Doctors have different ways of diagnosing patients. My kid's psychiatrist would let me start a trial of treatment if I wanted, just from his interactions with me during visits for the kids, etc. Stress makes the brain less efficient and can make ADHD symptoms worse, or make the meds not work as well. Antidepressants are used as a 3rd line treatment for ADHD and can be very effective, especially if there is concern of anxiety or depression.
Second guessing is normal. You seem to be torn between realizing you need help and the drive to be independent and "strong" and not need help. Take the help; take care of yourself; it will help you be a better parent (there are studies supporting this).
Good luck on this journey, you will find help and support on these forums.
Hey there, me again! I saw where they gave you the Wellbutrin, watch your symptoms, if you continue to feel the anxiety that you were describing, it may not be the med for you. The side effects of the wellbutrin can cause heightened anxiety and depression. I know, great thanks for telling me that my wonder drug might be putting me over the edge!! I felt great for the first few weeks, then it seemed like my body was over it. My dr. raised my dose, I did that for another month, felt ok, but a little over anxious at times of stress with my "wonderful" husband as well..I had to wean off the meds due to hair loss and when I came off of it, I was really really tired.
The best person to evaluate ADD/ADHD is a Psychiatrist. I personally am not fond of the stigma attached with seeing one, but on the other hand, I don't like to be depressed, feeling that I'm a looser, inadequate, etc.....I completely understand where you are coming from. Watch the meds see how they go, it usually takes a few weeks for them to fully work. If you are still feeling a sense of hopelessness, I would definitely address it with your dr.
Best wishes to you!!!
[QUOTE=John D]
<FONT face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2>gridley,
yeah, you compressed into two days the same questions, uncertainty and
misgivings I had over the course of 6 months. I, too, got a "quicky"
diagnosis by a psychiatrist, started meds, saw improvement and all, but
still wasn't able to leave the lingering questions alone as to whether I
really, really had it. So I did the neuropsych testing thing, which came to
same positive conclusion. That pretty much settled things for me, even
though I don't think the current neuropsych tests use are worth a dime in
diagnosing adults for adhd.
gridley, yeah, you compressed into two days the same questions, uncertainty and misgivings I had over the course of 6 months. I, too, got a "quicky" diagnosis by a psychiatrist, started meds, saw improvement and all, but still wasn't able to leave the lingering questions alone as to whether I really, really had it. So I did the neuropsych testing thing, which came to same positive conclusion. That pretty much settled things for me, even though I don't think the current neuropsych tests use are worth a dime in diagnosing adults for adhd.
I saw a therapist for awhile after being diagnosed. The dx brough on so many mixed emotions, and while I was elated to finally learn exactly what was wrong with me, and my whole life, I knew there was something different going on with me, I was extremely depressed to realize that I wasn't going to one day wake up and have it all "together", like everyone else. After several sessions, I realized that I'm there, with just a little different twist on it. Now, I wake up, take a pill, and in about an hour, I'm just together as everyone else.