Hi red00dog,
I'm new here, but I'd like to put my two cents in. It seems your most pressing problem right now is the depression, so you should definitely deal with that first. Most experts seem to recommend dealing with the depression first, as that is something that can kill you. As for testing and getting right to the problem, unfortunately, not that much is known about why people respond differently to different ADHD medications, and it's a matter of trial and error, but the sooner you start, the sooner you will find the answers.
[QUOTE=FuzzyBunny]Hi red00dog,
I'm new here, but I'd like to put my two cents in. It seems your most pressing problem right now is the depression, so you should definitely deal with that first. Most experts seem to recommend dealing with the depression first, as that is something that can kill you. As for testing and getting right to the problem, unfortunately, not that much is known about why people respond differently to different ADHD medications, and it's a matter of trial and error, but the sooner you start, the sooner you will find the answers.
[/QUOTE]
That is true unless the ADD is causing the depression. I was diagnosed with clinical depression and ADD and am being treated for both. But often if you treat the ADD, the depression will lift.
I first went to my Doctor to talk about depression. He did diagnose me with clinical depression, but said it was made worse by my ADD (which I didn't know I had until that moment). I now take Zoloft and Adderall XR and they work well together. Please see a doctor and explain how you are feeling. There is so much out there that can make you feel better. Good luck.First of all, thankyou all very much for your replies. Now unfortunately I have more questions...if anyone can answer them it would be greatly appreciated.
How does one go about finding a doctor that is equipped to deal with ADHD, or figure out just what is wrong with me?? There are a gazillion psychs out there but they all seem to want to let you diagnose yourself and send you away with meds for what YOU think you have. And many refuse to look into ADHD period. No therapy(which I don't really care about but I'm sure I could use it), no thorough testing. Actually, no testing of any kind which brings me to my next question....should one really be checked for a chemical imbalance or is having most of the symptoms enough?? I can't seem to find a doctor that wants to be bothered with all the testing. I want to try meds that are specifically for ADD, not their alternatives(like antidepressants). I want to find someone who won't just **** around and give me what I NEED.
Also is it common for folks who are ADD to not be able to keep a job?? I know people with ADD that have jobs and actually KEEP them! That REALLY bothers me. I'm fortunate enough to not need one now because my husband brings in a good income, but if it wasn't for him it scares me to think of where I'd be.
Thanks again for all the replies!!
Thanks Bunny! Yes you are correct, right now I seem more depressed than anything. But other times I'm equally confused and frustrated which makes me think maybe addbec is also right about the ADD causig most of it in the first place.
If I could just do something with myself I know I would feel better. I'm just taking it one day at a time. Thankyou for the replies.
I was diagnosed with anxiety/depression 6 years ago. Effexor seemed to "balance" me enough so that my moods wouldn't sink to the awful levels that it had previously. However, I was diagnosed with ADHD about six months ago, and prescribed Adderall XR. It was as if the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders, and has truly made me feel "normal" (I still take the Effexor).
I think that it can be very hard to separate the two, and in my case, the ADHD didn't cause the depression but it was hanging on for the ride and made things a lot more difficult.
Good luck!
Reddog, my lost job I had for 2 1/2 years. I have been able to keep jobs for at least six months. Everyone with ADHD is different and similar at the same time. You can have both chemical imbalances which can cause ADHD and depression. I have done a ton of research on this.
I can feel your frustration. I like finding that one mutli-supplement that will make me feel dynamite. I can tell you I became extremely spacey the last few years. I found that the cause was my digestion. I was getting bloated, having stomach problems from carbs and dairy products. I consume quality carbs now, have basically almost no white sugar, and have more protein. Doctors do not believe in internal yeast infections. At least, the majority do not. A homeopath told me I had that and I have got better....
People who are depressed it be can be due to a problem of malabsorption, poor digestion and inherited mineral deficiencies.... Some people do hair or blood tests to see what is going on with you. You can shop around for holistic healers and call several before settling down on one and writing notes about each one and ask them questions based on what we all told you.... Often people with depression take Lithium Carbonate as perscribed by a psychiatrist but that can be toxic, and some natural practitioners supply Lithium Orotate a non-toxic form of Lithium.... Often people with ADD do have depression and self-esteem issues....
I've been a depressive person for most-if not all-of my life. For 8 years now I'm being treated for ADHD with adderallxr and recently lexapro has been added to the regimen. My depressive tendencies remain. ADHD presents its own issues. I'd like to integrate all treatments into a solid plan of action addressing both my ADHD issues AND the depression.
Hi all, I'm new to the forum and see many of you deal with the same obstacles I do. This will be rather lengthy, and it's "all about me", but I need help.
I'd bet the house I am extreme ADHD, but I'm also depressed with OCD tendencies(diagnosed). I ran the ADHD thing by my doctor, and he said the medication will help that too. I started researching ALL of these disorders, and they do seem to be similar. Now I was wondering if anyone has been treated for depression when they were ADHD, or visa versa, and what the outcome was. I really don't want to play around for months to figure out what's wrong and what combo I need, see if this works or that works, see 100 different doctors with conflicting opinions, because I have been through that and it just makes me bitter and more confused. Will a good ADHD KNOW EXACTLY whether it is depression or ADHD?? Whatever is wrong with me has ruined my life, and I wish I could find a resolution. Also, I'm in the process of relocating, but dread the day I have to go, because I don't have the energy or motivation to do anything, not even walk 2 blocks. I wasn't always like this either, I was always spacey, but never had physical set backs. I was never so, well, lazy. I have no interest in my family and kids, no interest in anything really, I just live. Miserably. Is this common??
I was gonna chalk all my problems up to only depression, but then I noticed something that seems to be unique to ADHD sufferers here. I noticed many of you have is an aversion to the telephone. I HATE IT. It bores me and it's time consuming. I only have one because I need one. I don't have many friends either. I have no problem making friends, as a matter of fact people seem to think my quirkiness and space cadette mentality is part of my charm, but it takes a enough energy for me to maintain friendships I've had for years, and even those suffer. I used to see these people on nearly a daily basis, now the only time I see them is when they call and I happen to pick up the phone. Is the hermit lifestyle common in people with ADHD?? And also, is it common to not be able to hold down a job that even a high school kid can keep? I never had a job longer than 2 weeks, and I've only had about 3 jobs in my life. Gave that up 5 years ago. I'd also like to further my education, but I can't until this is resolved. I can't even complete the simplest of courses. Will medication help?? Perhaps I'm just plain ole stupid?
Understand that I don't typically make a long post about myself, I hate it, but I need some kind of feedback and I need to know if there are others in a similar situation.
red00dog38476.5286805556Sometimes ADD can cause depression, but then if you deal with the ADD satisfactorily, the depression will go away. However, the kind of chronic depression that has no obvious cause is more complicated. I get the feeling, (and I'm no doctor BTW) that maybe you have both, and that the ADD is making the depression worse, but is not the direct cause of the depression.