what is a good option?

[Maggie3377]

I am a 23 year old college student who fairly close to graduating.  I am graduating with a double degree in Biology and Chemistry and I have never, ever had problems paying attention in class, with depression, oversleeping, or any of the symptoms that many describe with ADD or depression.  I'm not looking for a weight loss-quick fix drug either (weight-115).  But, the last few months have been horrible.  I am suddenly having suuuuch a hard time paying attention (when I actually get up and go) in class!  I have been finding it unbelievably hard to accomplish a few small tasks in one day (which frustrates me beyond belief but I don't have the motivation to correct it) and if you let me stay asleep, I'd sleep for 15 hours if could!  I have also noticed that I have been getting mood swings with crying episodes...and then i'm fine! This is so far out of my character.  The doctor changed my birth control pills a few months ago and it helped certain things but the others continue to get worse. Is Adderall something I should ask my doctor about or would it not be a drug for me? I am going to the doctor this week and I didn't know if anyone has been in my shoes and had any suggestions?

Thanks:)

Maggie

[Jikan]

Namaste,

Obviously on a forum such as this, you can't get a specific diagnoisis or recommendations on medications without keeping in mind where the information originated.

Saying that, it appears to me that you are suffering from depression rather that ADHD, or a form therof.

Obviously you're an intelligent woman and I can understand you concern over the symptoms you're describing.

When you see your doctor this week, make sure that you are completely honest with him/her concerning all of the symptoms that you are having so that he/she can make an intelligent decision as tto what might be the cause. If he doesn't think the issue is physiological he/she may make a refferal to a psychiatrist for further evaluation.

Don't resist the cumbersome process and understand that yur symptoms won't disappear in a day or two. Unfortunately, it takes time and oftentimes trial and error to find the proper resolution.

But keep faith. I'm sure you'll be back to your old self very soon.

Good luck!

Michael(Jikan)

[Nasal_Problems]

I don't want to pry, but are you scared to graduate? I know I was. Maybe that has something to do with this?

Sorry I can't be of much help. But, I think this question is important.

[lynn57]

ADHD does not just appear that quickly.  You would have had symptoms from childhood and probably would not have gotten this far in school without meds.  Sound more like anxiety or depression to me.  Sometimes graduating and going to look for that first job in your field is extremely scary.  Both of my children had those worries.  What if all this was for nothing and I can't find a good job? There are many worries and depressing things surrounding graduations.  It's probably temporary but it wouldn't hurt to see a doctor.

[JSGeare]

I kind of lean Nasal's way, here. You're a double major in some hot fields, so the obvious question is, "what's next?" Is there a parent with high expectations about your career? A boyfriend who might get nervous about what you choose to do next, or something about the school that you will terribly miss when you stumble up the steps to get your sheepskins.

I'm not trying to tease you here, but given your self-described even-keeled history and the evident lack of any traumatic influence (including wacky drugs, etc.) it would make sense to scan the mental horizon for something else. If you have been a dedictated, hard-working student, you may well have put the post-graduation questions and issues on the sidelines, psychologically speaking, while you've focused on the immediate target goal. That's some pretty disciplined thinking on your part, but at some point, the "what now" question moves to the forefront.

This is not to rule out some kind of medication to deal with the obstacles you face, but as you probably know, the medication will not resolve the foundational issues. So -think about what I've asked and see if anything rings any bells for you.

Nice work, by the way. Stop by and we'll toast you.

[peggy64]

ask them to check your thyroid. That can get out of whack on the turn of a dime, and the symptoms are similar.