Um, Hmm. Disassociation Or Add?

[kal]

Has anyone had any experience with disassociation and ADD? Maybe the combination of the two, or how might one distinguish between them? I could frequently disassociate, even out of my body at times, when I was younger...I thought I was either crazy or slightly psychic, something off.. But I had no idea that's what was happening.

Hi and welcome to the forums. I personally believe that ADD is disassociation, just given a different label.

Earlier this year I was sent by my university to get checked for learning disabilities by the counselor because I was interested in getting extra time on my tests. The diagnosis was very interesting. The neuro-psychologist who analayzed my case said I have HSP (high sensetivity disorder) and extreme ADHD which he believes is caused by on of two things: chemical imbalance or as a result of past trauma.

He also said that "What goes on inside my brain is not synchronized with the outside world" and that he suspects I suffer from anxiety and possibly have OCD too. He said he needs further investigation to determine it further, but gave me a recommendation for extra time in my tests and I never returned for further investigation because he's really expensive. How he got to all those conclusions I don't know because all I did was computer tests and filled out some forms.

 

[dbacs]

I forgot to post here since my last reply. I did post in a different thread about this though.

I have been prescribed Adderall. So far its been a huge difference. I feel a little more at ease. I don't stray off topic as much, or withdraw from conversation to the same extent either. Have a little more confidence as well.

The weird thing is that the Adderall is actually helping some of my physical health problems too. Pretty strange.

 

[Innordinate]

I 'zone' a lot. Some of it, later I realize is dissociation, most of it I believe is my ADHD. I get distracted fast. I used to write books in my classes. Though I still absorbed everything that was said. I doodle constantly, but absorb things better that way.

The distinction is, when I dissociate I forget time. I'll lose days mostly. And forget conversations. When I'm just 'zoning' I'll still recall conversations if someone else mentions one thing from them.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I disagree that a diagnosis isn't important. I was misdiagnosed for over 15 years. Knowing what I'm dealing with determines how to treat my disorder.

It's like saying a cancer diagnosis isn't important. Well, without a diagnosis, there is no way to battle the cancer properly and the end result is ultimately death. In much the same way your quality of life will suffer if your PTSD and/or ADD isn't treated properly.

Typically PTSD medications are different than ADD medications. I do not have ADD yet was prescribed ADD meds at one point (long story). What happens when you put an over stimulated person on stimulants? It's really not pretty!

 

[Ametrine]

Hi, What actually brought me to seek therapy was that my ADHD symptoms had reached such an intensity that I could not sleep, sit still, or stop my mind from racing. It was actually quite manic-like. It wasnt though.

I was actually shocked when in addition to a diagnosis of ADHD, I was also diagnosed with PTSD. It had never occurred to me.

I spent a year on generic Ritalin and it did help me feel more focused but because I was in an abusive relationship, I lacked insight. That T didn't really help me because she was too involved with her pregnancy and seemed to judge me. When she went on maternity leave, I was assigned to a wonderful T who helped me immensely.

I spent two years working on past trauma and coping skills. Along the way, I realized that I didnt need the ADHD meds. This led me to believe that I only really had PTSD with symptoms that manifested like ADHD.

I guess I had worked through enough denial and coping mechanisms to realize that my ADHD symptoms no longer served any purpose in "protecting" me.

Just wanted to share my experience. :)

 

[dbacs]

I found this article a little while after starting my new adderall script... PTSD or ADD? ...

http://www.nicabm.com/nicabmblog/ptsd-adhd-misdiagnosing/

 

[Ametrine]

Thanks for sharing that article. :)

 

[dbacs]

Sure no problem. I found the article really interesting.

 

[Ametrine]

It was nice to see an article that validated the assessment I've made regarding my personal experience.

 

[kal]

Great article, thanks! I agree with everything on it.

While ADHD meds help me a lot, I will look into other treatments.

 

[Inspired 2 B Free]

I agree with Scared of Lonely that proper diagnosis is very important. Treating ADD and treating Dissociation are very different.

Unfortunately it is true people are misdiagnosed all the time because symptoms look so similar. (Bipolar, ADD, ADHD, DID, etc)

My dissociation has been helped immensely because of trauma therapy. If you have trauma, it must be treated -otherwise it will haunt you and you will be acting out eternally. (one way of acting out is 'spacing out' or dissociating)

It is a good idea to find a therapist who is specifically trained in trauma because some therapists are clueless about it.

 

[littlestar]

Hi, I am new to the support forum world. This would be my first posting.

I can defiantly relate to the dissociation and the add stuff. Long story short to start. My sister has adhd. I have not been diagnosed, but I believe I have the inattentive form of add. I have always been spacey, and super imaginative and daydreamy. It got to the point also that I was checking out big time, losing track of time, unable to remove myself from compromising situations.

About two years ago I started a new and difficult social work job and started to experience flashbacks to trauma that happened when I was younger that I initially did not remember, some stuff I did remember, and my whole world blew open from that point. I have been in counselling for trauma and at this point I have put together that my inattentive add along with some hormonal issues due to endometriosis, and on top of that a diagnosis of PTSD, the struggle to stay present and deal with everyday realities is difficult.

I also have a hard time talking about what is going on with me on a daily basis due to being trapped in my head, or the dissociative episodes, also I frequently feel as if I am not able to function normally and will beat myself up over not being able to function in the "normal world". I am very creative, smart, sensitive and kind, so I know I have a lot to offer, I also have a spiritual life and so sweat lodges frequently. I can relate to feeling out of my body, and when the PTSD comes roaring back in is when I have the most trouble with anxiety, fear, worry and than I really check out.

Anyways, I live in a very small town now with very few options for connecting with women so I am trying something new with this forum. It has been so helpful to hear that other women struggle. At some point I will post some of the tools I have found for keeping me "here". A few to start with are talking frequently, keeping myself safe, therapy, music, medical marijuana, (since I am also not big on meds)taking walks or hunting for cool rocks, writing writing writing, and kitties. Thanks!