On ADHD adults

also there is an adult forum on ADDed Support on msn communities.

Hi,
this is my first time in this discussion. My former husband was misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed back in the 1950’s as having many problems, none of which
ADHD was brought out. He is now over 50 and has been told he is an adult with ADHD and is not being teated. He fits almost every description of a ADHD adult. My concern is we share a daughter now almost 17 that is taking on some of his ADHD characteristics but is certainly not ADHD. I am also trying to get my former husband (we are still friends since our divorce some 14 years ago) to get treatment. A psychiatrist has given him an antidepressant and he seems to be doing better (he was recently depressed about the loss of yet another job) but is this inadvertently treating ADHD?? How do you treat a 50+ year old man with ADHD?? I think he needs a full work up and other meds. Any ideas? He is also a recovering alcoholic and former drug user—big time and a type AA personality. His actions and thinking sometimes drives our daughter bananas and I am trying to help them form a healthy relationship which is hard since we separated when she was only 15 months. If he got treatment I think it would help their relationship imensely. Any thoughts??

All the “stuff” he has been into is tpyical of someone trying to get the brain working so he can cope with this life…What a joke I have been there..
There is help…out there I am not a doctor, just a recovery person who seeks truth for my family and myself…I pray people on this site can encouge and give you some wisdom.

Hello Linda,

I commend you for all your hard work. This is what I would reccomend since it has worked for me thus far … find a neuropsycholgist (a reference from your family doctor, and or your local CHADD coordinator) so that your ex-husband can get a thorough exam. I wouldn’t totally rule out ADHD for your daughter either since the disorder is genetically linked. I myself have ADHD, LD and suffer from depression due to both my ADHD and LD - my Dad is the genetic link in my family. Yes, antidepression helps the mind to focus a little bit but it won’t last forever since there are other neurotransmitters that are being affected in the brain as well. Counseling has been helpful as well.
No, I am not a Dr. but I have learned a lot since I have been through a lot living with the disorders I have mentioned previously.

Hope this helps,
Maria

just sharing this idea
I have read a portion of a book called Potatoes Not Prozac . It tells of the need for ADHD folks to be aware of various food intake and possible sensitivity to foods. This bk sells for $14.00 or possibly can get at a local library.

It helps explain depression and other neurotransmitters ups and downs …uses easy to read vocabulary. It stresses ways to improve and to cope thru diet and eating habits. Ideas have helped my low blood sugar problems.

There is a fairly new blood test “Cytotoxin” (rather than the allergy pin prick testing) that gives a better view of troubling foods/chemical substances that affect many people…esp with ADHD tendencies.

The book information or the blood test searching or food sensitivities may help you and your family members. Best wishes.

Sherry

i have a learning problem to where can i get help for it.

Read the book, “Driven to Distraction”, by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. and his second book, “Answers to Distraction.” Great books!
I was recently diagnosed with ADD and I am now taking medication for it. I also suffer from depression and I am on an antidepressant. My psychiatrist suggested that I read these books. I had a hard time understanding at first that I could have this. I am a teacher and I see my students who have ADHD and I couldn’t imagine that I would have it.
Well, guess what? I do. The medication worked, and it wouldn’t if I didn’t have it. My life is so different. No one knows about my ADD, except my doctors, my principal, and my husband. More than one person has told me how much more relaxed I have been. My husband notices how I am better able to deal with stressful situations. I am able to concentrate on my work and able to produce much more.
The medication is only part of it. I am also seeing a therapist who has been giving me some coping strategies. Her husband has ADD. Where I live there are ADD support groups that gives free seminars and workshops. I haven’t attended any yet, but I am anxious too.
The books I mentioned above are easy reads and help to explain everything. While reading the book I went through it and highlighted parts that applied to me and wrote notes in the margin of things that it reminded me of. Of course, not everything applied and all won’t, that’s what my doctor said. You should see how I have highlighted that book, though! Maybe you could encourage your ex-husband to just try out the book.
You will find information on addiction in there, which is also a product of ADHD. You might find it very interesting.
As far as the depression goes, this is also a by-product and there is often another condition that goes hand in hand with ADHD, like OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Which, by the way, runs in my family.
The book will explain everything, and in the back, it gives a list of tons of resources of where to get help. Also try the Internet. C.H.A.D.D. is a good site.
Hope this helps.

enjoyed reading your input…where can I buy the books? i am in australia.

Karen,

Just jumping in here, but I just ordered Driven to Distraction from Amazon.com online book store. I ordered a used copy for a much reduced cost. It just came and I am extremely pleased with it. Just thought maybe that would be a good idea for you. I cannot say enough for these books as well. Every person who thinks they may be ADD needs these books. They have been a God Send. I would also recommend another great book if you have children and if you want to increase some knowledge on how your brain works, the book is “Right Brained Children in a Left Brain World”, by Jeffrey Freed and Laurie Parsons. While it is directed at helping children, it also gives excellent information to adults in understanding about right brainers, some children, some adults, and great ways to play down the negative aspects and play up the positives. Also, I had a list of “To Read” books, and have found that Freed quotes often from many of these other books which has helped me tremendously. I hope some of these is of help to you.
Sincerely,
Deb

this is my first time here. can anyone tell me the difference of add and ld. i have a daughter who has add and i have self dinognesed myself as having it. i’m looking for a dr to go to, to get myself tested, but not sure which direction to go.

If you think you have a learning problem, don’t be scared, there is a lot of information out there to help you. I am pursuing my degree as a learning consultant. Whether you are in or out of school. You can go to a licensed Learning consultant, Psychologist, or neuro- psychologoist to get evaluated. Look them up and see if your insurance can help pay. If you are in school use the child study team and ask them to test you. Write me if you need to ! Good luck

what medications?

what medications?