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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by banga on February 4, 2005, at 6:54:37
Question:
On these first doses of Adderall I truly do feel calmer--not wired, and my horrid problem with anxiety has abated.Is this somewhat dignostic of ADD (I am not diagnosed, just probable ADD), or do people who don't have ADD also experience markedly lessened anxiety on this med?
Posted by bart on February 4, 2005, at 11:44:58
In reply to Adderall and ADHD vs nonADHD, posted by banga on February 4, 2005, at 6:54:37
I am not diagnosed as such and at times have found it to have that effect on me at low doses like 10mg. However, I would always abuse it and take so much that I was shaking and irritable
Posted by banga on February 4, 2005, at 11:49:42
In reply to Re: Adderall and ADHD vs nonADHD, posted by bart on February 4, 2005, at 11:44:58
Hm.
I js took 25 mg, on my 2nd day! and clearer mind, no jitters, it is a great anxiolytic...but I am not well focused (here I am writing emails instead of working LOL) and still feel dreamy even though my eyesight is sharper.
Hey Ill gotake a walk andsee how i feels.
Posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:15:12
In reply to Adderall and ADHD vs nonADHD, posted by banga on February 4, 2005, at 6:54:37
Hi,
>On these first doses of Adderall I truly do feel calmer--not wired, and my horrid problem with anxiety has abated.
>Is this somewhat dignostic of ADDMany people would probably say yes. I would say no! Amphetamines (and cocaine) are frequently very pleasant to take. Many, if not most people (w/o any mental health problems) would feel better after taking an amphetamine. Increased confidence and mood elevation are common. People are often better able to organize their thoughts after taking an amphetamine; improved performance may result in a greater sense of control. I'm not saying you don't have ADHD though! I'm just saying that your response is not diagnostic. Since ADHD is a behavioural syndrome and not a specific disease, it can only be diagnosed based on symptoms/behaviours- the diagnosis is essentially a judgement call.
You are lucky to be able to try Adderall. I would like to try an amphetamine. Sadly, since I live in England, I will not get the opportunity. Adult ADD does not exist in England!
Best Regards,
Ed.PS. It is lovely to 'hear' you sounding so happy :-)
Ed.
Posted by banga on February 4, 2005, at 12:36:00
In reply to Re: Adderall and ADHD vs nonADHD » banga, posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:15:12
Thanks Ed! Thanks, that helps. I figured it can't be that easy to verify the dx. I know my behaviors match ADHD (inattentive), but of course there is such symptom overlap with major depression.
In the US you can get full, well validated adult ADHD assessments using all kinds of cognitive testing, but a) it may not be valid for me? since I am familiar with so many cognitive tests; but I assume they have some unique ones.... And b) you of course have to be off meds...I can get off Adderall quickly, but I am on desipramine which could also affect results.
This article I swear is written about me and my life, all the way from the usual forgetfulness, late papers, etc. , to the anxiety (caused by the discrepancy between my values and goals and my behaviors and accomplishments), depression, losing friends, and the substance abuse.
http://www.mindspace.bravepages.com/misdiagnosis.htmIt explains everything to a t. I never before considered ADHD for me, thought it was a "me too" phenomenon (not that I don't believe in adult ADHD), but many clues have piled up, it runs in my family (4 relatives), and two clinicians independently suggested it.
I am so sorry that it is so difficult to get proper care over there! It must be frustrating/at times devastating.....
Posted by Bill LL on February 4, 2005, at 12:55:40
In reply to Adderall and ADHD vs nonADHD, posted by banga on February 4, 2005, at 6:54:37
I think that if Adderal helps you a lot in any way, it doesn't matter what the "diagnosis" is. The only one it may matter to is the insurance company. So make sure your doc diagnoses you in a way that the insurance company will cover it.
Posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:55:42
In reply to Re: Adderall and ADHD vs nonADHD, posted by banga on February 4, 2005, at 12:36:00
Hi!
Thanks for the link!
>it may not be valid for me.....
Why do you want to have an ADHD test? How would it help you? You already know that you benefit from Adderall. Treatment is much more important than diagnosis!
Do you think that you're at risk of abusing the Adderall?
Regards,
Ed.
Posted by banga on February 4, 2005, at 13:25:18
In reply to Re: Adderall and ADHD vs nonADHD » banga, posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:55:42
I at least from this first experience don't feel the slightest inclination to abuse he Adderall. I luckily am just now one year sober and feel very solid (of course always looking over my shoulder to mae sure the old habit isn't stalking me). It's interesting you should ask why I need formal testing, diagnosis.
My history is so crazed, I could label myself with at LEAST 5 diagnoses concurrently...if someone independently confirmed this diagnosis. I would feel validated and maybe would be less inclined to be so mean to myself in my head. And yes a neurotic need to show family members "see THIS is why I was like that." --and have a pdoc's signature to prove it, as my word alone means nothing. To others and to me. Depression alone, or even in combo with alcoholism, still doesn't come close to explaining the craziness in my life. A lot of damaged relationships in these last years.
I dont want to be labeled as "cheating" by taking a stimulant.
And a final thought --it would be nice to have a silver lining to these past five years of total hell and breakdown, that at least as a result I was forced to take the time and find out what REALLY was wrong, "correct it and live happily ever after." HOw's that for a polyanna dream?But you of course are right, I need to simply accept that--something is working, depression and anxiety are lifting, that is what counts.
LOL think of all the posts I wrote to others to not stress about precise diagnoses and look at me! LOL! Thanks for the moment of insight!
Posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 13:31:39
In reply to Re: Adderall and ADHD vs nonADHD, posted by banga on February 4, 2005, at 13:25:18
Hi!
>I at least from this first experience don't feel the slightest inclination to abuse the Adderall.
Good :-)
>And yes a neurotic need to show family members "see THIS is why I was like that."
Can't you just pretend that you've been diagnosed even if you haven't?
>I dont want to be labeled as "cheating" by taking a stimulant.
Who has to know that you're taking Adderall?! Anyway, you're not cheating!
Ed.
Posted by banga on February 4, 2005, at 13:47:29
In reply to Re: Adderall and ADHD vs nonADHD, posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 13:31:39
> >And yes a neurotic need to show family members "see THIS is why I was like that."
>
> Can't you just pretend that you've been diagnosed even if you haven't?
>
LOL, I suppose so....actually what I do have going through are those other diagnosed relatives...then maybe my brother and sister-in-law (the objects of my neurosis) would see it as valid. Experts told them that my depression was a sign of extreme denial that I have alcoholism, nd that they have to break the denial. Well they broke ME instead.
I just feel they deserve the truth. I DID put them through hell.
Anyways thanks for the support, I hope someday I can return the favor. Need to go back to my dissertation writing.Adderall 25mg
desipramine 75mg
Abilify 2.5mg
Lamictal 200mgand feeling pretty good!
This is the end of the thread.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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