add and depression

Jacob86 · 02-14-2008, 04:30 PM

I'm not sure what caused what, but I feel I have a combination of depression, anxiety, OCD and ADD. My depression gives me a huge lack of energy and motivation and causes my social anxiety. When I'm in class or reading I feel like I have ADD. Only catching every other word in a lecture and spacing out while reading, having to read a line over and over untill it registers. I used to love math in high school, but now it's been ******* me off, all the formulas are blurring together and i'm having trouble keeping up.

So my question is, what would you recommend taking? Depression medicine such as lexapro (which i took before and didnt help as much as I would've liked) or something for ADD like adderall/concerta. I'm not currently on any meds, but was planning scheduling an appointment. I think if I had motivation/energy i'd be able to do constructive things as apposed to destructive things (like pot/alcohol and World of Warcraft), I wouldn't be depressed anymore.

addprogrammer · 02-15-2008, 04:02 PM

Jacob,

I'd recommend you see a shrink. That is what it is taking to unravel the mysteries of my brain.

From hard earned experienced I can tell you that if you are suffering from ADHD, pot and booze are your worse enemies. And limit time spent on warcraft. I'm currently trying to break a Twin Otter habit - a magnificent aircraft that has stolen umpteen hours of my valuable time. A F-22 Raptor would finish me off for sure.

See a shrink. Quit the pot and booze now. You'll do well.

Bob

Shauleen · 02-17-2008, 12:33 AM

Jacob .... do you indulge in pot, booze and/or warcraft, a lot? ... or not... Anyway...addprogrammer's right. You do need to talk to someone (hopefully a professional) who can point you in the right direction. Being distracted easily is a classic symptom of ADD and you should seek help/advice. Please tell me you have a creative side also. Do you write at all? Paint? I suspect most ADD sufferers have a really creative personalitity. Tell us about yours.

janart · 02-29-2008, 02:25 PM

Jacob I definately can relate to your problem. I went to the doc yesterday and was put on ritalin. I also have some depression. I have alot of anxiety but we are not sure if ADD is causing that or vise versa. Depression can definately cause concentration and memory trouble but it is possible to have both. My ADD symptoms have gotten really bad lately. I started a new merchandising job and am having problems with the paperwork and the directions. I also am trying to start on Oprah's new book club book and I cannot get thru the dang thing. I can't sweep out the other things in my brain to concentrate on what the book is saying. Anyway their are two types of meds for ADD. One is stimulants like Ritalin, Vyvance,Adderall,Concerta, Dexadrine. The other's are not quite like the stimulants but have depression help in them. Those are Strattera,Provigil,wellbutrin,effexor. Of course they all come with their own side effects of course for some people. The ritalin has caused jaw tightness and slight headache but today was just the first dose. I'm new to this also but I will try to let yall know my progress. Good luck to you. Depression is a horrible thing and so is ADD. Good luck again.