35 and ADD

[AddicynsMom]

Well, where to start. In high school I had a lot of issues and went to a psychiatrist. He diagnosed me with Manic Depression and put me on several different medications. Seriously, I was a teenager and that in itself should be considered a disorder. I tend to have a hard time getting motivated and an even harder time organizing myself and my thoughts. Some may see me as lazy, but it's not that I don't want to do what I need to do, just sometimes the fact that I don't know wheee to start overwhelms me to the point that I cannot function. Later, after high school I went to another psychiatrist who diagnosed me with ADD and put me on different drugs such as concerta, basically ritlan. It worked really well, but I think it was concerta that was too strong and all forms of ritlan gave me insomnia issues, but still, that was the best I have ever felt in my life, or should I say the most normal I have ever felt.

Since I have been living in Las Vegas, which has been 13 years, thee has been one reason or another that I have not been able to seek treatment: no insurance, not enough money, etc. And now that I am able to seek treatment I am having a hard time finding a good psychiatrist. They are all the same and want to put me on anti depressants which do not work. Ephedra helps but causes heart issues excetra and I don't want to do something unhealthy.

I understand that some people misuse ritlan, so I can understand their hesitation in prescribing it and I am willing to try other things but not anti depressants. I just want to be able to function. Any advice? Doctor referrals? Home remedies/coping mechanisms?

[kirk8]

You sound like me. I was getting addarall for years and never had to see anyone.  I just called when I needed more.  Then I moved and went to a Doc that insisted on seeing me every month.  So, I went to a new Dr.  Just try a new Dr.  

[Sandman2]

     You need to try and get your old records from the psyc that placed you on the stimulant meds and have them sent to any doctors you are now seeing.   The fact that these meds helped you says a lot.   Try and find a psyc that says they specialize in ADD.
    I just saw a study that said that it looks like taking Omega 3 does slightly help.  First study I have ever seen to say that.  If you have Costco out there - they have a Wild Salmon pill that is loaded with Omega 3's.  Its the best kind and certainly wont hurt to try it.
   Finally,  two sites aimed at the adult ADD sufferer that you might want to check out are totallyadd.com and http://jeffsaddmind.com/for-first-time-visitors.
               Both sites are done by people with ADD.  totallyadd was actually a PBS special and consequently is a series of short videos.  Quite entertaining and useful.   Jeffs add mind really reflects him.  Has much more adult interaction.  Both are worth checking out and you will find lots of coping ideas as well as a bunch of people with similar problems.
Please post if you have any more questions.  Best wishes!!!!