I, too, have ADD and Fibro. And yes, you can put a link to your site on this forum. See your profile and update it. Becky

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Becky, are you on the meds for the ADD? Has it seemed to help any of the symptoms of the FM?

I'm curious, because I'm wondering if I have FM, although I won't be diagnosed even if I am, because I cannot afford medical care right now. I will probably be starting meds for my ADD soon, and hoping it will help with these other symptoms I have been having. I appreciate your reply.

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Hello, I also have ADD and FM. This is what I have found to be the case with the meds. When I take ADD meds, my mind is more focused and my mood is elevated. I get more done and I feel better about it. Otherwise I am walking around in circles wondering what to do first, and then nothing gets done!!

I have less pain, when my stress level is low. My hubby is a type A and he doesn't understand the brain fog thing with FM. The meds help the fog go away!

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Thanks for the responses.

I am currently taking Strattera, which I understand is not a stimulant. I hope that most of my aches and pains are merely from being stressed out from the ADD symptoms, which should mean that if the Strattera reduces the ADD symptoms, it will also help me to relax a bit more. I had been on 40 mg, but that did not seem to make a difference, so my dose was raised to 80 mgs, yesterday. Hoping and to see what happens.

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I just have found this site and am so relieved and happy to see posts from other adults with ADD.

I have ADD and Fibro. I never knew that there could possibly be a connection between the two and am anxious to find out more.

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I think that ADHD and fibromyalgia must have a correlation. I had chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed 8 years ago, and I swear it was because of my undiagnosed ADHD - I didn't - or couldn't - stop or slow down.

I was working a very stressful day job, teaching piano lessons, and also trying to put together a musical duo, and one day I just couldn't get off the couch! I am still not 100% "right" but now that I have been diagnosed - in March of this year - and am on Ritalin it has helped me so much.

I now have a much better gauge on my energy, and have actually stepped down from doing things that I used to do all the time. Unfortunately I have lost some friends in the process - I just don't have all this energy to stay in touch..but I had a lot of acquaintances--my close friends didn't end up being that "close" - or I realized I didn't feel that close to them. I'm starting to ramble so I will sign off now!

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Hi, I too have both and by sheer luck happened upon a doctor husband and wife team in Munich, Germany who also noticed that many of their patients had both. They too noticed that stimulant medication seemed to alleviate symptoms for both. Am not positive, but I think he did some research on this aspect. It would be fascinating to know what it is that connects the two, or just a mere coincidence?

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Just signed up after reading possible link of fibromalgia and add/adhd. I was diagnosed with fibro in 1998 and after research, realized I had symptoms about all my life. Thinking about add, I have always had trouble with my attention span. I will discuss this with my Dr. on next visit.

I have a grandson who I know has add/adhd, he has all symptoms but his mother keeps putting off talking to the Dr. about him. Also, I have 4 daughters, 3 have been diagnosed with fibro and I know the 4th has it also.

Proof that it does run in families and hope someday they will find cause and be able to treat it or cure it. So glad to have found this site and look forward to learn from others and maybe be of help if at all possible. To all, have a great day. Judith

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I recently found this wonderful magazine in the doctor's office. This is my first post.

I also have ADD and Fibro. I think there is a connection.

I'm 50 years old.

In the past few years, I've just had a real hard time coping. It's been my chronic pain. In addition to fibro, I've got degenerative disc disease and chronic sciatica. I had back surgery in 2002.

It just makes trying to do anything impossible. Everything is such a struggle now. Like, I can't cook anything because I can't stand long enough.

Then, I try to go grocery shopping. I finally get to the store at 10pm. I can barely do the shopping. I get home at 12:30. Fortunately one of my kids was up and was able to put the groceries away for me.

After I go grocery shopping, I can't even put the groceries away.

I'm constantly running out of things, like food.

It didn't used to be this way.

It used to be that my main problem was my messy house.

Hah, I didn't know it could get worse.

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I am new as well. I have been on ADD meds for about 10 years. I was diagnosed with fm about 3 years ago. I personally feel that the only difference I can see with my fm when I'm on my add meds is that I focus on what needs focusing when on my meds, and the fm is filed with the rest of the activities of the day in order of priority instead of 1st. Unfortunately some days fm is less tolerable and a higher priority.

This August I saw a new natural doctor and was taken off ALL man-made or processed foods (high fructose,refined sugar,white flour & rice,artificial color & flavor,meat & dairy without hormones/antibiotics etc). Only whole foods, no artificial ingredients or chemicals. It is not the easiest or cheapest way to do things, but I went from barely being able to put a frozen lazagne in the oven once a week, and opting out on most family activities, to making many meals from scratch, and going to football games, and participating more with my children.

It has helped both my add and my fm incredibly. I still have a long way to go but I have lost 20 of the 40 fm pounds that I unnaturally gained in the 6 months prior, my energy has rocketed, my mind is clearer ( I still have add, it is just not debilitating now), I have more patience with my family, my pain is more evened out, and I found my smile again. Hope this can help someone.

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Hi. I have CFS and ADHD. I take short acting Methylphenidate, and it helps a lot. I don't know anything about a link between CFS, FM, and ADHD, but I do know that "fibro fog" is a part of the CFS/FM symptom complex. My ADHD symptoms have been present since early elementary school; the chronic fatigue symptoms started at puberty. I lived with it for years, undiagnosed, and then became incapacitated as as an adult, following a traumatic life event. I'm much better now, but these disorders are so very hard to live with. I see a rheumatologist who specializes in CFS and FM. He is very understanding. The only advice I can give you is to be kind to your body, and know your limitations. Have Peapod deliver your groceries when you're too sick to do it yourself, or ask a friend to help you out during these times. Also, I have learned to shop more frequently, so I don't have so many bags to carry at once. Best wishes to you.

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I was diagnosed around 15 years ago with ADD when I was taking my young son in for problems with school. I tried a short term on Ritalin but found it made me agitated so I kind of did not do anything about the ADD after that. Over the years I have been struggling to find out why I am in so much pain most of the time. My Dr. has only said it is Fibro-like. My problem associated with the ADD have always been an issue but I have as many do put my issues aside. From what I have read though I am text book in my symptoms. I have just found this site as well talking about the link between the two and it is funny because the only thing that has worked on my pain is a small dose of Amitriptyline which is as I have read, in the same family of non stimulant meds given for ADD. Anyways, I have just started to look into treating the ADD and seeing if this will relieve my Fibro like pain. I am very excited about this discovery. Just wondering about anyone with experience with non-stimulant meds for ADD? Im not sure what they will try first and if the ritalin meds have changed any since I did my short trial on them back 15 years ago. Thanks for reading and I hope you are all having a wonderful day!!

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I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia long before I was diagnosed with ADHD. And I have all the classic symptoms of the condition. I have no doubt that the diagnosis is correct. However, there was never a time that we could get the flare ups to to give. It seemed I was in a constant flare up. I tried losing weight, exercise (which did help some), we up'd my antidepressant, and so forth. I was still in constant pain. I was talking with my doctor about the stress I constantly felt and how everything was just so completely out of control in my life. She asked me a few questions, then asked me if I ever thought that I might have ADHD. I told her that the thought had crossed my mind, but I didn't know for sure. So, she gave me an inventory for ADHD. Needless to say, I glaringly showed ADHD on the one inventory. I have had two other doctors confirm both diagnoses. So now, I am taking Vyvanse for the ADHD which helps me focus so much more and keeps the impulsivity in better control. I see a therapist to help me learn better behavioral patterns and I still exercise. Exercise is a key for Fibromyalgia, but is a certain type of exercise. I can talk to you about that later. Once we were able to get the stress/anxiety level under control from the ADHD, my flare ups are fewer and farther between. They also aren't as severe and don't last as long. I truly attribute most of it to the finding of the ADHD and the treatment for it. It makes sense if you think about it. Fibromyalgia flare ups can be caused by over stress or anxiety. What does ADHD cause for adults? Most adults with ADHD have difficulty with depression and anxiety. I am being helped with the overall picture now and am doing much better. I hope this helps you in some way. Thanks for letting me share.

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I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 1995 and Fibromyalgia in 2005. My son was diagnosed with ADHD in August 2009 (at the age of 7). He has the fidgety/inattenive type. I didn't think much about it coming from me. Then, I started seeing a neurologist and after to talking him for a few minutes he asked me about ADHD and brought me a questionnaire and sure enough I met the criteria. Now, I am starting to think all my issues are inter-related. I also have depression and severe anxiety. I am a teacher who has done research on ADHD, but never saw it in myself or my son until recently...I guess I didn't want to see it.

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Hello' I am always confused about Fibromyalgia,but after read this i will solve all my confusion. Thanks for sharing this informative information. I have got lot of information. Please keep sharing more and more information.

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keep on keepin on said: I am new as well. I have been on ADD meds for about 10 years. I was diagnosed with fm about 3 years ago. I personally feel that the only difference I can see with my fm when I'm on my add meds is that I focus on what needs focusing when on my meds, and the fm is filed with the rest of the activities of the day in order of priority instead of 1st. Unfortunately some days fm is less tolerable and a higher priority.

This August I saw a new natural doctor and was taken off ALL man-made or processed foods (high fructose,refined sugar,white flour & rice,artificial color & flavor,meat & dairy without hormones/antibiotics etc). Only whole foods, no artificial ingredients or chemicals. It is not the easiest or cheapest way to do things, but I went from barely being able to put a frozen lazagne in the oven once a week, and opting out on most family activities, to making many meals from scratch, and going to football games, and participating more with my children.

It has helped both my add and my fm incredibly. I still have a long way to go but I have lost 20 of the 40 fm pounds that I unnaturally gained in the 6 months prior, my energy has rocketed, my mind is clearer ( I still have add, it is just not debilitating now), I have more patience with my family, my pain is more evened out, and I found my smile again. Hope this can help someone.

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I can personally confirm it. I now know more about myself than any doctor does. I was diagnosed with lupus at 15 years old, but I think it was incorrect diagnosis. I think I have fibro. I can tolerate sun and I've never had a lupus rash. Fast forward, I'm now 50 years old, and was recently diagnosed with ADHD and started stimulant medication. I am completely cured of muscle and joint aches and pains (unless it's due my straining, like a normal person) and fatigue. I'm sure the doctors will agree someday. I think this is a new correlation because the patients have made the connection. Now let them spend 10 years working to validate it! I've never felt better. I'm relieved to see others have made the connection, and I'm not crazy!

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Hey all. I have been diagnosed with both ADHD (combined type) and Fibromyalgia as well. I got my Fibro Dx about 6-7 years ago (not sure how long, blame the ADHD/Fibro!). I got my ADHD Dx November of 2010. I definitely believe I have always had ADHD, especially when I look back at my childhood (heck, i was a freaking poster-child!) While I can't say how long I have 'had' Fibro, I know I have had symptoms for 15+ years.

My mother has also been diagnosed with Firbo, and I strongly suspect she has ADHD as well.

Through my own personal experience and my own research, I am inclined to believe that there is a connection. The areas of function that are affected, and the ways in which they are affected are quite similar. I have a feeling it wil be a long time before we are able to see extensive research in this area, or any definite proof of a link between the two diagnoses. Not knowing exactly what causes each, makes it impossible to show a difinitive link as of yet.

*Edited to Add* Another reason I think they are linked is that once I started my ADHD meds, it helped my Fibro symptoms. And if I have issues with either the ADHD or the Fibro, it aggravates and worsens the other. Bad Fibro days and bad ADHD days go hand in hand.

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