Posted by Sulpicia on April 2, 2001, at 20:44:57
In reply to Depression doe to Adderall, posted by harley on April 2, 2001, at 9:58:47
> Hi
I take adderall for ADD. I'm guessing what you are seeing is a combination
of 2 things.
1-- depending on the timing of her doses, you may be seeing the wearing off the
med. This feels like mild hypoglycemia -- cranky, grumpy, hungry, not hungry etc.
You can offset this by increasing the amount of protein she eats, especially at lunch.
If her doc is giving her 2 doses per day, you may wish to think about a 3rd.
She needs to do her homework, and ADD is more than just school stuff, which is number 2.
2--on a totally unrelated note, she's beginning puberty, and lemme tell ya, you ain't seen
sullen yet.
Back to ADD: it's much more than school problems. We have a very difficult time understanding
people's emotional intentions. Girls do this better than boys but it's still a source of
concern. So is the realization that one is different, and permanently so. There is really
no way that you can put a positive spin on having a neurological deficit. Frankly it's hard
to come to terms with. We also need a lot of help from a skilled clinician to learn to adapt
and move thru life. It's hard to do this as an adult, and 10x harder on the cusp of puberty.Please also be clear that the behavior you describe is NOT depression.
Suggestions: the best clinician money can find for the theraputic part of her treatment --
and the one most often neglected; push the protein, and ask about dose or interval changes.Last thing, RE wanting her to be her sweet self. I understand the impulse, believe me. I'm a parent too.
However, as an adult with ADD, I have to say you MUST treat this like the serious disorder it is.
Each school term that passes w/out treatment is yet more proof to the person with ADD that they are stupid and
different. Material isn't learned and school problems multiply. Social problems stem from this because at a certain
point you get labeled as dumb or disruptive or whatever. During your teens if you can't see a future for yourself, like
going to college or a career [because if you can't master school you can't do either of these you think] it's very hard
to steer clear of risky behavior like substance abuse, a problem to which people with ADD are particularly prone.Probably more than enough said.
Other questions?
Best,
S.
poster:Sulpicia
thread:58447
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010327/msgs/58501.html