo much better

 

good luck

I was able to have medications for about three months.....then my doctor quit the clinic in this area, and I haven't had access to Metadate since.  It truly helped me.

I have been back to fighting these characteristics we all seem to share with my own willpower again.

  Leaves me in trouble quite often- impulsive talking, quickly made decisions, etc.

I have been seeing a new psychiatrist for a few months now and on Monday she told me she is questioning my diagnosis of bipolar disorder. She says I seem to lack a clear history of manic episodes and it seems to be a consistent mix of depression, impulsive behavior, and an inability to concentrate. She thinks ADHD may be a more accurate diagnosis for me.   She says that she has not come to this lightly and knows that ADHD is over diagnosed but she says there are cases where the diagnosis fits and is accurate (about 4% of the time) and she thinks I may be one. I have told her my history of learning problems with reading, spelling ect and my inability to pay attention in class and being overwhelmed by simple organizational tasks like making shopping list, basic cleaning, and getting out of the house.   I think I agree with her and the prospect of some relief and the ability to work and go to school in the future has me really excited. She is talking about putting me on Ritalin along with Lamictal. Is this a good or common combination? Will Ritalin help me? I am desperate to feel normal and be able to focus.   Thanks all!Hi Friskycat
I take both Ritalin and Lamictal, for ADD and Bipolar 2 respectively, and it works well for me.  There's some concern about using stimulants in people who have had mania or hypomania, but I find (like a lot of ADDers) that Ritalin slows me down - in a good way!  I even take a small dose to help me fall asleep occasionally.
It's a hard diagnostic problem, but definitely worth looking into.  For me, addressing the concentration and processing issues has helped me with emotional regulation as well, and it's much easier to keep up my self esteem now that I remember to pay the bills - most of the time
Best of luck!