Posted by Larry Hoover on August 7, 2003, at 19:48:13
In reply to Diagnosis: Burnout?, posted by DSCH on August 7, 2003, at 2:26:31
> I came across this website...
> http://www.adhd-stress-relief.com/becalmd/science.html
>
> ...and the first impression I had was really bad. (A) Tacky design, (B) set up to sell suppliments, (C) repeated use of ALL CAPS to delineate BIG COMPLICATED WORDS that might BEFUDDLE and CONFUSE.Didn't work on you, though, did it. <wink>
> However, I scanned down through and hit something rather interesting. A Stress Cycle theory by which a neurotransmiter is released in large quantities until the brain can no longer supply them in quantity, then causing a switch to another NT and using that one up if the psychological stress continues. Reminds me of the fate of a large star that is using up its fuel.
>
> I have to say this sounds all too familar. I've had four bouts with insomnia, tachycardia, and anxiety (1997, 1998, 2000, and 2002) due to stress. And then rather lethargic and unmotivated periods after each (rather inattentive- or limbic-ADD like), naturally getting worse each time.
>
> Put in perspective, it shouldn't be a big suprise that my instinct is to avoid anything in the way of stress and exertion. I've been pretty tapped out at this point and need to refill with something, but that "something" isn't just coming along naturally with the lack of activity (i.e. it doesn't feel like I am resting). Could this feeling be due to general exhaustion of stores of NTs in the brain?There's a simpler explanation, centering on the adrenal glands.
First, a good "primer" on stress reactivity can be found at:
http://www.healthnewsnet.com/gap.htmlI like this site simply because it briefly and concisely describes Selye's theory.
The graphic at the top is generic. There's no reason that a remission in stress during the second phase couldn't "normalize" stress reactivity temporarily. In other words, you could have a few ups and downs before the final crash.
Although it's not a mainstream medical diagnosis, the result can be adrenal fatigue, or adrenal burnout.
> Pemoline (Cylert), my current RX is helping with my early morning grogginess, but I don't like the stim crash from the 2nd dose and I have the vauge feeling something is getting squeezed in the process.Stimulants should be avoided if you're really in burnout.
> I am going to ask my doc about giving the stim a rest and trying dietary suppliments (not the ones this site is trying to sell! LOL). Goodness knows I've been eating junk for a while now.
>
> Thoughts anyone?Your intuition is leading you somewhere, ya know?
B-vitamins, magnesium, vitamin C, Siberian ginseng. Alpha-lipoic acid. Selenium. Betaine.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:248838
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030807/msgs/249132.html