Posted by cherrie45 on February 13, 2004, at 12:00:43
In reply to Re: Will stimulants for ADD make general anxiety worse, posted by micro on February 12, 2004, at 23:34:16
Thank you all for taking the time to answer! I saw the doc and suggested dexedrine as a starting point (thanks for the tip Chairman). Although he is willing to switch to dexedrine within a week, he suggested I start with 5mg a day Adderall. As some of you have mentioned he felt I might not have a true anxiety disorder, but anxiety and constant worry as a symptom of ADD.
Yesterday I took 5 mg Adderall in the morning (we're starting low because I told him I'm med sensitive) and another 5 at 2:00 since there were no problems. So far so good. I'm already noticing subtle differences. Typically when I make a to-do list there is a almost a physical restraint preventing me from doing a task. Yesterday I slowly and methodically accomplished most quick chores on a two week old list. As work related e-mails hit my computer I addressed the issue immediately. The unconscious resistance to doing something immediately when asked seems to be lifting. No improvement on starting big tasks that involve lots of planning, but I'm willing to give it time, and up the dose gradually. So far no anxiety, agitation, or sleep problems. In fact I definitely notice a calming effect and less brain chatter. I’m also going to ask for a Dexedrine trial at some point just to see the difference.
Micro- thanks for the advice on the Amen clinic. Actually I have done exhaustive research on ADD before getting to this point. I took the online test months ago and the results were “highly probably” for inattentive type ADD. I’ve also been reading a lot about my Myers Briggs personality type which is a strong INFP. Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving. My psychologist said the combination of a mild chemical imbalance coupled with a personality type that values ideals over facts and structure, easily explains some of my problems. In fact the research I’ve done into my personality type has been very validating.
Thanks for listening; I’ll keep posting progress reports in case there are others out there who are in a similar situation.
poster:cherrie45
thread:311819
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040210/msgs/312853.html