Poll Does Anyone Have ADHD in Addition to PTSD?

[UndeadKennedy]

I have been diagnosed with ADD, after reading the study in the link I'm posting I'm not so sure that's actually the case though. http://www.childtrauma.org/ctamaterials/ptsd_child.asp

It's a study on the neurobiological effects of childhood trauma. The study shows that poorly regulated brainstem catecholamine systems, due to chronic stress, lead to significant cardiovascular lability in the children that they had studied with PTSD. Their heart rates were high above average. After being put on Clonodine, an anti-hypertension drug; it showed that the largest degree of improvement was in the areas of behavioral impulsivity, anxiety, arousal, concentration and mood, along with significantly improved the signs and symptoms of childhood PTSD. The summed effect is to help poorly regulated brainstem catecholamine systems work in a more organized, efficient fashion, thereby decreasing symptoms related to dysregulation of the brainstem. In limited open trials, Clonidine has been found to be effective in adult PTSD. My heart rate has always been very high and the stimulants I've been taking since my recent diagnosis of ADD only help with focus, and they're beginning to lose that effect. I'm wondering if it's actually ADD or ADHD that some of us have?

 

[trapped]

I've had severe ADHD since I was a kid... been on and off a variety of medications for it. I'm currently on Concerta, it helps but only lasts 9-10 hours, and everyone around me definitely sees the difference once it wears off. I have to get tested every 3 years to keep my accomodations at school, it's a royal PITA.

 

[Blues in NYC]

I'm a no. But ever since things got bad, I do compulsively wander off tasks and focus intently on other tasks that sometimes are inappropriate in terms of timing: like starting to do dishes and needing to finish them when it's time to sit down to eat or wanting/needing to get the vacuum out and start hoovering the apartment at a late hour. There are many other examples and it sometimes annoys my wife, but she laughs and reminds me of what I'm doing and what I was just doing a moment before these days. Helps get me back on track. *shrug*

 

[skye]

I have PTSD as well as ADHD and other diagnosis's. I am on a generic form of Adderall for the ADHD and have wondered if the medication could possible make my PTSD symtoms worse. I am wondering if anyone else seems to think that this is a possibility.

-Skye

 

[ok4a56]

I've done two online tests and both came out as 'moderate' ADHD.

I have no dx of ADHD, but as above taken 2 only tests and both moderate ADHD.

 

[agl0622]

It's not a miracle... But it sure feels like one

I can promise you that there is a correlation between PTSD and ADHD. Even though both present with many of the same symptoms, treating only the PTSD without taking into account the possibility of ADHD can be VERY dangerous.

When I was initially diagnosed with PTSD after my second tour in Iraq, that was the only condition that was treated and ALL of the anti-anxiety medications prescribed to me worsened my symptoms. Although I was never a wonderful student, I have never done bad in school. On the medications prescribed by my doctor, I actually ended up failing an entire semesters worth of classes and withdrawing completely from family and friends.

When my problem with self medication led me to take one of my friends ADHD pills, I noticed an immediate and profound effect. Suddenly the world became a better place to be. Almost all anxiety and paranoia disappeared, and I was suddenly able to focus again. After informing my doctor I was tested, diagnosed and treated for ADHD as well as the PTSD.
Although it is a little early to tell as I have only been following the treatment plan for two weeks, they have been the best two weeks in recent memory and it has more than likely saved my marriage.

As an ending note I encourage all out there to consider it as a possibility and talk with your doctor if you believe it may be affecting you.

 

[trapped]

have wondered if the medication could possible make my PTSD symtoms worse. I am wondering if anyone else seems to think that this is a possibility.

I have often wondered that myself, and I think it honestly depends on the individual. I think perhaps some ADHD meds could increase anxiety or cause difficulties with sleep, which would certainly make those aspects of the PTSD symptoms worse. I have tried to test it out for me personally and have tried to stop taking my Concerta to see if it helped me feel better, but that only made me worse. I have a hard enough time functioning on the Concerta and trying to cope with the PTSD. Off the Concerta, I don't function well at all because my ADHD symptoms get too severe (and I end up doing really stupid stuff- like trying to hang glide off my friend's balcony at 5am because I was awake and hadn't taken my meds yet, and it seemed like a good, fun idea at the time- I obviously have the combined type with the impulsivity lol).

Because there are so many different aspects of ADD/ADHD and because everyone is unique, and each individual could have a slightly different presentation, I think it really depends on the individual and the medication they are on and their symptoms as to whether or not the ADD/ADHD medication makes their PTSD symptoms better or worse.

 

[Die Hard The Hunter]

Wouldn't PTSD potentially cause the symptoms of ADHD? ADHD symptoms can be numerous other psychological conditions.

 

[Petchen]

Regarding ADHD meds making things worse?

I was taking ADHD meds for years before I had a series of traumatic events that exacerbated latent complex PTSD. If you have true ADHD you should be able to fall asleep on the meds. Or other stimulants. I have countless times. Started sleeping better as soon as I started them. Was able to go to bed sooner.

I can fall alseep with out much problems it's the waking in the middle of the night, nightmares, no REM=PTSD.

If adderall or mixed salts make you jittery then try a strattera like substitute that has no amphs.

PTSD mimics ADHD in that the addrenlin push causes all kinds of trouble ie hypervigilance then low dopamine levels are usually the cause of distractibilty. So combine the two and you get uber distraction.

 

[absence]

I've always had ADHD symptoms but wasn't officially diagnosed until 2000. My son also has severe ADHD. Neither one of us can function well without our medication. I know I have significantly more anxiety without my Adderall.

My son doesn't have PTSD.

 

[AmberEyes]

Yes, ADHD all my life, only diagnosed about 7 years ago. Medication opened a new world for me and has helped me function better on many levels.

 

[Momma Kitty]

ADD not ADHD

At my age, I am more ADD, not H. As a child, my fear (PTSD) kept me from being hyper. When my child was diagnosed as ADHD, I became more aware of myself. Yahoo instant messaging showed me I have a 30 second attention span. ADHD is a form of over stimulation just as PTSD.