Posted by Racer on May 6, 2006, at 11:11:03
In reply to Do I have ADD?, posted by Bonnie_CA on May 6, 2006, at 4:43:10
I think this gets into the "what use is a diagnosis" and "is it a problem only if it has a label" discussions, and I'm too groggy for that this morning.
Is it possible you have ADD? Yes, it is. You know how boys are eight times more likely to be diagnosed with ADD than girls? Do you think that's because it really only hits boys? Or do you think some other factor comes into play? My best guess is that girls express it differently from boys, and don't come to the attention of the teachers/doctors/parents as often as "troublemakers." Where a boy might disrupt a classroom, girls are much more likely to keep it inside, where it's less apparent -- but just as real.
But does it matter what you call it now? If you're going to treat it, then yes, it does matter. But if it isn't diagnosable, does that mean it isn't a real problem? Of course not.
So, back to the question of treatment, yes, you can take something for ADD while taking an antidepressant. I take Wellbutrin and Dexedrine, and have tried Adderall and Ritalin. Ritalin was the best, but I stopped for side effects. (Atypical side effects.) The Dexedrine isn't great, it does boost my mood a bit, but it doesn't boost concentration nor attention. The Ritalin did, and I may give it another try one of these days.
Hope that helps.
poster:Racer
thread:640542
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060504/msgs/640584.html