newbie - ADD / ADHD Message Board

colleent819 · 08-15-2007, 07:57 AM

Hi all, i was dxd in 98 and kinda skipped out on the therapist, went to countless others who dxd me with the same thing. i see my regular doc for meds, and need to possibly see a therapist. I feel pretty much useless. I can t concentrate, or over focused, cant finish a project i start. its always been this way. any coping mechanisms that may help?

index.html · 08-15-2007, 12:12 PM

Hi and welcome to the board! Glad you found us.

Before we try to offer any advice, I'd like to ask a couple of questions. What med are you on, for how long and does it help? Are you working or in school?

colleent819 · 08-15-2007, 01:19 PM

Hey thanks for the reply!!! I am on wellbutrin 150 mgs 2x a day. ive been to see a zillion therapists regarding this, none of which ive stuck with. and kinda left without notice. so now I am looking for a therapist that i plan to stick with. However its affecting me everywhere. I cant think straight. i just cant seem to be motivated. I was dxd in 98 with the combo of both. or at least that is what i was told. I cant seem to finish projects, but on other occasions, im so hyperfocused i can do 7 jobs at one given time with no problem and usually no sleep.... I am gettin in trouble a lot at work because of this, having issues with friends because they say i am self absorbed, and just generally cant stand being this way anymore. I feel ive wasted enough time, blowing this off. i plan to stick with a "plan" once again. i figured if i told somebody this, i would stick with this...sorry so long winded....just glad to hear im not the only one....And i am working. forget school thats just a waste of time for me. I wouldnt pass with the answers in front of me.....its always been this way.

index.html · 08-16-2007, 02:38 AM

Colleen,

I'm glad you've made an appointment with a therapist and that you plan to stick with it. That's a step in the right direction.

A couple of thoughts for you. First, while Wellbutrin *is* used to treat ADD, it isn't one of the stronger meds out there. You might discuss a med change with your doctor if you still struggling as much as it sounds like you are.

Second, the way you describe your inability to concentrate being intermittent together with the ability to function at times on very little sleep, sends off warning signals for me. Do your moods vary quite a bit? Highs and lows? Or, irritability alternating with depression? What you describe sounds suspiciously like Bipolar Disorder. Of course, I'm basing this on a few typed sentences so I may be way off. It's something for you to think about, though. It's possible to have both ADD and BPD.

colleent819 · 08-16-2007, 07:36 AM

I have been dxd with bipolar as well. so the wellbutrin is a dual purpose. supposedly. and it has helped. although ive only been on it for a month. but i have seen a difference. just down and out about all of this. ive been dxd with both. And i feel like im out of control - its been this way always. i knew i had bipolar. but i wasnt expecting a dx of adhd in 98 when i went AGAIN to see another therapist, one who specialized in this as well as add...SO....that being said, im starting all over again. My mom sees it in me and wants me to get help so i am. Unfortunately i am having a hard time, finding a doc with a specialty of adhd. and heres the issue. I have been to see the "experts" in the past. but after 6 months of visits, i never was shown how to cope with this or to learn how to organize. I thought i was to learn to cope. so i left. and apparently this doctor specializes in ADHD support. and i didnt think it helped. ive seen regular docs that help more. Any advice? i feel like i cant make heads or tails of this....once again sorry so long winded. but I cant help but want as much help as i can get. and its very appreciated....thank you...you have been a godsend.