Bipolar & a.d.d.?? - ADD / ADHD Message Board

vasdef · 11-25-2003, 08:37 PM

I've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder about 16 years ago. For the last 13 years I've been on Prozac & Lithium. In the last 2 years I was also diagnosed with sleep apnea, I use a Cpap machine every night, and have also been diagnosed with restless leg syndrome and borderline narcolepsy. For the Narcolepsy I was prescribed Provigil. So, I was researching this drug on the internet, i found out that it is also given to people with a.d.d. I researched further and read the book "Driven to Distraction" (a book about a.d.d.) After reading this book, it really looks like i fit almost all of the symptoms of a.d.d. I don't know if it's the bipolar in me that's resembling a.d.d. or what. I talked to my Pdoc about it and I'm going to be tested for a.d.d. in a couple of weeks. This is getting very confusing. Anyone in a similar boat?

ReneS61 · 11-26-2003, 12:36 PM

I think I have a similar problem--in reverse. I have had many episodes of major depression throughout my life (I'm almost 42) and one major manic episode in 1999. I have also had what was thought to be many minor hypomania episodes. I tried mood control meds, but depakote reduced my white blood cell count and lithium made it impossible for me to do anything cognitive (and in my career field the majority of work I do is cognitive). Instead, I take Wellbutrin, Buspar, ritalin, tamazapam, and seroquil. I've also known about my ADHD for about 8 years. The lack of reoccurance of mania and the fact that I do not take mood control meds makes me wonder if what I thought was hypomania, was really ADHD. Because like you say, many of the symptoms are similar. I should probably see a specialist who knows how to distinquish co-morbid disorders to figure out what I really do have. So while I can't give you any advice, I can certainly relate to your frustration.