Hey you out there. I'm from the Netherlands so things are probably different from you guys oversees.

I've been diagnosed 2nd times, after 2nd opinion, with ADHD-combined-type (ADHD and ADD). The first psychiatrist also diagnosed Avoidant Personality Disorder. The second one diagnosed Avoidant Personality symptoms but not disorder. Whatever they label me I really don't care. I want a cure! If the label me Santa Claus whatever!

It's a terribly slow process. After I ditched the first psychiatrist and therapist because the psychiatrist thought Ritalin doesn't work so I don't have ADHD. The therapist’s opinion was I probably didn't work trying to solve my problem. My feeling said they didn't target my problems (this is about 3.5 year ago).

Currently I tried again Ritalin, Dextro-amphetamine, Concerta and Strattera but it doesn't help me. Stimulants drive me crazy; get depressed, depersonalized even more, more isolation, tensed, hyperventilation and 'brain-dead'. Strattera worked well for about a month. I thought the world of it but even with increasing dosage it didn't help me anymore (about the same as stimulants); (physical)tension en worrying got back. I just stopped Strattera because my new psychiatrist thought if it's not beneficial stop. The former 1 said it helps me!! So I’m now again 1.5years passed by trying these drugs and still no breakthrough.

I also get CBT and working on my self-esteem and negative thoughts.
The thing that frustrates me and getting me really angry is they completely ignore my physical& mental stress, anxiety, negativity and energy levels. For years numerous of muscles and joints pains. I'm having constipations for years. I'm always stressed and in social settings anxious. I don' sleep very well. I'm fed up they ignore these symptoms! My initiative for physiotherapy and haptotherapy didn't help. They don't cure my problem.http://addforums.com/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif

Could stimulants don't work properly because of my co-existing condition? I'm thinking more in the direction of an Anxiety Disorder. How can I tell the difference between a personality and an anxiety disorder?

Currently I'm out of a job because of stacking up of all my problems. I can' handle all my stuff anymore myself.
My sister recently got burned-out. Her therapist says we probably both were traumatized by our past. My sister is getting anxiety treatment and hyperventilation treatment.

I’m thinking about medicine to suppress some anxiety so I can start acting again. Therapists opinion is CBT will be the way to go. How long should I have to live crippled? Time passes by and nothing really changes! I think they only follow there protocols/policy instead of my personal best interest.


I don’t think its normal I drink more beer because it chills me down and getting Oxazepam (or another *pam) of my neighbor so I'll sleep better.http://addforums.com/forums/images/smilies/faint.gif




What do you think?

I have learned and accepted this week that stimulants (including caffeine) put me to sleep. I had can have a 20oz coffee and 40 min later my body is hyper as hell, but my mind is shut down and I have to go to bed. This was teh same with Adderall. I took Adderall (time release) and within 30 min I had to go sleep. What is wrong with me that I can't have the reaction that is meant to be from stimulants?

Adidas, your reply is offtopic. You are highjacking my topic. Would you be so kind to start your own.

Avoidance symptoms (and panic and anxiety disorders) usually come from fear conditioning.

Jambek: I think Adidas probably just posted his reply in the wrong Thread. It happens.

Stimulants are known to make primary anxiety disorders WORSE.

Why? Anxious people can't handle the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) stimulation that they can cause.

Anxiety can cause inattention and problem solving problems (like ADD). And ofcourse ADD and Anxiety disorders (like avoidance behaviours) often seem to co-occur.

There are some milder stimulants such as dexedrine.

Dexedrine is an amphetamine isn't it? Even if it would be a benefit it's not available in the Netherlands. I tried dextro-amphetamine and it was driving me nuts.

My doctor gave me Oxazepam to be able to sleep. Since a month I sleep like ****. By the way sleeping has always been a problem. I feel more relaxed during the daytime and be able to focus for a longer period. I've got the feeling it's not better focus but be able to take the time to do a task.

My anxiety hasn’t been treated. Not with drugs and not with therapy. This could explain why I feel worse with primary ADD-meds.

How can I tell the difference between Anxiety and Personality Disorder? I want to be sure the therapist has diagnosed me correct.

Yes, Dexedrine is an amphetamine. Anxiety can make ADHD worse and the meds that treat ADHD can make the anxiety worse. It is a rock and a hard place. You should look into getting your anxiety treated but it is hard to. Here in the US, drugs that treat anxiety are highly abused and doctors won't prescribe them and if they do, it is short term. I have a PRN for Klonopin but doc won't prescibe it to me on a regular basis.