A.D.D/ Bipolar???

princess72 · 04-20-2005, 08:59 AM

Does anyone know how these 2 relate? Recently i was diagnosed with bipolar! 23 years ago i was diagnosed with A.D.D. and of course back then they didnt know a whole lot about it! I struggles all 12 years of school, and college. (also have dylexia) My whole life docs gave me anti depressants, which nevger helped me! Recently i went to see a phiciatrist, who then diagnosed me----i feel correctly. Anywayz, i feel people dont understand what A.D.D is, including myself, til yesterday! People seem to think you are hiperactive etc! For me this includes: no consentration, mind running 1000 miles a minute, depression, no self esteem or confidence, feel stupid, will never achieve, never finish college.....etc, etc, etc! Now i feel my son, who is 11, is suffering from this......He is failing most classes in 5th grade, and his teacher ISNT CONCERNED!!! Ive seen him struggle since the 1st grade, but, i listened to his teacher's who thought he didnt have this.......IT'S TRUE.....teacher's that dont know anything about this "label" kids as lazy or not trying hard enough! UNLESS, they dissrupt the class or are obnoxious. My son is frusterated, feels stupid, lacks confidence (with school work) wont ask ?, cry's when asked about school, angry, when asked about achool. Sorry this post is sooooo long, i needed to share! Back to my question though-----does anyone know how these relate. They seem awfully similar to me???? Thanxs for listening.................

jpenn13 · 04-20-2005, 10:13 AM

you sound like you telling my story,i was dignosed as bi-polar when i was 20,no meds were available ,then was diagnosed with add w/bi-polar and given ritalin and my life changed.i had always thought i was stupid until last psyche had me take i.q. test and found out i was eligible to join mensa. go to a psych that treats children with add and get back on whatever helps you the best

Garnet77 · 04-20-2005, 10:31 AM

I just have to add that I have a 4 1/2yr. old and a 13 yr. old both with ADHD which is like ADD. They both have other disorders as well, my 41/2 has Aspergers Disorder & bipolar and my 13 yr. old is Dyslexic plus color blind. Now My 29 yr. old husband is also bipolar, he takes Lithium though for his bipolar disorder not Ritalin. - Ritalin is only for ADD or ADHD you might want to ask your doctor about taking something else for your bipolar disorder. My son was on Ritalin for ADHD for about 6 yrs. but is now recently taking Concerta cuz, Ritalin is very addictive.

addprogrammer · 04-20-2005, 01:19 PM

princess72,

I feel your pain. One of the many silver linings of ADD is empathy.

One of things that really bust me up on this board are statements like: "I'm working on my doctorate in quantum physics and I can't get my dang particle accelerator to work. Everyone thinks I stupid. I'm really not stupid I just can't concentrate." Know what I mean?

So you made it through 12yrs of school and colllege with ADD, depression and possibly bi-polar and you have self-esteem issues? Something doesn't add up there. I am not scolding you. Just want you to look at what you really are. Amazing!

Now, about those "part of the body that proctologists work on" that think ADD is not real: I just wish I could put them in my brain for a day. There are a lot of extremely ignorant people in the world including profeesionals that should know better. So what is new?

I have had a lot of depression and anxiety in my life. Depression is our brain's auto shutdown mechanism when we believe we are in a terminal no win situation (checkmate). Anxiety comes from the belief we have no control over a threatening situation. In my case, and everyone is different, ADD was my no win situation and the inability to function was the threat I had no control over. Take care of the ADD and the depression and anxiety are solved.

Let's flip the coin. Depression, anxiety disorder and bi-polar can produce ADD like symtoms. Treat them and the ADD symptoms disappear.

And, it is possible that ADD and other brain disorders are equal root problems. The trick is getting to root. I cannot imagine doing that without skilled, compassionate medical help.

Your son: God I feel for him. When I think about the pain I experienced in school I am virtually moved to tears. They had no clue about ADD in the sixties. Get him the best medical care you can. And don't be afraid to challenge those you know whats that do not think ADD is real.

Got to go to work.

addprogrammer

PS Read everything rheanna posts. That gal has got ADD pegged and can articulate it well.

princess72 · 04-20-2005, 02:18 PM

Hi Addprogrammer.........Thanx for your reply! Just want to add, i have given up on college 3 times. I am seeing a phyciatrist for the MANY issues that i have. Recently been put on Lamictal which i believe is fairly new to help with bipolar. She is thinking about putting me on something for A.D.D., but i am a recovering alcoholic/addict. Im sure there is something out there though. I can only hope that this is finally the right diagnosis for me. Have a great day.