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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MarkG on April 6, 2001, at 15:34:25
Hello everyone,
I have carried the diagnosis of dysthymia for years with very little treatment success. Typically, I do not suffer from major depression, but on occasion I do get quite depressed. Overall, I function fairly well (I'm in grad school) but have had continual, ongoing probs getting work done efficiently, organizing, paying attention in class, fully understanding what someone is telling me (although this varies). I spend so much time trying to just get by in school, I have very little time to do things I really enjoy. I've always had the feeling I have been achieving (academically and socially) below what I am capable of. Recently, after reading some info on the net and reviewing the DSM criteria, I have wondered about the ADHD inattentive diagnosis. I took the Brown ADD scale and scored over 70 ("highly probable ADD") with my girlfriend as a collateral source scoring me a 44 ("probable ADD"). The majority of the symptoms on the scale I have noticed at least since middle childhood. I'm supposed to meet with my p-doc to discuss the dx on Tuesday.
What are other people's experiences who have been diagnosed ADHD, inattentive type? What treatments (I'm assuming stimulants) have been effective and how did they help you? Are stimulants only effective for a limited amount of time (due to tolerance)? Just wondering...
Thanks for any info you can provide on your personal experiences!
Mark
Posted by JahL on April 6, 2001, at 16:46:04
In reply to ADHD, inattentive type-your experiences, posted by MarkG on April 6, 2001, at 15:34:25
> > I have carried the diagnosis of dysthymia for years with very little treatment success. Typically, I do not suffer from major depression, but on occasion I do get quite depressed. Overall, I function fairly well (I'm in grad school) but have had continual, ongoing probs getting work done efficiently, organizing, paying attention in class, fully understanding what someone is telling me (although this varies). I spend so much time trying to just get by in school, I have very little time to do things I really enjoy. I've always had the feeling I have been achieving (academically and socially) below what I am capable of. Recently, after reading some info on the net and reviewing the DSM criteria, I have wondered about the ADHD inattentive diagnosis. I took the Brown ADD scale and scored over 70 ("highly probable ADD") with my girlfriend as a collateral source scoring me a 44 ("probable ADD"). The majority of the symptoms on the scale I have noticed at least since middle childhood. I'm supposed to meet with my p-doc to discuss the dx on Tuesday.> > What are other people's experiences who have been diagnosed ADHD, inattentive type? What treatments (I'm assuming stimulants) have been effective and how did they help you? Are stimulants only effective for a limited amount of time (due to tolerance)? Just wondering...
Hi Mark.
Your experience is not unlike my own. Tho I was successful academically (@ least up to a point; university found my condition out), I've always had problems concentrating & focusing. I seemed to work much slower than other kids even tho I was consistently 'top of the class'. Like you I found homework would take up all of my free time & so usually didn't bother.
A few months back I flew to the US (adult ADD isn't really recognised in the UK) & the pdoc had no hesitation in diagnosing ADD & prescribing a variety of different stims for me to trial. None of them were helpful but that isn't the point. Stims work very quickly w/o too many side-effects & so a 'multi-trial' is a brief & painless experience! You'll know one way or the other pretty quickly. My US pdoc says that the co-mormid depression often resolves simultaneously. So two for the price of one!
Are you taking an AD for the dysthymia & have you tried drugs other than ADs?
FWIW I'm now taking Lamotrigine & it's definitely yielding some cognitive benefits, which I hope higher doses will enhance (it's also touted as being helpful 4 depression).
Good luck with the appt.,
Jah.
Posted by MarkG on April 6, 2001, at 17:43:08
In reply to Re: ADHD, inattentive type-your experiences » MarkG, posted by JahL on April 6, 2001, at 16:46:04
Jah,
Thanks for your response. I've tried a slew of antidepressants with very little success. Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Remeron, and now Parnate. One thing I noticed with the Parnate is that I had a dramatic initial response that lasted about a week and a half. I could focus, organize, felt more engaged with people- my doc said it was likely due to Parnate's amphetamine like properties, that, unfortunately wear off quickly. Unfortunately, raising the dose now makes feel extra spacey.
The good news with all of this is that given my initial response to Parnate, I think it is likely that I'll respond favorable to a stimulant if prescribed one.
Good luck with the Lamotrigine-
Mark
Posted by KarenB on April 6, 2001, at 19:45:15
In reply to ADHD, inattentive type-your experiences, posted by MarkG on April 6, 2001, at 15:34:25
M0
ark,As stimulants go, Adderall worked best for me and had less of a "edge" that the others did. It is also loneger acting. Ritalin was like a very quick increase in energy and focus, then the big crash about lunchtime.
One thing you may want to look for: if you feel "amped out" or manic when taking these, ADD may not be your problem.
I may add that I was misdiagnosed when I was thought to have ADD, inattentive type. I am actually Bipolar, of which some symptoms mimic ADD. I too scored extremely high on several online ADD tests. I have had trouble following complicated directions, especially when written, although I possess a high I.Q. To a novice, it looks just like ADD. Bipolar Disorder causes inability to "focus" and concentration problems.
I suggest you see an excellent mood disorder specialist. Even if your insurance doesn't cover it, it is well worth the money spent. The guy I saw is world renowned, was $300 cash for the hour consultation, no insurance accepted. He is (I believe) head of the Psychiatry Dept. at the major university where I had my appt. and known for many acclaimed published research papers. He's good. Very good.
Hope you find what works for you.
Karen
Posted by Kathi on April 8, 2001, at 17:57:30
In reply to Re: ADHD, inattentive type » MarkG, posted by KarenB on April 6, 2001, at 19:45:15
> M0
> ark,
>
> As stimulants go, Adderall worked best for me and had less of a "edge" that the others did. It is also loneger acting. Ritalin was like a very quick increase in energy and focus, then the big crash about lunchtime.
>
> One thing you may want to look for: if you feel "amped out" or manic when taking these, ADD may not be your problem.
>
> I may add that I was misdiagnosed when I was thought to have ADD, inattentive type. I am actually Bipolar, of which some symptoms mimic ADD. I too scored extremely high on several online ADD tests. I have had trouble following complicated directions, especially when written, although I possess a high I.Q. To a novice, it looks just like ADD. Bipolar Disorder causes inability to "focus" and concentration problems.
>
> I suggest you see an excellent mood disorder specialist. Even if your insurance doesn't cover it, it is well worth the money spent. The guy I saw is world renowned, was $300 cash for the hour consultation, no insurance accepted. He is (I believe) head of the Psychiatry Dept. at the major university where I had my appt. and known for many acclaimed published research papers. He's good. Very good.
>
> Hope you find what works for you.
>
> Karen
> >
>Hi Mark
> Karen has a very good point. Many diagnosis overlap their symptoms and make it hard to figure out what it is you have. I also have a mild bipolar 11 AND ADD (the inatentive type like you describe, with a couple other anxiety disorders kicking around. The stimulants put me in a hyper almost manic state (though my bipolar does not really get into the manic stage)so I am unable to take the stimulants. If or when you are perscribed any meds, go online and check out as many places as you can about the drug(like this site. It really does help out tremensly!
Good luck to you!! Let us know what works...also the correct diet for add is extremely importand. There are sites out there for ADD and diet or alternative meds for ADD, etc. all worth checking into. Best of luck to you! Kathi (karen)
>
Posted by phillybob on April 9, 2001, at 1:03:16
In reply to Re: ADHD, inattentive type, posted by Kathi on April 8, 2001, at 17:57:30
Hi, Karen and KarenB. I am likely Bipolar II and also exhibit ADD symptoms. I am trialing Lamictal along with Adderall right now. It is too early to tell with both meds (titrating higher but currently at 75 mg/day of Lamictal and just recently added Adderall about 15 mg/day).
Anyway, I was curious which meds you are taking, at what amounts and what kind of success you are having ... thanks, Bob.
Posted by KarenB on April 9, 2001, at 9:47:20
In reply to Re: ADHD, inattentive type + bipolar Karens, posted by phillybob on April 9, 2001, at 1:03:16
> Anyway, I was curious which meds you are taking, at what amounts and what kind of success you are having ... thanks, Bob.
Bob,
I am taking Trileptal (like Tegretol without the side effects) 600mg a.m. and 1200 mg p.m. and Geodon 40 mg a.m. and p.m., along with 75mg Lamictal. I am still titrating up on the Lamictal to 100mg. I'll stay there long enough to see if it's giving me enough lift from the depressive part of my illness and more mood stabilization.
The Trileptal was helping tremendously but I was still cycling into hypomania in the afternoons and early evenings - the reason for adding Lamictal. This could have been caused, in part, by the Adderall, which I have almost dropped completely with the addition of Lamictal. I must be the most rapid cycler of all time, going through a very predictable cycle every day, lately.
Karen
Posted by MarkG on April 10, 2001, at 21:46:55
In reply to ADHD, inattentive type-your experiences, posted by MarkG on April 6, 2001, at 15:34:25
Thanks! It's good to hear other peoples experiences!
Mark :)
Posted by MarkG on April 10, 2001, at 22:00:43
In reply to ADHD, inattentive type-your experiences, posted by MarkG on April 6, 2001, at 15:34:25
Hello all,
Another post from me about stimulants and ADHD inattentive symptoms. Still curious!
I met with my doc today and we reviewed my responses (and my collaboratives) on the Brown ADD scale. After discussion, he said it sounds that I do qualify for the diagnosis of ADHD inattentive but followed that up by saying, "what does that mean?" (Will I respond to stimulants and if I do will I develop tolerance quickly?) He decided to wait until the end of the semester to wean me off of my AD (an MAOI) and begin a stim. b/c he doesn't want to rock the boat.
So my question for the masses:
Are any of you taking stims for mainly attention probs, and have you taken these long term without building up extreme tolerance? Is this possible?
Sorry if I keep beating a dead horse. Just still searching for answers. I really appreciate any knowledge/experience you can share. Thanks!
Mark
Posted by Sara T. on April 11, 2001, at 0:27:46
In reply to Re: ADHD, inattentive type-your experiences, posted by MarkG on April 10, 2001, at 21:46:55
> Thanks! It's good to hear other peoples experiences!
>
> Mark :)Mark-
I have been diagnosed with depression and mild ADD. I have been taking Ritalin and now Concerta (long acting form of Ritalin) and I feel very good about it. I also take Zoloft and before that Prozac, for the depression and anxiety. These drugs have really helped my quality of life and I wish I'd had them earlier.
I went back to my elementary school report cards to verify my own recollections. ADD isn't something that pops up in adulthood. So I feel pretty confident about being on the right track.
I don't feel like I'm addicted to the stimulants. I have found a doe that works for me and have no desire to increase it. When it doesn't work for me is when I'm too tired from not getting the sleep I need or not exercising. Both things I can control and should be incorporated into any healthy life style. so I don't look to the drugs to do it all, but I'm glad they can be a part of my overall plan.
Sara T.
Posted by MarkG on April 11, 2001, at 2:25:57
In reply to Re: ADHD, inattentive type-your experiences, posted by Sara T. on April 11, 2001, at 0:27:46
Sarah-
Thanks for the response!
I was wondering, how long have you been at your current dose? Did it take long to find the best dose? How has it helped with your ADD symptoms?
Thanks!!
Posted by SueS on October 10, 2001, at 16:34:27
In reply to Long-term stimulant users for ADHD symptoms?, posted by MarkG on April 10, 2001, at 22:00:43
> Hello all,
>
> I'm glad to find all of you. I am 58 and have known I've had ADD , inattentive type for years, but doctors couldn't label it.
I was put on Desoxyn as a teenager for weight loss. I was able to focus, get through college and enjoy life. I was later put on Ritalin which made me jittery.
The dose of medicine has had to gradually increase over the years. I'm now on Adderall and just went from 50 mg a day to 70 or 80 mg a day. It isn't perfect by any means. I still have problems with apathy, motivation and energy. Now, don't blame it on age - I FORCE myself to work out aerobically and can bench press 80 lbs. My fear is that with years of use that the Desoxyn and/or Ritalin has destroyed brain cells or something so that meds seem ineffective. Any thoughts? Any news of new meds? Also the meds are very expensive. Have you found any less expensive avenues?
Thanks,
Sue
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