So, so glad to hear you saw the doctor yesterday! That is such an important first step and, though it's super frustrating to hear that you've got to chase down more doctors and psychiatrists before sorting out everything, you should feel good about making progress.

'Comorbid' conditions like depression and bipolar disorder are really common in ADHD adults (and children). In fact, roughly half of all ADDers suffer from some other related condition as well. Often treating the anxiety, OCD, bipolar, etc. is the key to reigning in the ADD as well - you've gotta get all the puzzle pieces in place, not just a few...

Here is a really comprehensive article about the different kids of comorbid conditions: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/774.html

More about depression in ADD adults: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/748.html

And bipolar: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/2511.html

I hope these articles help prepare you for those upcoming Dr. appointments and that you're able to get on the medication you need! Good luck.

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agreen3angels,

In the long run, it is for your best to be evaluated for possible bipolar or cyclothymia. If you do have it, it needs to be treated first before you can start meds for the ADHD. And if you don't have it, at least you will know it has been evaluated and ruled out.

More often than not, ADHD is accompanied by another psychological disorder or learning disability. I have ADHD and GAD. My daughter has ADHD, GAD, depression and a mild form of BPD (not bipolar). My husband has ADHD, depression and a severe case of BPD. Thankfully, there are medications that we all can take to deal with each of the conditions. And we were fortunate to find a competent and knowledgeable doctor.

Getting the right diagnosis and treating everything that is wrong is very important. My sister has treatment resistant depression yet no one ever thought to look into the possibility of ADHD. I read that 55% of inidviduals with treatment resistant depression have undiagnosed ADHD as well. My sister and I realized that she had the same type of ADHD that I have, so she talked to her doctor about it and she will be trying medication once she returns from her vacation. She will be going to Italy with our mother so the doctor didn't want to give her any new medication when she was going to be out of the country. She is frustrated too that she has to wait, but she knows it is for the best.

I hope you are able to get a fairly quick evaluation. Good luck!

Elaine

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