Posted by Katz on March 5, 2001, at 11:18:14
In reply to Re: Adult ADHD/ADD - getting stimulants prescribed » Katz, posted by Leonardo on March 5, 2001, at 8:12:27
Hi Leonardo,
Thanks for all the info. I took the test and scored 13 out of the twenty. Seems to still leave me up in the air about the right diagnosis. The crux of the problem (as I see it) which is hindering a diagnosis of ADD is that I don't have *disorganizational* problems even though I do *tune out* and have many other ADD symptoms. The medical establishment seems firmly entrenched in the belief that ADD/ADHD *must* be accompanied by "an inability to get organized" and a propensity toward *multi-tasking*, as their main criteria for an ADD/ADHD diagnosis. Since I have neither one, an ADD diagnosis is automatically thrown out. I believe it's time for the "experts" to reevaluate the current ADD criteria. I truly believe that I am ADD w/o the current gold standard components. In any event, it is theorized that ADD/ADHD may be caused by hypoactivity in the frontal lobe region of the brain. I believe whatever label is put on my condition, it is also probably caused by the same inactivity of the frontal lobe and that is why I had such a robust reaction to the ritilin. I know for a fact that my brain needs to be stimulated and not sedated! The fact that we have to struggle in vain to get a stim is ludicrous! While addiction is cause for some concern, this simple little pill has far less serious side effects than any of the tradtional AD's on the market.
My appt with the pdoc was cancelled and rescheduled for next week. I'll let you know what happens.
Best wishes,
Kathy
Hi again Kathy!
>
> Sorry to hear about the snow in New England, hope you managed to get to the appointment. If so how did it go, will he prescribe the stuff? We have been having some snowstorms here in Olde England too, but where I am in the south we get off pretty lightly.
>
> I was interested to hear you say you don't think you have ADHD, but may have ADD. I don't have much of a hyperactivity component, so reckoned I have the DSM-IV category of "ADHD - primarily inattentive type". DSM-IV no longer uses the old term 'ADD' which means the same, but I now notice that most people on PB still talk about ADD rather than ADHD. I think I'll start saying ADHD/ADD to make sure I'm covered!
>
> Anyway, it is certainly possible to have ADHD under the new criteria without ever having been hyperactive. The clincher for me was reading an adult ADD/ADHD checkilist at http://adders.org/info7.htm - give it a go! I scored a good 19 out of 20 and felt sure I was onto something. There are many other checklists around, some bring out problems with relationships and dealing with other people which might be relevant to your social phobia. I too have had low level depression always, and difficulty getting any fun out of life. ADD and depression seem to be closely linked, for me I think the ADD caused the depression because I could never get round to getting my life under control and solving my problems.
>
> There is even an unofficial definition of 6 subtypes of ADD/ADHD including Depressive Subtype, which fits me closest I think. See:
>
> http://user.cybrzn.com/~kenyonck/add/add_legal_public.htm
>
> and also:
>
> http://www.amenclinic.com/ac/addtests/default.asp
>
> Interesting that you didn't respond to dex, but it doesn't mean that you definitely don't have ADD/ADHD. As you say, everyones different in response to meds. The book I read said that about 50% of people respond equally well to Ritalin and dex, but 50% have a markedly better response to one or the other. I hope that Ritalin works again for you this time!
>
> I have found from my limited expereince so far a very similar response to Ritalin and dex, though the dex does seem to be smoother and gentler acting than the Ritalin as others have said. It may be worth keeping an open mind, as I have found different response to taking the same drug at different times, also some different brands of the same stuff seem to be unreliable. I found the Equasym version of Ritalin made we decidedly worse. The dex I have is Dexedrine by Medeva Pharma Ltd.
>
> Well I took a whole 5mg dex pill this morning for the first time, I'm feeling a bit woozy and tight-headed, but it's not much compared to most AD side effects. Otherwise I'm feeling pretty good, despite work crises!
>
> Best Wishes
> Leonardo
>
>
>
> > Leonardo,
> >
> > I'm sooooo happy for you! I'm thrilled that you have finally gotten the right diagnosis and are well on your way to a treatment stratery that will help. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well.
> >
> > As for me, I don't believe that I have ADHD but ADD is a possibility. I was on Ritilin approx. three years ago for 6 months. I was on 20 mg/day, never increased my dose and had amazing results. Dysthmia, Anhedonia and especially Social Phobia, all greatly improved. The med was discontinued when I was no longer able to travel 3 states away every month to obtain a prescription. My attempts to find a pdoc in my area to prescribe ritilin have been futile up until now.
> >
> > A note about Dexedrine: The doc the prescribed the ritilin had me on dexedrine first. I eventually got up to 30mg/bid with absolutely no effect. I could take it, rollover and go back to sleep. I think the dex was possibly making me depressed also. But, as the saying goes, "everyone's mileage is different."
> >
> > Unfortunately, my appt with the new pdoc is tomorrow and it appears it will be cancelled due to what is being hailed "the snowstorm of the century". Predictions are that it may dump 3' of snow here in New England before all is said and done. Looks like the gods are conspiring against me. Aughh! Anyway, I'm glad things worked out for one of us. Keep us posted on your progress.
> >
> > Best wishes,
> >
> > Kathy
> >
poster:Katz
thread:52294
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010302/msgs/55618.html