Does anyone have ADHD?

[lizmcc27]

I'm diagnosed with BPII and ADHD.  I had a really hard time accepting the ADHD, because I had so many misconceptions about it.  I am not hyperactive, in fact, my depression leaves me lethargic, but I do have racing thoughts all the time and the only thing that brings me out of the 'hurricane' is smoking pot.  That is the primary reason I sought help, because it was like having an 'awakening' after I smoked at night, then I'm able to reflect on how out of touch I was during the day.  My mind speeds up and I do impulsive things that I later regret, like spending money, texting an ex-boyfriend.  Later I think "where did that come from"... only to have it repeat nearly everyday.

Does anyone else have symptoms like this?  I am also dyslexic which my doc says comes with ADHD.  I can't tell my left from my right, I have a non-exhistant sense of direction, and I leave out the middle syllables when writing.  Despite these troubles I get straight A's in college.  I think when you have one diminished ability, others get stronger.  Still it *****, and I'm wondering if anyone else has co morbid adhd and bp and how you cope.

[dontpanic]

There are 2 types of ADHD- hyperactive and inattentive. Bipolar II is commonly misdiagnosed as ADHD because many of the symptoms are the same like loss of concentration, memory, racing thoughts, etc. The key to distinguishing between the two is that, to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must have been present in childhood. The ADHD-like symptoms of BPII begin at any time with the onset of the disorder.  

[SeriousSam]

Hmm.  You may want to read some of the thing written on using low levels of wellbutrin xl for the ADHD.  It helps with anxietey, depression and focus.  Downside is that no one knows how or why welbutrin works.

Regarding the dyslexia experiment with the different collors of clear plastic that you can use as a cover sheet?

What type of dyslexia do you have?  I can read really well but I mix some letters and numbers up when writing.  Otherwise it has the fun side affect that no matter which direction a document is facing it is all the same to  me.

[whirlygirl1717]

Hi , I am also bipolar 2 and ADHD. I was very suprisd to hear I was ADHD, because like you I did not consider myself hyper. Then I started to see that I was one of those people that moves their legs and hands constantly! I can never seem to finish any project that I start, but I always thought that was just my bipolar, but my shrink told me that they often go hand in hand...he prescribed me adderall  along with my bipolar meds and it seemed to even me out alot! But what you are describing as your impulsiveness and being out of touch seem more like mania episodes then ADHD, just my opinion of course, but you might want to talk to your dr. about it...good luck <3